Hello all, this account is a throwaway and I wanted to share my story as I just discovered this sub.

2 years ago I went through the worst break-up of my life. I was engaged, she had a son who I treated like my very own, and I gave the relationship my all. It later broke when I discovered on a very drunken birthday night that she had been messaging her old fuck-buddy (who was introduced to me as her 'best guy-friend') talking about how much they miss each other, how much they want to kiss when they see each other, and the time they wish they were spending together.

Up until this point, I described myself as the nice guy in a relationship. I treated them with respect, but didn't over-do it. I never got into arguments in relationships, and would take them out on spontaneous dates or random nights of Chinese food/Redbox/Drinking.

After the break-up, I went into what would best be described as my man-whore/rebound phase. I never once had a one-night stand. I had 8 within a 2 month time-span. The way I did this, was by being an utter asshole and being very direct. I hated it. For some reason girls loved it. I would intentionally treat them like shit, and for some reason it never deterred them.

Eventually, I ran into a keeper. I treated her the same as them all, but everything about her made me want a relationship. Fast forward a year and we are already happily married. My wife has no idea that my original intention was a one-night stand. I learned a lot from this, that women like the excitement of an asshole, but if you still ocassionally treat them like a queen, they will fall in love with you.

I'm not sure exactly where I was going with this. Maybe to share my story, or to help others find a balance. Either way, I'm happy now, and I found that happiness by being an asshole. I hate myself for it, but I love where it's gotten me today.