Love-Bombed and Blinded: A Journey from Abuse to Empowerment

I met my ex while working part-time in a coffee shop. At the time, I was juggling work and studies, just trying to keep everything afloat. He walked in one day, all charm and swagger, and within a week, we were officially boyfriend and girlfriend. Now, looking back, I realise I was completely love-bombed: extravagant dinners at expensive restaurants, lavish gifts of nice clothes, thrilling nights out, and exhilarating adventures in his convertible. He was in a band, and everything about our relationship seemed like an exciting dream. But dreams can quickly turn into nightmares.