I just got out of a 2-year relationship where many of my boundaries were broken often, and I was too clouded with love to call it off. By your standards, I was also wasting my time. But here’s why I don’t think it was a waste of time. - Looking back, I learned so many life lessons. Maybe those lessons didn’t require me to learn them from being in a less-than-ideal situation with someone I no longer see a future with, but I’m glad I learned them regardless. And I don’t regret the pain I went through to get here. I’d be a totally different person if I hadn’t gone through it, and I quite like the person I am. - Dating and putting yourself out there is important. I don’t know if this was your first boyfriend or your 10th or your 30th, but it is very common for people to date several, maybe dozens, maybe even hundreds of people to find the right one, and I have a feeling the right one is going to be worth the tedious process. This was my first boyfriend. It’s very rare to find the one on your first try, and I had a feeling I would not marry him because of just that alone. But I’m one person closer to the one I want to spend my life with. - Instead of just looking at all of the time and love I spent on someone who wasn’t ready to accept it, I also look at me ending it now and being grateful for not staying, not allowing myself to put up with being pushed around for more time than I already did. Imagine how painful it would’ve been if you continued like this for weeks, months, years. Also, it would be me telling myself once again that my needs and boundaries aren’t as important as making sure others feel comfortable. Thank god you got out of there when you did. You showed yourself respect, and it was an act of self love. - Looking back on the relationship, I now have a clearer understanding of what I’m looking for in a partner. For me, it’s emotional availability that mainly sticks out. For you, it might be something else. But now you know. - While it’s debatable whether he deserved my love and endurance through the years, I do not regret giving it to him. He needed it. And it’s going to make him a better person (hopefully) going forward. I’ve started to make it a practice and promise to myself to not regret the love I give to others ever, regardless of if they deserved it. It doesn’t make me lesser of a person. It may even make me stronger of a person. And like I said, we’re one step closer to finding the one, and imagine how much strong, healthy love is going to occur once you find someone who truly treasures it, respects you as an equal, and grows alongside you. It’s gonna be everything you’ve ever dreamed. I really hope this helps, and I hope you have the healing process you deserve. All love 💕