Relationships can be difficult to navigate when you're young and at college - particularly if you're in a long-distance relationship with your other half.
But being in a controlling relationship can make it all the more unbearable. One woman knows all too well what it's like to be under your significant other's thumb.
The woman in question, Carolyn or @ccarollynn on TikTok, decided to share an important message on the app. She did so by posting a screenshot of a text she received from her ex-boyfriend that included a list of very restrictive rules for her.
She captioned the post: "I wish I was joking".
Carolyn said in the video: "I thought it would be funny to read the rules my crazy, controlling ex-boyfriend sent me before I left for college."
She is then seen talking alongside an image of the message containing the rules.
The message begins: "Rules for Carolyn: PAY ATTENTION."
The TikToker’s ex-boyfriend then reels of a list of rules he expected her to follow:
“Don’t ignore me after reading this”
“Never turn off your life360, find my iphone, or Snap location”
“Approve all outfits you wear past me and my mom”
“Do not come in contact with boys by 25 or more feet”
“Absolutely no drinking”
“No crop tops or tight clothing”
“Be in your dorm by 9pm every night and facetime me so I know you are alone”
“No frat parties, house parties, dorm parties etc”
“No wearing other boys clothing”
“No comparing hand sizes with other boys, hugging, kissing etc”
“Never take off the ring I gave you”.
In the screenshot, Carolyn appeared to have responded to the rules by simply writing “wtf”.
She then told her followers: “I’m by no means glamorizing controlling relationships. I just thought it was funny he thought he had that control.”
In a follow-up video, Carolyn admitted that this list of rules was a turning point for her. It was when she finally came to the realization that she “didn’t want to be in the relationship anymore – I made that very clear”.
She explained: "I did block him on absolutely everything. I do not stand for anyone to be mentally abused, physically abused, or anything. It is never OK."
Carolyn then advised her followers: "There are so many resources available. Please do not stay in a situation that you don't want to be in, that you should not be in. You all deserve so much better."
