How do I leave a controlling partner?
So I’ve been dating this guy for about 8 months now and it started off amazing—really sweet, funny, the whole deal. But lately he’s been getting really intense. He checks my phone if I don’t reply to a text in like 5 minutes, & he gets mad if I hang out with my friends without him. Last week he accused me of flirting with my coworker just because I liked their post on Instagram?? Like come on. I told him it was making me uncomfortable and he said I’m “making a big deal outta nothing” and that he’s just “protective” because he cares. But it doesn’t feel like care, it feels draining. I’ve started hiding stuff just to avoid fights, which isn’t me at all. I feel like I’m walking on eggshells all the time. I keep thinking maybe I’m overreacting, but my best friend says it’s a major red flag and I should get out before it gets worse. I’m scared though—I don’t want to deal with the blowup or feel guilty. But I also hate how small I feel around him now. How do I actually leave someone like this without losing myself first? —Feeling stuck & confused