I spent years in a relationship where “I’m sorry” meant nothing. Every time he hurt me—whether through words that cut deep or actions that shattered my trust—he would offer an apology just convincing enough to keep me there. It took me too long to realize that his "I'm sorry" was never followed by change.

The cycle was always the same: hurt, apologize, promise, repeat. I wrote in my journal, trying to make sense of it all. Was I overreacting? Was I expecting too much? But no, I wasn’t. An apology without change is manipulation, not remorse.

The hardest part was realizing that I deserved more. Walking away felt like breaking a habit I had been conditioned into. But now, every time I think about going back, I remind myself: Real apologies come with changed behavior. Anything less is just another excuse.

                                       - Krystal