Have you ever been the filler in ?

[pinkposies]

Not exactly as a girlfriend but fulfilling that role without the sex bit?
When did the penny drop and how did you remove yourself from that situation? Thanks for reading .

Incidentally, coercive relationships are incredibly complicated and the way your friend described it suggests he only had the barest outline understanding, so it is unlikely he would have been in a relationship with or be good friends with the woman at the time he said it (unless he is preying as you say, which seems unlikely too...). It sounds as though he only has a superficial knowledge of what her relationship is/was like.

It takes a lot of bravery and strength of character to leave a coercive relationship, or even to start telling people in order to get protection, ime, so your description of the woman sounds a bit unlikely too to me (unless he is preying on a young girl). The phrase "off the wall" which you used isn't really an appropriate way to describe her experiences, in my opinion.

But anyway - I hope that you find some peace

I recognise you, OP.

It's time to let this relationship go. He's not interested and you have to get on with your life, this level of analysis isn't healthy.