All girls have times in their lives where they feel that they are not pretty, not wanted, and absolutely alone. And that period in my life was as a freshman in high school. I felt that no one noticed me, needed me, or wanted me around. That made me no match for a senior boy named Michel.

He had cute curly red hair, said all the right things, made me feel happier when I was down, and most of all made me feel like I was special. It did not take very long for me to fall for his scheme, and the very same day I met him I agreed to going out with him.

The first month with Michel went smoothly. He continued his charming ways and continued to make me feel like I was the most special girl in his life. Then he started to ask if he could kiss me. When I told him no the first few times he was ok with it. After a month he got irritated and, if we were standing up, he would push me against the wall with my elbow against the wall. Then Michel would force himself on me. He told me that if I broke it off he would make sure that my life would be miserable.

I debated whether or not to tell my mom. Michel was rough, and I never fully understood why I was staying with him. But now that I am older and a tiny bit wiser, I see that I wanted to stay with him out of pure fear of loneliness.

Gradually, Michel grew more needy and touchy. He kept urging and urging to touch me. Suddenly, the breaking point came during a May Fest Celebration at our school. We snuck off into our hiding spot. He asked if he could touch me on the bosom. I said no. Irritated that I had said no he pushed me down two flights of stairs.

Luckily, as I was falling, I caught the railing and only received a scrape. After I landed, I stormed up the stairs and gave the dirty boy a slap. Later that day, as my mother picked me up, I told her the truth about Michel and me. She was furious and demanded that I break up with him, which I did.

Some boys are willing to hurt girls and make them feel so low that they were better off without them. I learned from Michel and I am blessed now. I see that there are guys out there who are like him, but that does not mean I should block my heart. It also does not mean I should just hand myself over like a doll because I feel I am no better.

—Shelley

Article from the Teen Heath and Wellness Page,

HOENIG, CAROL. ".Abusive Relationships." Teen Health and Wellness: Real Life, Real Answers. 2008. Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. 26 Dec. 2008 .