A Day in the Life of Me

When “Prince Charming” Turned Out to Be More Like a Plot Twist

Let me tell you about the time I fell in love—with a walking red flag disguised as a bouquet of compliments.

He was sweet. He was charming. He said all the right things. He looked like the poster guy for emotionally available single dad with a big heart. And wow, could he talk! Soulmate this, forever that. He even told me I was the most amazing person he’d ever met—and he’d “met thousands of people, so he would know.” (I wish that line had come with a warning label.)

Looking back, I realize I didn’t fall in love with who he really was. I fell for the potential, the promises, the poetic declarations of love that made it feel like we were starring in our own rom-com. But spoiler alert: It was more of a psychological thriller.

So, How Did I End Up Here?

Good question. I ask myself that too, but let’s break it down:

1. I had never heard of love bombing. Seriously, it sounded like something out of a weird reality TV show.
2. I ignored my gut. You know that tiny voice in your head? Yeah, she was trying to warn me.
3. He fooled everyone. Not just me—my friends, my family, my dog (okay, maybe not the dog, but still).

We met on Plenty of Fish. The chemistry was instant. He was funny, smart, empathetic, and a single dad of 3—which honestly felt like a green flag at the time (bless my optimistic heart). We met in person on October 23rd, 2018, which I now know was also his mom’s birthday. Cute, right?

Then things escalated. Fast.

Three days later—just three days—he met my best friend. That same night, he proposed. Yup. October 26th. I told him I needed to think about it. (Boundaries, yay!) But then I said yes…on Halloween. Because clearly spooky season felt appropriate for what was about to unfold.

I planned to wait six months before getting married, but suddenly I was job hunting, apartment hunting, and relationship-juggling in a brand new town. Oh, and living with him, his kids, his parents, and his brother with Down Syndrome. It was a full house in every possible sense.

Then came the promises.

• “I’ll get a job.”
• “You don’t need to work—I’ll take care of you.”
• “This is just temporary.”

He got a job! …for two weeks.

The Love Bombing? Oh, It Was Textbook.

Flowers. Jewelry. Big gestures. The works. I now realize these were less about love and more about control wrapped in a pretty bow.

And when I wanted to wait to get married, he pushed. Then pushed some more. Eventually, after months of arguing, I gave in. I said yes again—this time with more hesitation and fewer butterflies.

Spoiler alert #2: I should’ve run in the opposite direction. But hindsight is 20/20, and healing? That’s the plot twist I’m proud of.

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💡 Takeaway?

Love should feel safe, not rushed. Compliments should come with consistency, not pressure. And saying “no” to a whirlwind romance doesn’t mean you’re cold—it means you’re wise.

So if someone tells you you’re their soulmate three days in?
Listen to your gut.
Google love bombing.
Call a friend.

Because true love doesn’t need a fast-forward button—it needs time, trust, and a whole lot less drama.