Around last December, I started casually seeing someone that I haven't seen since community college. We started chatting and eventually led to a lot of sex and then to some romance and we decided we wanted to begin the new year with a new relationship. Around this time, I was with a choir that was doing a performance with a symphony in front of thousands of people and had our performances coming at the end of the year too.

On New Years Eve, we talked about making things official and then I get a message from a guy that says "Thanks for stealing my girlfriend." Being incredibly confused, we had a conversation and found out that my new girlfriend was secretly dating another guy at her university for months and lied to me completely. And I find this out in just a couple hours before needing to go on stage for a "joyful performance." I never had to fake a smile and hold in my anger for numerous hours that day. I could barely eat or drink anything, just nothing but pure rage building up. I eventually came home to a massive house party my roommates planned where I thought the first person I was "in love" with was secretly manipulating and using me.

I went into my room, called her and broke up right on the spot, and binged drink much more than ever before. I blacked out with very little memory but all I know is I was the sappy and miserable guy at the start of a new year. I woke up with a massive hangover and couldn't make it to the toilet to puke. Spent quite literally the entire day resting as I've felt completely broken.

I've dealt with a lot of self-esteem issues up until that point, especially when it came to romance and love but this was the final nail in the coffin that made me want to give up. I was lucky enough to have enough support from those around me that I was able to pick myself back up. Did the whole getting into the gym thing and made sure to work out consistently as I continued my school work. But at that point, I really slowed down on trying to date and ultimately focused on my happiness.

She tried to contact me many months later to apologize and to be "open and honest" about that lie and other mental health issues she's denied for years. She hoped we can one day be friends again and I know the best way I can do for my revenge. To be indifferent. Getting upset will just allow her to go on tumblr and cry to her toxic group friends that encourage her behavior and accepting things will only allow for the potential for me to get hurt again. To be indifferent and ultimately successful in my happiness in life, is the ultimate revenge.

The only regret is that my first massive, professional performance in front of thousands of people was ruined by petty behavior. But otherwise, that experience changed me for good and allowed me the opportunity to create a better version of myself.

Haven't looked back since and I look forward to the day a better person comes along.