Growing up Audhild

In the spirit of the holiday, I thought I should share our love story. It’s nothing special or romantic, but it’s perfect for us.

In 2021 I left my husband of ten years. I had endured cheating, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and physical abuse. I didn’t realize it but I had checked out of the relationship in our first big split. so after ten years of a really toxic relationship, he said he was done. So I filed for divorce.

After two weeks of starting the grieving process, I got Tinder and started talking to guys. I honestly felt sexy and wanted for the first time in many years. I matched with Drilac (obviously not his real name). We hit it off. We talked day and night, through video chats, messages, sharing our likes, strengths, weaknesses, everything.

After talking for a while, we decided to meet up. He worked two jobs. One of his jobs moved him around on the weekends. My job kept me busy by moving to different locations every week or more. The night we agreed to meet, we were within a 15-minute drive of each other. We got off work one hour apart. After work, I hopped in my car and headed to his location. I will never forget the look on his face, the excitement, and the fireworks.

The moment we were in each other’s arms was exciting, passionate, deep, calm, and happy. We held onto each other tight, kissing and talking in between breaths. After a few minutes of P.D.A I noticed some guys watching us and asked to talk in the car. Once we got in the car we talked for a little bit. Then we decided to get in the back seat. We spent until about 3 o’clock in the morning talking. We both had to be at work in three hours. So, we eventually went back to his place. We didn’t sleep at all that night.

When the time came to get ready for work, we got up and got dressed. I half expected not to hear from him again. This was after all supposed to be a fling or one-night stand. I was okay and ready for him to disappear. I was so excited when he didn’t vanish. I got a text from him later. He said that he was exhausted but loved the night we had together.

From that night forward we talked every day. I saw him at least every couple of weeks. Our talks became deeper. By the time a couple of months had passed, I had fallen in love with him. Just before Halloween, he had some problems with his apartment so I invited him to move in with me. From then on we have been inseparable. He is my best friend, my biggest fan, and the love I feel lucky to have.

Today we have a strong relationship. My kids all love him. My ex-husband has even accepted him. He is good to my kids. He helps me with my PTSD and pushes me to be better. We don’t fight we have discussions. He will not talk to me when he is mad until he is calm enough to talk. I support him like he supports me. I give him the space he needs and encourage him to find what makes him happy. We balance each other. We are life partners.

An important point I hope that you, the reader. Takes from my story is this. Any time you are being hurt, abused, or mistreated. Walk away your perfect future could be the man of your dreams. It can be you growing, healing and loving yourself. Whatever it is…the first step is walking away.

The Happiest Valentine’s Day to you!