I met Alan about a year ago. He professed his loyalty and devotion to me, telling me his feelings were genuine. Truth be told, we were very much alike. Both of us had come out of dreadful marriages. Both of us were in need of support and understanding. I honestly believed we had found that in each other. But, as it turned out, he was simply a freeloader looking to take advantage of me in every possible way.
My friends warned me not to rush into anything, especially not to let him move in with me. But I refused to listen to anyone. It didnt even bother me that, at the age of thirty, he hadnt got a stable job. He was, by all accounts, practically homeless. He also couldnt drive. But I only thought about romance, dreamy-eyed like a schoolboy. I wasnt thinking rationally; instead, I was led entirely by emotion.
Reality hit hard when he didnt come home one night, and the next morning I discovered my money had vanished. Not only did I finally consider things properly, but it felt like a brutal awakening. Thats how it all happened.
I even tried helping him get a job. He happily lived off my earnings. I bought him clothes. We went out to different places, restaurants, and shopping centres hed never stepped foot in before, and he behaved himself in public. Around my family and friends he was perfectly polite, never argued with anyone. I sincerely thought hed change, that hed suddenly find direction.
But I was wrong. My patience wore thin. I had no choice but to ask him to leave. Even then, he tried to walk out with the mobile phone Id bought him. But I put my foot down and told him he could only take what hed come with.
Did I feel insulted? Of course. Did I regret wasting a whole year of my life on him? Absolutely. My mistake cost me dearly, in every sense. This leech took advantage of my kindness. But Ill be wiser for it next time.
Dont let yourself be fooled as I was. Be cautious and vigilant. Always look for honesty in your partners. If theres something wrong, deal with it directlydont put it off. Treat others as they treat you.
