I thought I was in a happy relationship until I found a hidden note from my boyfriend’s ex, warning me about his habits. At first, I dismissed it, but the more I read, the more I realized how much it reflected my own frustrations. The note described his failure to clean, listen, and take responsibility. When I confronted Matt, he dismissed it as crazy revenge, but I couldn’t ignore the truth anymore.

As I reflected on the relationship, I realized how much I had let slide—his excuses, his lack of effort. Things escalated when Matt got aggressive, and I knew I had to leave. I packed up with help from my brother and left him a short note: “Clean your dirty house.”

Later, I contacted Teresa, his ex, and we met for coffee. She shared how he manipulated her, and I saw the same pattern emerging in my relationship. With her help, I got out, and when I returned to the apartment, I found that Matt had gotten destructive. Thankfully, my pets were safe, but it was clear he was trying to send a message.

As I moved out, Teresa and I shared a laugh about Matt’s cleaning habits, and I realized how strong I had become. Months later, Matt texted me, begging me to come back. But I had built a better life for myself, one where I was respected, and I knew I was done for good. I blocked his number and embraced the strength I had found. Sometimes, the best endings come from starting fresh.