Thank you both for replying. I really appreciate the advice.

Runn, I’m sorry you’ve had similar experiences. This kind of relationship isn’t good for anyone. I am currently looking into getting some counseling to deal with the issues I have. I’m hoping it will help me change my situation. I could contact the police if it was absolutely necessary, but I think it might be better to talk to his parents. They might be able to handle it without the police getting involved. Although, I’m a bit apprehensive about telling anyone about his problems. He’s told me not to on several occasions, and he usually says it quite aggressively. I know he’s too far away to harm me physically, but I fear he may retaliate by telling my parents things I’d rather them not know.

Anita, the things you said were very helpful. I’m less worried now about him trying to hurt me. He doesn’t have a violent history that I’m aware of. At least, I don’t think he’s been violent towards other people. I know he has a history of self harm, so I don’t have a hard time believing him when he threatens to hurt himself. I’m more worried about him committing suicide than I am about him hurting me. I know he’s manipulating me, but it doesn’t seem like he knows he’s doing it. It seems like he’s just depressed, insecure, and possibly suicidal. I honestly can’t tell if he only acts this way because of his mental illness, or if he’s just using it as an excuse so that I’ll feel empathy and stay with him. I guess I have a hard time believing that he would do this on purpose. He can be really kind and loving sometimes. It makes me think I’ve just been overreacting about everything and I should give him another chance. I always believe him when he says he’s trying to change. But that’s the cycle of abuse, isnt it? Logically, breaking up with him is the smartest and safest decision, but when I think about actually doing it, I feel like I’m making a mistake. I don’t understand why.