There’s someone I want to talk about today—my crush.

He’s my neighbour. His house is just behind mine. He’s handsome, confident, neat, and hard-working. Honestly, he looked like everything I had ever wanted in a man.

FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP CHANNEL TO RECEIVE ALL STORIES IN YOUR INBOX

Even before we spoke, I had my own idea of the kind of man I hoped to meet. Someone who believes in God, prays, works hard, listens, and treats people with kindness and respect. From the outside, he seemed to be all of that. The first time we talked, I was coming back from the shop. He called out to me, we exchanged a few words, and somehow, we didn’t stop talking for three days straight. It felt strange how quickly I connected with him. Like something invisible was pulling me closer.

But after a while, people started talking. My friends pulled me aside and said, “Be careful. He’s known for changing girls all the time. He’s not serious.” I didn’t want to believe them. I hadn’t seen that side of him, and part of me hoped they were wrong. I wasn’t even planning anything serious. I just liked being around him. He made me laugh. He made me feel wanted.

Then one day, we were talking casually when he said something that stopped me cold. He admitted he had a very active sex life, that he slept with different women often, and that he couldn’t imagine being in a relationship without sex.

It was hard to hear it straight from his own mouth.

Because I believe in waiting until marriage. And even though I liked him deeply, I knew his lifestyle didn’t match mine. We were not equally yoked.

He said, “Any good relationship needs physical connection.” But I didn’t agree.

That was my cue to take my slippers and walk out the door. I started pulling away. I told myself, “I might like him, but I can’t lose myself trying to love him.” And I know myself. If I stayed too close, I might not be able to resist. So I gave myself space, for peace and for dignity.

Recently, we talked again. He said he was ready to change. That he wanted something serious. That he could give up everything just to be with me.

And now, I’m confused.

A part of me wants to believe him. Another part wonders if he’s just saying that to get what he wants, like he’s done before. You know how men can be when they want something. They say all the right things.

A Man Who Haggles Over The Price Of An Item Is A Red Flag

He’s not very present either. He’s always busy with crypto trading, always on his computer. His phone is online all day, but he rarely replies to my messages. I tell myself he’s working, but deep down, I feel ignored.

What I want most in love is time, attention, and emotional connection. And I’m not sure he can give me that.

Sometimes I even fear that if I don’t give him what he wants physically, he’ll go looking for it somewhere else. That thought alone makes me feel unsettled.

That’s why I’m here. I’m caught between what I feel and what I believe. I’m fighting between desire and discipline, between dreaming of romance and holding on to self-respect.

Truthfully, I don’t know how this story will end. But one thing I do know is this. I won’t lose myself trying to keep someone who was never ready to meet me where I stand.

—Elizabeth

This story you just read was sent to us by someone just like you. We know you have a story too. Email it to us at [email protected]. You can also drop your number and we will call you so you tell us your story.

#SB<>