Because of the bullying I received due to being physically unattractive when young (especially by the “cool kids”/ “in group”), I’ve grew up being wary of good-looking people and outrightly avoiding dating them altogether. One day, I told myself that I was done buying into the lie that I didn’t deserve it all – the full package (smart, spiritual, funny, kind, good-looking, rich blah, blah). Not long after, I attracted a person who seemed to have it all (especially the looks). I was over the moon with excitement. He was so dreamy-looking (in my opinion) that I called him ‘McDreamy’.
After the third date, he started to distance himself – he would drop all contact for a week at a time before resurfacing with “How are you?”. He claimed he was busy with work even though it takes less than 5 secs to text someone. The third time it happened, I called his bluff, “Do you think that because I think you’re cute and like you that you can just do whatever you want?”
Why did it take me so long to call him out? Because I was just so flattered by his attention! In processing it with a girl friend, of course, I came to the realisation that I needed to come back into my power and recalibrate. So I did. This same guy reestablished contact (again) after a break, and tried to get back into my life begging… with the words, “Can we go back to how things were?” After two months, we resumed chats but not before I changed his name on my phone from ‘McDreamy’ to ‘McTorture’ to remind myself how he “tortured” me and proceed with eyes wide open (and told him so).
At his latest missing-in-action (MIA) of a month, I closed the door to him permanently. Obviously, there are other underlying issues which I detect and suspect. I have no interest to find out/ support/ heal him or go along for the ride. I’ve come to realise that as much as I help people for a living, I am unwilling and most often unable to change/ help anybody who are unwilling to help themselves, especially the people I am romantically/ sexually involved with.
A leopard rarely changes their spots. How one does something is often a sign of how they do everything. Just because someone is committed (or over-committed) to work doesn’t mean they will be in the same in their personal relationships. It may be better to cut your losses and run especially when bad behavior/ neglect/ abuse already starts right at the beginning. Yes, there is no one perfect person – for goodness sake – have some standards, and don’t compromise you!
#noadvicewanted #ireallydontcarewhatyouhavetoaskorshare #justputtingitoutthere #startyourownadvicecolumnplease
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About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.
She also holds certificates in counselling, coaching and sex therapy, and her fourth degree – a Masters in Counselling in May 2018. In practice for more than 10 years, she is the only certified sexuality educator and certified sexuality educator supervisor by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in Singapore.
Often cited in the local media, Dr. Lee is the appointed sex expert for Men’s Health Singapore, and Men’s Health Malaysia. She was recognised as one of ‘Top 50 Inspiring Women Under 40′ by Her World in July 2010, and one of ‘Top 100 Inspiring Women’ by CozyCot in March 2011. She has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, Orgasmic Yoga, From Princess to Queen and {Un}Inhibited.
Martha works with individuals and couples in private coaching sessions, and conducts her own workshops. She takes prides in making sure all her workshops are also fun, educational, and sex-positive. This comes easily to her because even though she is extremely dedicated and serious about her work, she fundamentally believes that sex is meant to be fun, wonderful, amazing and sacred. As such, this serious light-heartedness has shone through again and again. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
Surrounded by friends who were sexually inhibited and struck by dire lack of positive conversations around sex and sexuality in Singapore, Dr. Martha Tara Lee set out to make a positive difference in embarking on her doctorate in human sexuality before launching Eros Coaching in 2009. Today, she remains dedicated to working with individuals and couples who wish to lead self-actualised and pleasure-filled lives.