"In a relationship, the girl always has to give in to the guy. The girl *always* has to give in. You must remember this. And believe me, I know it because I've been a married woman for more than 20 years," she said.

Even though I didn't know her too well, I somehow took those words really seriously. Because really, I don't see how else my own relationship can last if I don't listen to those words. If he promised something, and then intentionally forgets it in a fit of anger, I have to follow with it. If he had suggested a meet-up, but ended up going out with his friends instead even though they asked him out only so suddenly, I have to follow with it. If he insists I must eat well and care for myself or he won't allow me to care for him, I have to follow with it. If he insists I find a job or two to support myself or he leaves me, I have to follow with it.

I must always follow what he says, whether its his whim, or a serious command.

But if anyone asks, then why do you stay with him, Ai? Why do you stay with someone who almost doesn't care for you, disregards any respect for you? Well, its because I really love him, through anything, I will love him. And there are many other moments when he truly is charming, a gentleman, loving, caring, even enticing. To me, those wonderful times far outweigh any negatives moments that we have, no matter the severity of them. Not that I don't admit to his boyish nature, but I love him too much. Really, I do.