In November 2018, while I was traveling to Singapore to visit family, I unexpectedly met someone who I thought was amazing. We talked, went out, and spent so much time together, I honestly thought I found my soulmate. So when he said he wanted to be together exclusive, I was over the moon.
There were so many red flags about him though that I noticed in the beginning (like how he didn’t keep his apartment keys and would just leave it hidden in one of his shoes in the shoe rack outside, how one of his flatmates asked me if I was the same girl who went there before, lies about things, how he would always be on his phone all the time and so quick to exit apps if I’m about to look at him, records and posts videos but pans it as if he is alone and will literally cut you off, etc). I discovered more later on but yes, I went blind for a brief moment because let me tell you, he will make you feel so good about yourself, he will act that he is there to support you, he will act sweet and for some reason you will feel wanted. He would go on your social media and like even the oldest post you have, engage on it everyday, sends you good morning, have a nice day and good night texts. He will tell you “You can stay, I want you stay” so you will feel desired and comforted. He will pick up a hobby just because you are interested in it, talks about something because he knows you like it. You would feel that he actually puts an effort and you will just ignore the initial red flags that you saw. Honestly, you look at him and you would think that he is such a sweet nice guy, almost looks innocent. Like who would have thought that this person is a pathological, manipulative, opportunist, narcissistic liar?
Unfortunately, these kinds of men lurk around and just bring toxicity to anyone’s life that they wanna ruin. When you haven’t done them any wrong, when you were honest and true, and actually let them in your life, this is how they repay you. I guess that’s why I felt hurt.
To be honest, writing this first post is so hard for me, because wow, I can’t believe I was that stupid to be with him for 3 months. It was a torture and I can’t believe I let myself fall into that trap, but you guys will understand the why and the how.
As I’ve mentioned in my Instagram post, I’m only writing about facts and will show proofs. Writing this even doesn’t have any forms of exaggeration. To be clear, the purpose of this is to be a reminder to myself to never fall for that kind of shithole. That my intuition is always right and that I should follow it. I would also like to show support for other ladies who unfortunately had to encounter this toxic person/people (because I know there are a lot of them).
I wasn’t really passive, you know? Every time I caught him in a lie or I know something was up, I would ask him. But as soon as I confront him about his behavior, he will be upset and deny it, even going as far as making up stories. This was making me crazy because I felt that “Oh wow, this is my fault. Yes, I’m sorry that I didn’t trust you.” This technique is known as gaslighting, and according to a 2017 survey by YouGov, 33 percent of the women surveyed had been called “crazy” or “insane” by someone they were dating. Gaslighting is absolutely a form of manipulation. Why? Because if they refuse to answer your questions or concerns properly and directly, and instead, resorts to tell you that “you don’t trust me” for thinking whatever it is you’re thinking , or says you’re blowing things out of proportion, they are gaslighting you. For some reason, he knew exactly what to say to make me question my memory. He easily shifts and twists everything to make it seem that they are innocent and I was the one of accusing him. I guess that’s what happens when you get a lot of practice huh?
And looking back at what I had to go through with him, it gives me chills as to how he can directly look me in the eyes and just lie. As if he’s been doing that ever since. To think that he is just relatively new to Singapore (he’s Moroccan then moved to France then moved to Singapore), I cannot imagine as to how long he’s been lying and manipulating people. And I know for a fact that he doesn’t feel any guilt because as soon as he is done, he has already prepared his next move and ready to see another girl (Maybe pool party, clubs, yoga, brunch, drinks, who knows?)
This is very sad but you are awesome. Thanks for sharing this. It is hard for some people to date or to even trust anyone they date but having to deal with liars and unfaithful people is the worst thing ever.
The good thing is you find it earlier than falling deeply in love with him.Dust yourself,chin high.It’s not ur lost.😙
Hey,
Things happens for a reason and the reason has good purpose for it… this is relatable topic to this generation of dating. Never let your guard down completely until you are at least 90% sure and comfortable with the person you want to be with. Keep going girl, you’ll be fine… xxx
Dear Chel,
Youre a very strong and intelligent woman. People are either a blessing to us or serves us a lesson which only makes us wiser and stronger.
Youve passed the storm. Now you must fix your crown. Walk with your head up high.
Stay as strong as you are !
Time to pamper yourself. Go and be happy!!! 😘
Annabelle Papas
Such an amazing attitude of you girl. Glad that it’s over. You are pretty. You’re smart. His loss, not yours. And you deserve someone better,Cheer up. 😘