Boundaries

Not every haunting lives in an abandoned mansion. Sometimes it texts you every day. Sometimes it sits opposite you at brunch. Sometimes it’s the friend who leaves you questioning yourself every single time you meet… while smiling the whole time.

Have you ever noticed how some people treat you exactly how you secretly fear you deserve to be treated? And the really horrifying part? Sometimes… you let them. 

Everything looks fine from the outside. You did what you were supposed to do. You followed the rules. You hit the milestones. So why does it feel like you’re watching your life instead of living it?

Toxic relationships rarely announce themselves with neon signs and ominous theme music. No one swipes right thinking, “Ah yes, this is the one who will emotionally dehydrate me like a forgotten houseplant.” But there they are — slithering in, all wide eyes and wet smiles, dragging you into their murky depths until you can’t tell which way is up.

Let’s set the scene: you’ve finally found a place in this hellish rental market. A charming gothic flat. Decent rent. High ceilings. Creepy castle vibes included. Your new roommate? Count Dracula.

At first, he seems like a dream — mysterious, well-dressed, apparently very low utility usage (he’s never home during the day). But then… the red flags start to show. Literally.