When They Tried To Break Me

Sometimes the most painful messages come from people who were supposed to protect your peace, not destroy it.

This one came from my ex-husband’s best friend- someone who, funny enough, is actually my second cousin.

Two men who were always trying to one-up each other, compete, drink too much, and somehow make me the villain when I finally had enough.

For years, I carried the weight of being blamed for everything- the marriage falling apart, his unhappiness, even our kids emotions. But what people like that don’t realize is…when you spend years being silenced and disrespected, eventually you stop trying to prove your worth. You just walk away.

I used to beg for partnership- for someone who would take out the trash without being asked, play with our kids without a phone in hand, show up for the family without resentment. But instead, I got criticism, gossip, and emotional neglect disguised as strength.

That’s not love. That’s control.

So, when I read messages like this now, I don’t feel pain anymore. I feel peace. Because I’ve learned that people project what they refuse to heal in themselves.

And me?

I’m done living in their storm. I’ve built my own calm- my own light- and my own beautiful future.