My boyfriend used to exploit me sexually and this is how I realised I was in a wrong relationship

This is the thing about relationships—everything appears like a dream come true in the beginning. The romance is intoxicating, everything looks rosy and the thought of your partner gives you butterflies. I experienced the same phase in my relationship but had no idea that it would end on such an ugly note…

I met a man through common friends and it was love at first sight. After talking for a few weeks, he declared his undying love for me and I reciprocated. The first three months of our relationship were no less than a romantic movie. But soon, I got to witness his other side. His physical gestures started changing. He used to suddenly hold my waist tightly and pass me a sly smile. He used to kiss me at public places and at times, even touch me inappropriately. These things used to startle me because there was not a hint of romance in these gestures.

Even when he sensed that I was uncomfortable and didn’t respond to his gestures, he still continued showing his so-called ‘physical affection’ whenever we met. Soon, he started asking me to send titillating photographs and I used to politely decline his requests. One day, I got irritated and told him to stop touching me inappropriately. I firmly opined that we have met only four months back and I am not comfortable with his demands.

Soon we started having heated arguments and fights over this topic. He used to call me a ‘conservative kid’ or ‘prude’ whenever I refused to send him explicit photographs or go out with him at night. I clearly remember, once I refrained from kissing him and he blurted, “Oh, come on! Don’t you love me?” Whether it was just a kiss or sex, his demands and the emotional blackmail to get them fulfilled kept increasing. Unfortunately, sometimes I gave in to his demands.

After seven months of being emotionally and physically exploited, I decided to call it quits. I deserved to be in a relationship that brought happiness in my life, and not a barrage of sexual demands every second day. I realised an ideal partner would care for my emotions and will never force me to fulfill his physical demands. I had only read the term ‘sexual exploitation’ in a few articles online, but now I knew I was a victim. Without any second thoughts, I called him up and broke all my ties with him.

It took me months to get over the trauma. After all, I was in love with him when he had proposed and I had no clue that he would turn out to be a pervert. But I knew I had taken the right decision and that gave me the strength to keep going. Today, I am single by choice. I take pride in the fact that I was strong enough to say ‘no’ to things when they were not right. I am in a happy space and looking to someone who cares for my happiness. Is it too much to ask for? (Representational images)