A 31-year-old Filipino woman using the pseudonym Armel has reached out for urgent advice regarding her dangerous five-year relationship with a married man who has now threatened to kill her if she ends their affair.
The Secret Relationship
Armel disclosed that she has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for five years, during which he supported her through college until she graduated four years ago. At the time their relationship began, her partner was single, but he eventually married his girlfriend of ten years without the wife knowing about Armel's existence.
The woman admitted she remained in the relationship despite knowing about his marriage because she loved him deeply. However, in recent months, she began realizing the moral implications of her situation and decided she needed to end the affair.
The Dangerous Turn of Events
Armel found inspiration and strength from a new friend to finally break up with her married boyfriend. However, when she attempted to end the relationship, the situation turned threatening.
Her boyfriend refused to accept the breakup and threatened to kill her. He further warned that if she entered into any new relationships, he would target those individuals as well. This has left Armel trapped in a dangerous situation, fearing for her safety.
Expert Advice for Safe Exit
Relationship experts emphasize that when love turns to threats, the situation becomes extremely dangerous. Crimes of passion often occur when individuals become unreasonable and consumed by emotion, particularly in long-term relationships where wounded ego compounds the emotional turmoil.
The recommended approach involves gradually reducing contact rather than an abrupt breakup. Armel should slowly decrease the frequency of their meetings, allowing her boyfriend to gradually adjust to the diminishing connection. Creating distance through work commitments or even relocating for employment opportunities could provide additional safety.
Most importantly, never underestimate the potential danger. If Armel trusts her new friend, she should confide in them about her situation. She must avoid any actions that could trigger her boyfriend's anger, as numerous crimes of passion have resulted from uncontrolled rage.
Prayer for guidance, strength, and protection can serve as a powerful tool in such challenging circumstances. While the relationship is morally problematic, any moves to end it must prioritize safety above all else, especially when the threatening party demonstrates both capacity and capability to carry out their threats.
