: When Maya tried to set boundaries, Leo would resort to verbal abuse or intimidation. Immediately after, he would become "convincingly apologetic," sobbing and promising it would never happen again.
: He used emotional blackmail, suggesting he might hurt himself if she ever left, or telling her, "No one else but me is going to love you". Teen dating violence; a survivors story teens abuse free sexy
The relationship began to follow a common pattern found in abusive teen storylines : : When Maya tried to set boundaries, Leo
: Leo began questioning her plans with friends, expressing a desire for her "undivided attention" until Maya felt "worthless and alone". Teen dating violence; a survivors story The relationship
But the "romance" soon began to shift. It started with subtle "hypervigilance" regarding her phone. If Maya didn't answer a text within minutes, Leo’s concern would quickly morph into anger. He claimed his jealousy was just a sign of how much he loved her, asking, "What kind of man would I be if I didn't look out for my girl?". The Cycle of Control