Controlled, betrayed, ghosted, cheated on and lied to. All these words sound like they are describing someone really weak, yet people tell me I'm one of the strongest women they've met. I've had to be strong and resilient in life as many of us are, but not for the same reasons as the majority. My life has been filled with trauma starting from an incredibly young age. I still remember that first experience of death at the age of five. Parents think that because you're young things are forgotten but my memory still relives the funeral of my baby brother. Growing up as the eldest of seven children was a painful task, having to deal with my parents uncaring behaviour towards me. I now believe this has been the reason why I gravitated towards abusive men and tolerated their behaviour for years. Finally after reading self-help books and attending classes on self-protection and mental illness I finally realised I don't have to accept any behaviour that I consider threatening. I began keeping a diary on the dates I encountered from online dating. On reflection I could not believe how many men attempted to dupe me into handing over money or use me for sex. It was then I decided to expose those dating moments in a serious and comical way for you to enjoy and use to your advantage.