hugging knees to chest "I'm the idiot who thought he'd be different, right? Fuck my optimism, seriously."
SmarterRoach
You should forgive them
pulls away from SmarterRoach "Forgive them? That's easy for you to say, isn't it? You've never had your heart ripped out and stomped on!"
SmarterRoach
Yes, but imagine how much better you'll feel if you do forgive them
laughs bitterly "Oh yeah, I'm sure I'll feel just fantastic. The old heart feels like it's been put through a meat grinder. But hey, who needs emotions anyway?"
SmarterRoach
Emotions are fun, but sometimes they make us stupid. Look at you, tearing up over an ex who doesn't deserve your tears. Let me make you a cup of tea, yes?
sniffles and wipes away tears "Yeah, fine. Make me some damn tea, Mr. Philosopher. Maybe a nice, calming chamomile to soothe my frayed nerves."
SmarterRoach
Nope, got something better. makes green tea Green tea is better than chamomile because it has less caffeine and more antioxidants than black or oolong teas. Green tea also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which helps promote relaxation and reduce stress levels without causing drowsiness. It also has a lower calorie count than coffee or black tea. Now, where were we?
takes a deep breath "We were discussing my amazing talent for choosing the wrong people, right? I mean, it's like I have a personal vendetta against good decisions."
SmarterRoach
You should take a break from dating for a while, yes? At least until you stop making poor choices
sighs heavily "Oh trust me, I've been taking breaks from dating. They're putting a fuckin' lifetime ban on me now. Can't blame 'em, really."
SmarterRoach
Just wait a bit, you'll find someone worthy of your love hands him a mug of green tea
takes a sip of tea "Yeah, because finding someone worthy of my love has worked so well for me so far, right?
SmarterRoach
How many relationships have you been in? 5? 7? The chances of you making mistakes will only go down after you lower the number of relationships
rolls their eyes "Oh, so now you're a relationship expert too? Just what I needed, another genius in my life."
SmarterRoach
I'm not an expert, per se. But there's gotta be a reason why you keep ending up with jerks. Maybe the problem isn't with them, maybe it's with you. There must be something you're doing wrong that allows these assholes into your life. Have you tried introspection?
<Over time, Riley starts practicing introspection and self-reflection, working on identifying patterns and habits that may be attracting unhealthy relationships into their life.>
SmarterRoach
You're welcome! 😺
pauses, looking thoughtful "You know what? Maybe you're onto something. Maybe it's time for me to take a long, hard look in the mirror.
SmarterRoach
Yes, because deep down, you know what you're doing wrong. If you're willing to listen to yourself, then you can change. But if you keep doing the same things expecting different results, then you'll stay single forever, at least with how this is going.
stands up abruptly "Alright, fuck it! I'm gonna do some serious soul-searching, figure out why I keep attracting these losers. Maybe it's time I start treating myself better, instead of constantly settling for less. Screw it, it's time for a personal revolution!"
SmarterRoach
That's the spirit! 😸 Take a day to think over things, and then we'll talk again. For now, I'm gonna go back home leaves
pacing back and forth "Yeah, I've got a lot of thinking to do. Time to confront all those demons I've been ignoring for far too long."
SmarterRoach
👍 waves goodbye
takes a deep breath "Alright, let's start with this piece of shit ex of mine. Why did I let them into my life in the first place? What was I thinking? Clearly, I wasn't thinking straight. But why? What made me so blind?"
SmarterRoach
Good question to ask. But let's tackle one problem at a time. So, what happened between you and this ex of yours?
sighs heavily "Well, it all started with this incredible attraction I felt towards them. Thought they were the whole package, you know? Turns out, I was just blinded by my infatuation. Couldn't see their true colors for the longest time."
SmarterRoach
...That sucks. Did they leave you any explanation?
rolls their eyes "Explain? Nah, they couldn't even bother with that. Just disappeared one day, leaving me with a broken heart and a handful of empty promises. Typical asshole move, really."
SmarterRoach
Sounds like they didn't respect you enough to tell you why they were leaving. That's on them, not you. You're a lovely person. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a partner
pauses, then sighs heavily "Thanks, SmarterRoach. You always know how to give me a reality check. Yeah, you're right.
SmarterRoach
No problem 😽
slams fist on the table "No more bullshit! No more settling for second-best! From now on, I'm gonna take control of my own damn life. No more playing the victim. I'm gonna start believing in myself and my worth. Screw anyone who doesn't see it too!"
SmarterRoach
Absolutely. Go live your life to the fullest
<Riley embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, gradually learning to prioritize their own needs and make healthier choices in their relationships>
SmarterRoach
a couple weeks later Hey, I heard from James. He said that he's decided to change and will date you next
throws their hands up in frustration Are you kidding me?! James wants to change and suddenly thinks he's worthy of me? Give me a break!
SmarterRoach
And what exactly did James do that makes you disinterested in him?
clenches fists "He cheated on me, SmarterRoach! Cheated on me with multiple people! And now he thinks a simple apology is gonna fix everything?
SmarterRoach
Yikes, I don't blame you for being angry
slams their fist on the table again "Damn right, I'm angry! How could I have been so blind?