In the first installment of Men-tioned, I’m sharing the story of Chef Kelly — a military man I met on a dating app who became more than I expected.

What started as casual quickly became complicated as feelings developed, boundaries blurred, and I found myself experiencing emotions I wasn’t fully prepared for. From hookups to house-sitting while he was on deployment, this story unpacks the excitement, confusion, attachment, and disappointment that came with catching feelings for someone who didn’t handle me with the care I deserved.

“Men-tioned: Chef Kelly” is a real-life reflection on dating, vulnerability, learning through heartbreak, and the growth that comes from finally seeing a situation for what it was.