A year ago, my parents pressured me into meeting someone for a potential arranged marriage. I wasn’t ready—not emotionally, not mentally. So, in panic, I told them I was already in a serious relationship. I showed them pictures of me and a guy friend, even created a fake chat thread.

It worked. They backed off, and I bought myself time.
But here’s the twist: that friend… he ended up catching feelings. I didn’t.
Now, I’m stuck in a loop of guilt. I lied to my family, played with my friend’s emotions, and I’m still single and confused.
Did I save myself, or just mess up everything?