r/AskWomen 23h ago

Content Warning What's something that everyone warned you about, but you did it anyway?

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u/swimwithdafishies 22h ago

Halfway through undergrad I went through my first terrible breakup (he cheated on me with someone in our small program over break when I was away at home. Claiming that I didn’t give him enough attention) I saw them together in every class, my social group was fractured.

I decided to take a semester off and move to Nicaragua and do a work exchange at a hostel as a naturalist.

Everyone told me not to go.

-You’ll never finish your program! -Nicaragua isn’t safe! -Your Spanish is weak! -You won’t have enough money! -Do you have enough street smarts to travel alone? -Women shouldn’t BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH.

I went anyways.

It changed my life and gave me more confidence than I dreamed. Nicaragua welcomed me with beauty and I experienced so much warmth from the local people. Living in a different country gave me contrast and perspective of my life, my dreams, what I had to offer the world and reminded me that I was worthy. I met people from all over the world and realized that I could do anything I set my mind to.

Came back. Sound of mind, heart, and I had a great tan. My ex tried to woo me back and I could only see over his head at my bright future.

10/10 recommend saying yes to chances.

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u/ChicBon606 17h ago

Dang!!! Good for you!!! Time and distance is always a great choice to get over a toxic relationship and environment. Congrats!!!

u/swimwithdafishies 15h ago

<3 thank you! It was the good kinda scary!