Toxic & Worth

Rashida Richard 
PrideTime Reporter 
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Is it just me or did we all leave our toxic relationships in 2019? Yanderli Amarante (‘19) sure did. If you also did, I’m proud of you because it takes a lot to leave something and someone that you’ve known and been with for so long. It takes a few times leaving before realizing that that type of relationship isn’t what you deserve. Nearly 1.5 million students nationwide experience physical, emotional, and verbal abuse from a dating partner.  Self-worth is something that everyone should have but doesn't. Yanderli Amarante found her worth during her last year of high school.

Q: Have you ever been in a toxic relationship?
A: Yes. The relationship was very toxic and draining. But I was in love and stayed longer than I should’ve.

Q: What is a toxic person to you?
A: Someone that blames you for every little thing. Everything would be your fault even if it wasn’t.

Q: When was the toxic relationship?
A: We started off as best friends for two years, then started dating for another two and a half years.

Q: Why did the relationship end?
A: It ended because we argued every day. Everyday it was something new. It got to the point where I didn’t want to argue anymore. It hurt me and I didn’t want to hurt anymore. He also did things behind my back, and I was not going to deal with that so I left.

Q: What does your self-worth mean to you?
A: At first I didn’t know what self worth was because I kept going back and believing him when he would tell me that he was the only guy that would like me and my body. It got to the point where I said I think I deserve more and decided to love myself. My self worth means a lot. Nowadays people are treating girls like they’re nothing, but in reality without us, boys would be lost

Q: Do you think boys are intimidated by your worth?
A: Boys don’t know girls worth until they tell them and show them. You have to let boys know your expectations and what you’re not going to deal with. Let them know that you’re not going to put up with the things you’ve done in the past.

Q: Could you ever do a toxic relationship again?
A: Never. I know better now. Toxic relationships drain you. It takes away your glow and your happiness. I need to maintain my happiness because i’ve been unhappy for so long.

Q:How do you want your next relationship to be different?
A: Obviously couples argue. But I don’t want to argue 24/7. That is not healthy. I want us to understand each other and communicate more because communication is key.