I am a single mother. My ex boyfriend and I met in 2014. We had a fairly toxic relationship
The abuse was there, the control, inconsistencies and random lies but so were the gifts;
trips and dates.
He would accuse me of cheating many times. He would show up at my work to check
if I'm there. He would park outside my place as if trying to catch something.
He would financially support me one month and then the next it's withdrawn and I wouldn't
know or ask him why.
In 2020, at the start of the pandemic. I fell pregnant with his child and he started with his
accusations again about me cheating. I packed my bags and went home to my parents.
His insults didn't stop; even reminding me of things he has done for my son from
my previous relationship. He asked me to return everything he has ever bought me.
And I did.
During this time I got a protection order against him. I gave birth prematurely due to
stress and pre-eclampsia.
I received court papers about DNA tests. I availed myself and the child and tests were
done. He is married and this is the reason I believe he contested paternity.
He then wanted to visit the child, I told him to go to my father but he failed to do so.

He took me to court. I asked him to have full custody and that I would visit my child but
he refused. I feel stuck in a loop and my mental health is not in good standing.
How do I create a healthy relationship for my child’s sake?