Unraveling the narrative

Beginning in March 2021 I had been on a downward emotional spiral. I was making poor life choices, being reckless, putting my health and safety at risk in various ways. By mid-June that year I was slowly finding my way out of the spiral, and with every step forward there seemed to be at least one step back.

Outward appearances were not revealing of what was happening internally or in the shadows, behind the scenes. My inner circle knew a bit of what was going on, of the choices I was making, and to be honest, I can be very good at justifying myself if I don’t want to hear it from those who may be concerned.

On August 7, 2021, my whole world began to shift thanks to two simple decisions I made.

I was out to dinner with a boy that evening. It was fun, the conversation was good, we had some similar interestes, but for me there was no chemistry. I decided to do something I never did back then, and ended the date early.

After I left boy #1, I confirmed plans to meet with another boy, t…