I Dumped Him for His Roommate

Three years. I watched my boyfriend Mark peel shrimp for his best friend Brianna, eat off her fork, and take her side every single time. I thought I just had to be "the understanding one." Then one night she pushed me out of my seat again, and I sat down next to Mark's quiet, untouchable roommate, Dane. My hair brushed his hand. He froze. On my way to the restroom, I heard his voice through the men's room wall—strained, desperate, not meant for me: "Every time she gets close, I lose it.

Three years. I watched my boyfriend Mark peel shrimp for his best friend Brianna, eat off her fork, and take her side every single time. I thought I just had to be "the understanding one." Then one night she pushed me out of my seat again, and I sat down next to Mark's quiet, untouchable roommate, Dane. My hair brushed his hand. He froze. On my way to the restroom, I heard his voice through the men's room wall—strained, desperate, not meant for me: "Every time she gets close, I lose it.