Missing someone toxic doesn’t mean you’re weak—it means you’re human. Here’s how to deal with the mind games and emotional hangover, straight up and unfiltered.

It starts sweet. Texts all day. Over-the-top compliments. “You’re different.” “I’ve never felt this way before.” Three dates in, and they’re talking about vacations, soulmates, and maybe even what your kids would look like. Slow your roll, Casanova. That’s not romance. That’s manipulation in a nice shirt.