My boyfriend is physically challenged. He walks with crutches and has a beautiful soul. When we were just friends, he radiated good energy and a great sense of humor. It didn’t even feel like he was physically challenged, so I fell in love with him.

We started dating, and all was well until it wasn’t. He said I can’t have friends apart from him. “I make you laugh, so what do you need friends for?” he said. Actually, I’m not the kind of woman who plays the friendship game. I have a childhood friend, a lady, and she’s been my only friend.

He insisted that my childhood friend can’t know that I’m dating him. When I asked why, he answered, “I know what friends can do. You don’t have a problem dating me, but they will rather have problems on your behalf and cause your heart to change.”

I told him my friend isn’t like that, but he insisted, so I respected his wish and didn’t tell my friend about us. When someone calls my phone, I have to put it on loudspeaker so he’ll hear what I’m saying. He calls it transparency. When he calls and it’s call waiting, he wants to know who the person is, and I have to send a screenshot to prove my point.

He doesn’t go out with me. He doesn’t want anyone to know we are dating, yet he’s jealous that I may have another boyfriend. He’s full of energy and very positive, but when it comes to us, he turns into an insecure cup of juice.

What Nobody Tells You About Divorce

All that aside, he’s also insecure about his size, so after every “meeting,” he wants me to praise his prowess and affirm that he’s the best I’ve ever had. If I don’t do it, he becomes moody. He even wants me to say “thank you” afterward to let him know he’s done well and that I appreciate his performance.

It’s all stressful, and I’ve told him these things are killing the vibe in the relationship. He doesn’t listen. Even my family doesn’t know I’m dating him. How do I change a man like that? How do I make him drop all that so we can be normal?

—Adwoa

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