Dated a lovely Middle Eastern man, who grew up Muslim but became non-practicing and despised Islam. He had a lot of issues with his family and wanted to break away from that upbringing and background. Used high physical sports, I.e. boxing (and weed) to cope. Anger issues. Couldn’t forgive past squabbles and brought them up seemingly out of nowhere. Weekly arguments over stupid things. Yelling matches but never physical fights. Hurtful words in arguments, but 2 can be blamed.

to be frank, the current zayn Malik and Gigi problems seemed almost parallel to my experience with my ex-boyfriend. I just assumed that in my personal situation, ex was under tremendous pressure And perhaps battling identity issues (leaving Islam but who to turn if apostatize? And his entire family honor would be flushed down the toilet)... But perhaps I have been the victim of emotional abuse and not known it?

ETA: You are ALL angels!! Thank you so much for shedding much needed light on a situation that I kept picking at. I've tried speaking to my closest friends about this but they say that I'm "obsessed" and whatnot. Well, hurt is hurt. I've kept blaming myself but you are all so right. Some things aren't mean to be ours to be involved in!