manipulation

Some forms of abuse, like physical abuse or some kinds of sexual assault, are more easily identified by victims or witnesses. Conversely, gaslighting is a type of non-event, a toxic presence that chips away at a person’s wellbeing over time. Gaslighting is a powerful abuse tactic, although a lesser known one. It is notoriously difficult to understand and recognize, especially for a victim.

I think you are reading this situation absolutely right. That thing he's doing, when you reach out to talk and he requests pictures and then threatens to break up if you won't? That is a truly manipulative and toxic dynamic. It's also a major red flag in terms of a relationship being abusive...

As you have probably guessed from the title, I have some thoughts about what the source of the issue is, and boy howdy is it not you. Let's look at an abridged version of events from an outside perspective, because when you're in a relationship, with all the feelings that involves, it can be hard to...

I absolutely agree with you: that is seriously not okay. I do not think you are overreacting. Not at all. I think you had a very appropriate reaction, and I'm very glad you had that reaction rather than thinking it was okay for anyone to do something like that to you. In fact, if you didn't get far...

(Jasmine's question continued)I have no idea what to do. I mean it is just a little money...we've already had sex and now we understand that he want to be together for ever. He even told his parents about me, which was hard because they are as strict as hell. But I don't want to give him anything...

There is no one way to do things when it comes to sex which will guarantee that a partner sticks around or does not. There also is not any one way men feel or behave when it comes to sex and relationships, nor any one way women do. Generalizations about these kinds of things are very infrequently...

If you've already spoken to her about your concerns and directed her to some resources for more information, there's really not a lot more you can do when it comes to your friend. I would, however, suggest that you check into the age of consent in your state, since very few states have an age of...

Really, all I needed to do was to get to your second paragraph, and then read your last few sentences to know that a) this guy isn't good news and b) you really don't want to be in this relationship, which I'd say is a very good thing. Can you imagine your almost-thirty-year-old self making a deal...