Abuse starts out slow
Subtitle insulting
Tearing you down a little bit at a time
Not all at once
One minute they buy you flowers and chocolates
They cook delicious meals and they clean your house for you
They tell you, "you are amazing , beyond imagination"
The next minute they yell" you are a narcissist, who has multiple personalities," for not accepting their disrespect
They may not hit you but they don't have to, being restrained or picked up against your will counts as physical abuse too
They tell stories about when they have hit before with other women so you know it's not beneath them
They apologize and say they will "never do it again "
And then they say it is your fault because you triggered them
They dismiss their actions because it was due to alcohol
And then it is your responsibility to stay because leaving will hinder their recovery
When you set a boundary, they don't respect it, and they say that "you lack empathy"
When you want your space, they say " you are selfish "
Manipulation and control in every action
But only hindsight is 20/20
It is not your fault
It can happen to anyone
You aren't accountable for their bad behavior
You aren't responsible for their recovery
You deserve better
Love is meant to heal, not harm
Love is meant to be your safe place, not a prison cell
Reach out, get help, you are not alone
