Emotional Abuse: The Invisible Train Wreck

A Note from the Wf1 Staff: This piece remains one of our most popular Truthteller stories on the site. Our hearts go out to the many people who have taken the time to comment on the post and share their personal stories. Please keep in mind that while we encourage our authors to respond to comments as they are able to, this is not always possible. If you are at immediate risk and need support and/or someone to talk to about your situation, we encourage you to check out Wf1’s Crisis Resource List, which we created especially for our community. We wish you everything you need to make life happen on your own terms.

In hindsight, I never felt my relationship with my husband of 22 years was abusive. One would certainly think it would be so easily detected; so easily felt. I would have never believed it could have been part of my life. The abuse crept into my life effortlessly and I subconsciously learned to survive through the horrific dysfunction. I despised it, yet couldn’t give it up.

Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse is often more difficult to recover from, as the scars can often be more self-destructive. There are no visible marks and friends and family can barely detect your pain.

In the beginning, I thought my relationship struggles were the typical marital woes everyone faced as newlyweds. I felt determined to work through the battles I constantly faced. I thought it was that part of my marital journey where I would suffer through and learn to accept my significant other’s faults. I was proud of my ability to survive. The scars on my heart began to thicken and block my ability to love this man. The mistreatment felt so wrong, but my learned ability to forgive trumped all my instinctive feelings.

The turmoil was relentless. The few people I shared this with were oblivious to any abuse. Their empathy quickly turned to excuses for my husband’s irrational behavior. They’d never witnessed any of it, so I am wondering if they ever really believed me or maybe thought I exaggerated the truth. The ups and downs became a regular gig in the days and months of my marriage. It never stopped or slowed down. It was and is a toxic cycle in any abusive relationships. We would have great normal days, but then someone or something would cause a trigger reaction where there would be arguing, threats, and intimidation, then denial, blaming, and saying I caused him to act that way. There was never an apology, but there was always a guaranteed silent treatment that followed and lasted for days. The communication would just stop. I became invisible, as well as my feelings.

The times I wanted to leave were immeasurable. He was an expert at convincing me I would never make it on my own and that the kids would hate me forever. Self-doubt was inevitable. The abuse became such a profound part of my life, yet I stayed. The level of toxicity increased through the years. I became very depressed during our last years together as a couple. At one low point, I developed shingles. I felt trapped and unable to see how diminished my self-respect had become. I lost my ability to be combative in arguments, because I’d have rather kept the peace than trigger an emotional outburst.

The joy and happiness in my life was trapped underneath the misery. I worried more about my kids’ and my husband’s lives than my own well being. It was pathetic, but it became my normal. Truthfully, I did not even know what emotional and financial abuse was, or that it was considered domestic violence until I finally broke down and secretly went to a local women’s abuse center for counseling. Knowledge became power for me. I began to research and read up on the issues. They all resonated with me. I learned the best way to handle an abuser and how to leave an unhealthy marriage.

My husband’s goal was to gain control and power over me through all the belittling, financial control, and manipulation. His behavior had become unpredictable and troublesome. The more I pulled away from his grip on me, the tighter he held on. I had to carefully plan my escape. The last few months we were together, I had to act like I would try to work on our relationship. I pretended to care, when deep down I hated him, and I hated myself for allowing this man to tear apart my soul.

I began regular therapy, which gave me instant perspective. Every time I left the sessions, I felt more powerful. Just having an outsider view my marriage, who acknowledged my disheveled marital unraveling and allowed my doubts and fears to slowly dissipate. It was if when I was inside the confines of his delusional world, I couldn’t think straight or function as the strong woman I once was. His constant barrage of hurtful words kept me fenced in on the emotional merry-go-round. My therapist explained once that this vicious and toxic cycle was what we needed in each other as partners. He needed to be in control of my life, and I became accustomed to forgiving his bad behavior.

It took me an excruciating year of facing my fears to realize I had to leave or I would never make it out. I was afraid I would become seriously ill from internalizing the abuse for all those years. The strong fist of domestic violence would end up costing me my life, my soul and my being! It wasn’t up to me to help him see his evil ways or making him better. That was his karma. He had to help himself, and I knew I had to jump off the merry-go-round no matter how difficult it would be.

I blindsided him and left while he was away one day. With the support of family, my therapist, an attorney, and friends, I am starting a new life. It was the scariest decision I had ever made, but I now consider it to be an exciting new beginning for me. A new chapter has begun. I now write my own future and that is the power of self.

Emotional and financial abuse is real, and is as destructive to a human being as physical abuse. Here are some sane and loving directions for anyone who may be on the same park ride as I once was:

  • Get an attorney. If you can’t afford one, there are pro bono attorneys available.
  • If you love your home and find it too difficult to leave, or if the abuser refuses to exit and makes more money that you, you have to have to walk out the door. Make a plan, find a place if even temporary. It’s just a material item. Your sanity is far more important than any replaceable structure.
  • Do research information about emotional abuse. Call women’s centers in your area for free counseling and support. Knowledge is power. They can even help you with housing, finding free attorneys and filing a PFA if your situation warrants that.
  • Do not engage in any conversations with the abuser, especially after you leave. It’s their tool for getting you back on that detrimental ride of abuse. I blocked my abuser immediately from my cell phone and emails. My boundaries were not strong enough to guard off the hurtful words I wanted to leave behind. It has to be an abrupt cut off of all communication. If you have kids, the abuser can communicate through attorneys.
  • Learn how to love yourself. Involve yourself in a great support group or with others who have gone through similar situations. Most importantly, don’t look back; you are not going that way. Get therapy and work on YOU.

About the Author | Mary Elizabeth Robinson

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186 comments to "Emotional Abuse: The Invisible Train Wreck"

  • diana

    Thanks so much for this article. I lefty husband one month ago and for the same reason.. I’m starting to feel better about myself!!

    • MARY ELIZABETH

      Thank you Diana. It is not a matter of wanting a divorce, it is a matter of taking care of yourself emotionally and physically. Marriage should not make our emotions invisible. Everyone’s situation varies, however, I was unaware that I was even in a manipulative, and emotionally abusive relationship.
      Thank you for your comment.
      Blessings to you and your family.
      Mary

    • Julie

      This is exactly what I am going through. Thank you.

  • Betty

    My story is so similar to yours, I felt like I wrote it. I have been out of the abusive marriage for four years and am happy and safe. It is scary, but you must protect your children’s mother.

  • Thanks so much…a great article explaining every emotion u go thru.. My husband is a sociopath too.. and hv been facing a similar issue..unable to break off because of lack of support frm my side of family and no financial back up snc last couple of years..am well educated but not confident.

  • SK

    This is a great article Mary but I noticed that the entire article is one sided; relationships are never one sided. You will have numerous women coming here searching for answers but they must see that your life choices may not necessarily be for them. Not once have you mentioned what you may have done to contribute to a single issue that you mentioned. I am pro-relationship and pro-working through issues. Having been to counselling, I must say that it helped us to the extent of identifying reasonable ethical boundaries for both partners. The ONLY way our issues are ever truly resolved is through both partners taking responsibility and getting their ethics sorted, not just one partner…. and it is ONGOING. Please finish this article with a few comments about how you may have contributed to the ending of your relationship. Also maybe include some advice for people that want to save their relationship. Here’s a start (one of thousands on the internet)… https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/01/how-to-save-marriage_n_3444602.html

    You’ve only given divorce advice. Based on what I have seen with a number of my divorced friends, your readers must understand that life is definitely not always greener on the other side.

    • Kat

      When you are in an abusive marriage, there is no saving it! Abusers don’t change, that’s a fact. Ladies, if your man is abusing you in any way, run as fast as you can no matter what anyone else says. “Two sides to every story” is the BS that allows women to be systematically abused and keeps manipulative, lying men unaccountable for their actions.

      • TruthSerum

        No, there are not two sides to every story; there is only one…The abuse from the abuser. There is no such thing as taking responsibility for abuse, unless you are the abuser. I have yet in my 60 years and as a former psyc nurse EVER seen an abuser take responsibility for their behavior AND CHANGE PERMANENTLY. Don’t hold your breath; hold your position to get out, instead.

        • Maeve

          Hell yeah to Truth serum! There is only leave or stay with the abuser. There is no other way. In fact, listening to the abuser’s gaslighting over and over is what keeps some people in an abusive relationship because they repeatedly doubt their own perception.

        • Lynn

          I have been with an abuser for 27 yrs . No kids praise the lord . Every day I hold my breath because I never know who he will be and to make matters worse he drinks every day . It’s always my fault I have been called the most horrible names anyone could image . Never once have I ever gotten apology. I gave up my career and we purchased a farm . I get threatened I will never make it if I leave and I’m a horrible person . When I try to explain the drinking is out of control I get screamed at even worse. When it’s really bad he will break things through out the house and scream calling me the most unforgivable things . I have honestly thought about taking my life . One day he’s kind and he next he’s a monster. He has a horrible temper and if one thing does not not go his way all hell breaks lose. Im 11 yrs older and he calls me an old hag And worse. My mom and I were going to buy a home together and within a yr she passed from pancreatic cancer . Life can be so cruel . Reading that I’m not alone gave me hope 🙏

          • Lisa

            I’m sorry Lynn. I’m familiar with the drinking, screaming and tantrums, I have 3 kids and for now have no way to support myself :( always my fault too

          • SpokenOutLoud

            Lynn,
            You are far from alone. My mother, too, passed. I lover her greatly. And here it is days from Christmas and my aggressive, abusive husband ( I, too, have been called every name under the sun, Sometimes purposely loud enough for the neighbors to hear) is once again not speaking to me because he’s trying to demand what he wants to do with my home, Yet again. A home that has nothing to do with him and he’s trying to make it all about him. And this is only one instance.

            I never receive an apology, He has been physically aggressive on 4 occasions. I caused it so he says. I have been with this man for 17 years. And I am a strong, confident, beautiful , intelligent woman. I stand firm for myself. I will cry tonight privately before I go to sleep. Knowing I deserve a much greater love. A much greater consistent respect. Someone who never forgets the value they have in me. Thanks for listening.

          • Gail

            I have been in a verbal abusive relationship for 30 years . As stated above he can so nice one day but add the alcohol and he comes at me with both barrels . The things he says is so degrading ,, he always seems to do it I. Fro t of friends when he’s been drinking . He has caused several friendship to end due to them being devastated at his behavior . His issue is something he never go over . We separated 31 years ago for over 8 months and we both dated other people . Now when he drinks excessively he has the cruelest words a spouse course possibly say . He belittles me , name calling and never will apologize and expects everything to be fine the next day . I have stayed hoping it would cease but after 30 years it’s not going to cease . He has killed any and all of the love I’ve ever had for him . Looking into moving on with out him , it couldn’t be any worse . on without him , it cu

        • Lynette

          I am weeping as I read this and I feel like a damn is about to burst inside of me from all the pain. You could be writing my story verbatim and even more . I don’t know what to do or where to even start. Because I too forgive , shove everything down and continue to live in his insanity and think it’s normal. 2 days ago I had to beg for my underclothes. I constantly hear you made me do this , you started it , etc , etc help

      • Brenda Lee Baxter

        Ladies, please understand that no matter how much abuse we encounter, “we can’t keep anyone who doesn’t want to be kept”. I divorced my husband after 19 years of marriage that was very emotionaly abusive. I ran as fast as I could and it hurts to look back. Keep the faith.  BB

        • S.

          Brenda,
          I need to do this. My marriage has been emotionally and verbally abusive for eight years and next week makes her 14 wide anniversary. We have two beautiful children 10 and 12 years old I have to get out. My parents turn a blind eye and do not seem to want to financially help me. I’m a stay at home mom. We are financially well off. I’ve been in therapy on and off for the last five years where do I start ???

        • Megan

          Thank you for your article. It does inspire hope in me. I’m alone and I have no support system. I feel completely isolated, exhausted, and like I can’t even make the smallest decision on my own. I’m financially dependent on my husband and have no friends and barely any family. I’m not sure what to do. I’m totally lost. I’m slowly trying to get back out to work even though it’s tough. I’m desperate to leave him.

        • Cristie Dice

          I have experienced first physical (until I had a restraining order against my husband) and now mostly emotional abuse throughout my 38 years of marriage. My parents told me to never come to them for help if something goes wrong in my marriage. I was 30 when I got married and dated my husband for 4 1/2 years. There were many red flags with my then boyfriend, and within his family. I’ve been married for 38 years snd have three grown children who have witnessed more than they should have while growing up. I am very sorry snd sad about that. I didn’t have support to get out of a bad marriage. I was also very afraid that if I did leave, my husband’s extreme narcissistic mother would try to influence my daughters. (My husband never had my back when it came to his parents, who are now deceased).
          Now my husband recently had gone through treatments for bladder and prostate cancers. His attitude towards me has become worse. And, I feel stuck, financially and through guilt. I can honestly say that I no longer love my husband, but feel sorry he has to deal with his cancer diagnosis.
          I recently had a 70th birthday party for him (which I’ve done every decade). Our three children came home (after being away, due to Covid, for a year and a half). After our children left, my husband yelled at me for ordering already cooked ribs (I made the side dishes) so that he wouldn’t have to do the grilling for his own birthday. (He’s never had a party for me). Anyway, I REALLY feel stuck in a RESLLY bad situation. I’m now (a young and healthy) 68 year old. And, feel my life slipping away.😞

      • T

        I couldn’t have said this better.

      • Tracey B

        Kat, I agree with you 100%. I was married for 25 years bc we as girls born in the 1970s were taught to stay and fight for that marriage and don’t end up a divorce statistic. Well it got me no where but almost dead. I’m in my 7th year still trying to love just myself. And every once in a while a night terror will sneak up on me. Oh and btw my husband was never a physical abuser. Just complete mental torture until I was so sick mentally that it led to physical diseases caused by years of extreme stress that I almost died bc I went so long being undiagnosed. Run run run before you don’t have a tomorrow.

      • Embracing freedome

        Amen…I have just left a 30 year abusive relationship and he emotionally abused me from the start by the time we married I was shell of who I was and during the entire marriage there was an escalation of abuse and he thought he was a loving husband who is a well provider. Sure, I had some role in my poor trauma responses but that is exactly why he picked me because I was emotionally vulnerable. Now that I have finally left and cut off contact for a few months his true colors as shining thought and I am so thankful I am out of that marriage (or very soon to be). He is currently financially abusing me (selling our martial home because he was the only one on the deed even though there is a court order that I own half the equity in the house). I have done some shady things in our marriage and I can take accountability for that but if there is abuse get the hell out! I begged for couple therapy, individual therapy, etc. to no avail. YOU cannot fix an abuser they have to fix themselves but you do not need to continue to be abused until they make that choice for themselves and it is NOT your job to fix them.

    • Patsy Thompson

      I don’t know if you are a man or a woman, all I know is you immediately started to bully this lady, do you really think that people just up and leave their whole life behind for the fun of it! Yep you are defiantly in the abuse family,

    • BG

      No! You do not get to tell a woman who has been emotionally abused that she HAS TO do it your way. She stayed for YEARS. An unhappy marriage may be fixed with effort on both sides. A toxic abusive relationship can only be fled.

    • FRANCISCO MONTEBAN

      this article is hardly one sided.

      read between the lines.

      • Maeve

        I gave my husband 17 years and I’m still here, hoping every day that it,or rather he, will be different. He has sucked the very life and soul out of me. Recently I saw a video of me from 17 years ago and I cried because I saw the person I used to be with the spark of life still in her eyes. He subtly sabotages every thing I try to do, then criticizes me for not succeeding. It takes all of my energy every day just to deal with the emotional abuse. Now I make no money at all and can’t see amy way out of here. It’s like I’m in hell.

        • Carola G Densford

          Maev, I feel your pain!!
          I’m exactly in the same place right now. I see who I used to be and what ‘nothing’ I have become. My whole being revolves around his moods..not tat I want to..but that’s all there is left, energy wise. Just to deal..I’m too exhausted to do anything else.
          Wanting to leave is one thing…doing it..is not as easy as “just leave”..or “get a divorce”.
          People don’t even know..he has the money..and it takes energy to take a step..also..him finding out I’d take a step away from him..oh, the hell he’s unleash on me..and somehow makes it my fault and him the victim of me wanting to leave him when he “loves” me so much and does everything for me..(on paper he’s a good provider) , while everyday..he doesn’t miss a chance to be rude, dismissive or passive aggressive..and then act all innocent and calls me crazy or paranoid when I point it out.
          It’s just exhausting..and like yours, mine sabotages any attempt on me doing anything for myself. I used to sew dresses.. I got attention for them and it was therapeutic for me to sew. Made me feel good. Well..he can’t have that. So, he made it a point to stump into my sewing room and start some drama about his feelings and what he knows I’m thinking bla bla bla..just to exhaust me enough for me to drop my project..every time I tried to pick it back up..here he was..some other reason he has a problem that I need to be blamed for or be bombarded about..so..after a while..I’m not even in my sewing room anymore…
          Even if I try to get exited about a new design and how I can make it..it’s pretty much instantly killed by the thought that he will find a reason to draw my attention and energy towards him and his need for drama, fight, or whathaveyou..that the exitement I felt or energy I had to muster up for my project, is sucked out by him.
          And the..he acts like nothing has happend..and IF I dare to be hurt or quiet cuz of his emotional and verbal abuse..crazy accusations or word salad I can’t even recreate in my clearest moments..he is offended, that I’m not ‘understanding’ towards his feelings that I have hurt by him ‘trying to express himself”
          It’s crazy. He’s crazy..or better yet..a psycho. And there IS no reasoning with him. He seems ‘normal’ to thers..because of course he has that role down pat. What to say and how to be, so others adore him. He does helpful things when there is an audience. Behind closed doors though..when it’s only me..and no one watches whose opinion matters…holy cow.
          So..even if the very details might be different.. all in all..I FEEL you, Maeve.
          And I’m sorry to know that there is someone else in the same hell. It is also..as sick as it may seem..somewhat comforting to know that it’s not just me..or me being a “loser” (which I was NOT before I met him..he would not deal with anyone that would look ‘looser-like’. No, quite the opposite!)
          As they always try to tell you and for years I actually thought IF I try harder..love more..show him I’m his and only his..bla bla bla..basically bend over backwards adjusting to his insecurities, just for him to come up with other things to criticize or bitch about. Constantly keeping me busy trying to make him happy (which he never really is..he clearly just enjoys me putting in the effort) that after a long while..it hit me..where are MY needs in all this? And only after I realized that none of my needs are met and this relationship is all about him.and me as the function to make it work FOR HIM..I caught myself too exhausted to make a move.
          Even on my ‘strong’ days..I try to come up with a plan to leave..
          He has the money,, there is enough but again..any plan I come up with, end with me being to exhausted to face the fight and drama that would follow. Even just packing up and going where? And even if I can stay with my daughter for a while..then what? He’s got the house the money and can make up all kinds of lies about me ‘leaving him for another man” like he often accuses me of.
          Like I’d have the energy to even have a THOUGHT about anyone else but how to deal with his next drama attack…
          I’m sorry..I really just wanted to tell you that I understand how you feel.
          And then everything else came out.
          I’m sorry..like you really need another drama story on top of the hell you are living in.
          Sick as it is.., Maeve
          If you ever need to vent..feel free.
          Seriously..not many understand ..even though they try..but if there are no bruises to show..and it’s like one ‘drop’ at a time..over years..it seems like nothing when telling a single incident..but over years..and daily..even on days when there is ‘nothing’..there is always the possibility of something you have to brace yourself for..so yes, it IS daily..even if it’s not visible to anyone else..and the neglect, between the attacks..do count as well. How can those not be destructive?
          so..I’m sorry for the Hell, we both are in.
          Hugs Carola Densford, IN (fb)

          • Katie

            Hi Carola, I know it’s been a little over a year since you commented but your comment really spoke to me. I am also a crafter, really great at wreath making. This really resonates, my husband is the same whenever I try to pursue my craft as a business. At first he will act like he’s supportive but then will sabotage me. He does it with our children too, if I spend too much time doing things with them while he’s home, he’ll start complaining because “he is always doing everything in the house”. But yet when I try to take over the house chores, he complains that “he does everything for the kids”. If I am sick, he’ll act all supportive and let me rest but the 2nd I am better, he will complain that I never do anything. There are parts of the month that he’s really sweet and appears caring and supportive but it always ends the same way. He’ll start to treat the kids poorly and so I will step in and say something to him and then he will start attacking me. He then will blame me for why he gets like that with the kids and blames me for our financial troubles despite him having complete control over our bank account. I’m not even on the account and he never tells me anything. I’ve offered so many times to take over the finances for him and the budgeting but he won’t allow me to. I don’t even have my own debit card. It’s become really bad and he has started to become physical. He has thrown our key fab at me before so hard that it caused a really big bruise on my upper arm. Tonight he pushed me. I’ve tried to reason with him, talk to him about creating a schedule so that he can have more time to himself but he would rather place blame on me and will say things like “you can’t even stick to a schedule, that will never work”. I’ve been a sahm since our first was born almost 5 years ago, he was fired in 2019 and he’s been home since so he’s not working and it’s not like he’s ever trying to improve himself or further himself. He never used to be like this. He was the “perfect” boyfriend and husband until we had children. Since then, he has completely changed, he’s not the patient kind man that I fell in love with. I constantly undermines me with the kids. Literally every thing that I say I don’t want them having or doing, he does the complete opposite. I’m so upset, I want out so badly but I fear that he will try to take the kids away.

        • Megan

          Omg I read this and wanted to break out in tears!!! THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT IM GOING THROUGH! The absolute sheer exhaustion of it is UNBELIEVABLE! I also wonder am I aim hell many times a day and what I’ve done to deserve such a shitty life. Everything I do he sabotages. I feel like I’m going crazy. I HATE HIM. If I hear one more time Everyone is negative except for him. I’m not sure what to even believe anymore and I wonder if IM being punished for my past. I’m not sure if I can go on. The spiral is a prison

    • H.

      SK,
      With all due respect, when somebody says this I just immediately know that they have never been in an abusive relationship OR they are so entrenched in it that they can’t acknowledge it for what it is.
      The whole ‘it always takes two’ is ONLY TRUE IN HEALTHY MARRIAGES.
      When there is one party that does ACTIVE, CONTINUAL HARM to the relationship, with no or little remorse, and is abusive financially, mentally, emotionally, or physically …it is NOT equal.
      The person being abused is living in the abuser’s world trying to figure out how and why someone they love who supposedly loves them could possibly treat them this way.
      Sadly, while it takes TWO to KEEP a relationship HEALTHY, it only takes ONE WHO DOESN’T CARE TO DESTROY IT.
      No. One. Can. Try. Hard. Enough. For. Two. People.
      Nobody can love enough for two people.
      No one can ‘improve themselves’ enough for two people.
      We can all only do our part. If the other person won’t do theirs or is actively abusive there is no saving that marriage.
      Get out!
      That was my experience and if I hadn’t left I would have likely taken my own life because the depression had gotten so horrific. Thanks to God and some good therapy I’m on a road to healing and hopefully a better life.

    • Ki~

      Dear SK,
      I understand this is from a while back but thought this was important to touch on in case someone like me decides to read this article. I want to tell you that I am so happy for you that you have obviously never been in a truly bad abusive relationship. Thank God! Please know that I mean that with complete sincerity. I would never wish upon anyone what I have been through. For those of us who have been in an abusive relationship or still are in one currently, this article gives us strength that we need for our souls to begin to heal. This article is not intended for a person who is in a relationship with arguments that have two sides. This is for those of us suffering from one sided arguments that are fully intended by the abuser to tear your heart apart and leave you feeling hurt, confused, worthless, etc. I think it is wonderful you support and try to help others that may be struggling with situations that can benefit their marriage/relationship by encouraging them to see the two sides of the situation. Communication is so important in a relationship and for each to have an understanding of each others views is also very important. No doubt, it for sure can help a relationship to become even stronger. The thing is, with a true abuser as a partner, they live to hurt you and hurt you more over and over and over again. You don’t have to do anything wrong, they get their energy by hurting you. They live to break you and have no problems doing it. There is no care for communication or understanding because there is no love. Just so you understand why this article is so important for those of us in this other bracket, it’s because this story provides us understanding- that someone else knows the pain of abuse, reassurance- that we are not incapable or unworthy, and hope- that our lives can one day be better. I am thankful to have read her amazingly brave story. Kindest Regards:)

    • Sue

      Many times there is alcohol abuse involved so would you encourage someone to live with an alcoholic? Would not matter what the wife did in that case, no child should grow up in an alcoholic home, I did and have carried the scars for a lifetime.

    • No sk

      Stay and work it out until your not abused anymore? That’s your advise?

    • CC

      To SK, and the “two sides to every story” argument when it comes to domestic abusers.
      Tell me: do you say that when you hear of murder, robbery, assault and pedophilia? “Oh, there are two sides to every story!”
      It’s maybe time to educate yourself on how abusive relationships differ from the standard “takes two to tango” model.

    • Dree

      Yes i agree marriage and relationships need to be worked at , but if someone is abusive and has serious emotional problems or personality disorder etc then it is almost impossible to save as this type of person usually dosent want therapy or realise what they doing is abusive, you need someone who is open to working on relationships with therapy, there are partners who refuse therapy and gaslight their partner . It works only when both ways, i think its clear from the article she was bring treated badly and whatever the reasons, bad treatment or emotional abuse is abuse at the end of day so why would you even want to try and make it work with that type of person . Luckily for you , you had a person in your life who valued you enough to look at themselves and change, also take responsibility, not every person has this situation, you should never try and make abuse part if a normal relationship, its not just seeing things differently or having pet hates etc , this is way more than that.

  • Shelley Chapman

    I am a 13 year survivor of domestic emotional abuse ! You’re writinf a spot on. I was physically abused for four years then he got in trouble and it became emotional . my story is a story of survival and you just touched my heart because our stories are identical . I read the book the verbally abusive relationship written by Patricia Evans and it changed my life . I had nothing and three daughters and I left and God took me in his arms and took care of every single detail . I am now married six years to my soulmate my best friend and the most amazing kindest gentlest man you could ever me . It took a while for me to be able to be in a healthy relationship because my thinking was very unhealthy and the fact that someone didn’t belittle me was crazy . Not only was I abused by my husband but by mutual friends because he would make fun of me and they would laugh and I became the punching bag or the doormat to all our friends . My life has changed 100% I spot an abuser before they can even get in my personal space and I’m free and I daily teach my children my daughters not to allow abuse in their lives . Congratulations to you for your Courage to leave I know how difficult it is. You were in a trance and now you’re out and your story gave me chills from head to toe . You’re free indeed! “LOVE SHOULDN’T HURT”

    • MARY ELIZABETH

      DEAR SHELLY,
      You are 100% right; Love should not hurt. It not only took me so much courage to leave the dysfunction, but it also took a lot to recognize my life and soul was not in a good place emotionally.
      I appreciate your comment. It means a lot. I wanted to share this with others who may be struggling.
      Much love and blessings to you and your courageous journey.
      Mary

  • Jean

    SK….!! You obviously have never been in a verbal and controlling situation before!!!
    You are so wrong!!!
    When you’ve been in an abusive marriage!
    There is no two sides about it!
    it’s all about them!!! Trying to control everything and anything you have and do!!
    Every situation is different!!
    But stop trying to defend the Bully!! The abuser!!
    Mine just laughed in my face when I wanted us to see a marriage counselor.
    nobody was going to tell him what to do!!
    And as he’s gotten older…..he’s worse than ever!!!
    Nothing makes me madder then Hell when you have someone come along and try to feel sorry for the Bully!!! (The Abuser) !!!!

    • Sue M

      You are spot on! There are no two sides about it when you’re dealing with an abuser, no matter the circumstances. I endured emotional abuse (passive aggressiveness) for far too long. I am free now, and feel peaceful for the first time in a very long time. The truth is that it crept up and escalated throughout the years, and I kept trying to ‘please’ As soon as I said “no more!” and decided to just be happy, that ended things. His response was to have affairs. One of the many things I learned was to let go of somehow trying to fix or compensate for the other’s behavior, and concentrate on my inner well being and peacefulness. In my case, nothing stopped this narcissist from hurting me, except me. I chose to be at peace and free. I highly urge others to be brave and make this choice. It changed my life.

    • BG

      Loved your response — SK’s answer was crazy. Go read the abuser’s blog if that’s where you are in your craziness. You spoke from your truth with wisdom and strength.

    • FRANCISCO MONTEBAN

      ABSOLUTELY RIGHT ON THIS!

  • Jamie

    I was 17 and met a guy. We were at a party and he came up to me. He was so cute, tall, dark and I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. He and I were talking and exchanged numbers. He texted me, “I think you’re really cute.” I blushed and he called me that night. We went out a week later and he was the most amazing guy ever! I met his family and they loved me. Invited me to everything like family dinners and so much more. We hungout like everyday and we instantly developed feelings for eachother. He was Prince Charming. Bought me flowers for Valentine’s Day, jewelery for my birthday, perfume, theater tickets, and so much more. After about a month, I felt hard for him. I was so in love with him that he was falling hard for me. We talked about marriage, children, house, cats, pets, and he even told me that we we’re gonna be together forever. I know as a young teen that it probably won’t happen but I thought I had found my soulmate. I never would have thought he was going to be Satan. We got along great but then one day, I gained a little weight and he called me fat. I cried. He begged for forgiveness and I did. He said he was just joking and I take things too serious. That was the start of this behavior. We never argued but all of something, he would pick arguments with me like everyday. He would yell and scream. I would cry because who likes to be yelled at? I didn’t do anything wrong! His behavior got worse and I will never forget when his true colors came out. We got into an argument and he was now screaming, yelling, cursing and threatening and the worst part of that was HE ALMOST HIT ME! He had his hand near my face and hit the wall. I was crying so hard and ran from him. Hid in the bathroom and crying my eyes out. He was chasing me and kept apologizing. Said he took it out on me because he had a bad day. I forgave him because I loved him! I remember feeling so shaky and heart was beating because I had no idea what just happened. Things eventually calmed down and he would be so romantic. Buy me things that I didn’t want. Like a new outfit or makeup. I thought maybe he’s sorry for what he did. So he was starting to act like Satan again. Calling me names like ugly, stupid, fat, worthless, and would always critisize me. He would be so jealous and possessive over who I could talk to or hangout with. I remember if my friends or family were texting he would take my phone and try to block everyone. I would still talk to them and he said to never have communication with anyone. I only have to be with him. That part wasn’t the worst part. I have friends who are guys and he would accuse me of cheating! Just because I have friends! I never cheated! His parents who I thought liked me, now accuse me of cheating! I would have to show proof. They hated that I’m a different religion and always told me to date guys my religion. I didn’t want too! He would constantly call and text and if I didn’t answer, he’d find a way to find me. I felt like he was being the devil and I didn’t want to accept it. I kept thinking what could he do next? Well he told me I couldn’t dress the way that I wanted too. He would buy me clothes but they were so ugly. Like a turtle neck dress or a tank top with jeans a jacket because he didn’t want me to look cute. I couldn’t wear makeup because he would say it’s a mask and you don’t need it. I will wnwver forget when it was my birthday and he called because he was invited to my birthday dinner and he gave me a time to be home so he could see me. If I didn’t get home at that time, he would yell in my face. I got some cute clothes for my birthday and he disapproved everything! I kept everything because I was finally feeling confident. But he made me feel so insecure. I felt like hiding in an eggshell. I cried all the time. Had a hard time sleeping. Couldn’t eat. I was so afraid. He would come to my job and look to see if I was actually working and if I was helping a customer, he would get mad. My job is to help customers. He would tell me to quit my job because I have to be a housewife and he would take care of me. I didn’t quit my job because I love it and he didn’t want me to succeed in life. He would tell me that he makes more money and wouldn’t need my money. He would always talk about his ex gf who left him and he would say how’s beautiful she was and not me. I kept feeling like he’s making me feel ugly. Constantly was mean to my family and would raise his voice to them. I felt like I couldn’t talk to him or feel safe. I was constantly thinking what he was going to do next. Well he said that I was going crazy and I chose to be with him. That’s what I was going to get was how he was treating me. We don’t have kids but there were times when he would tell me that he wouldn’t raise them. I would. By myself. With no help from his family. So I finally got braces and a new hairstyle because I hated my look. He made me feel so self concious and the braces were making me feel so confident. He hated it. Told me to take them off. I didn’t want too. His parents found out and they said I look too sexy for other men. I think the whole cheating allegation against me was because he was being unfaithful and he was! Because I found an email that said I miss you to another girl. I never knew who she was and the message said thanks for the fun time. I confronted him. He was like oh you’re crazy. She’s a friend. I didn’t believe him. He called me from her house and she was saying that they were spending the week together and I instantly hung up the phone and cried. HE CHEATED ON ME!!!!!!!!!!! He didn’t confess but I heard strange noises over the phone. So after that, I finally told my mom. She was in so much shock. She told me everything is okay and he’s a monster. She never approved of him so she said she’s going to help me get out of it. We had a plan. I had enough of his behavior and couldn’t be with him anymore. So he called. He was yelling, screaming, threatening to hurt me and the family. I cried and told mom. She texted him it’s over and it was the best decision ever! I cried after the breakup and he tried to get me back but I said no! I couldn’t do it anymore. He hurt me so bad. I’ve went out with different guys but none I really like. I know this is probably going to haunt me forever but I have my friends, family, job and I’m alive!

  • triciawood_07@hotmail.com

    What a great arrival. Spot on! I’m going thru this same right now. It’s been hell but I finally got the strength to file for divorce. It’s not over yet, but looking back I don’t know how I did it. Educate youredelf. It’s what saved me.

  • Fi Fi

    I could have written much of this myself. Very similar story to mine. Married 22 years before I realised I could have become a murder statistic. I had very poor support when I was trying to escape. I have to say that what he did to me in the years following our separation was so abusive in so many ways – vexatious litigator, extreme financial abuse, stalking, terrorising me, spreading terrible viscious lies about me, lying to the children and more. I was a well educated professional with three children. He went bankrupt so I would get nothing. He haunted my every living moment. I was diagnosed with PTSD. I am so grateful for your post. To know that others have experienced this abuse is more than sad but also a comfort because knowing someone understands what you’ve been through is so important. My daughter said a few years ago how proud she was that I got out when I did. The boys have been amazingly supportive too. I have managed to turn my life around somewhat. The emotional scars are there still and sometimes I still suffer from anxiety. I hope the black hole of depression doesn’t return. My children are now all in their thirties. They have struggled with demons too. They are the mainstay of my existence.
    I do what I can now to support victims of domestic violence.

  • Shannon Q

    I just saw this perfectly written piece. I’m struggling in my life. He treats me horribly. I’m very aware of the manipulation/control. I have an attorney, just need the strength to file

    • Sonya Ramos s

      I’m in denial still holding on to the memories of the year and half we spent together before the marriage. I keep waiting to wake up from my nightmare. I’ve never shared that kind of love, or felt that kind of hate with anyone in all my 45yrs

  • Naomi

    Reading your story was frightenly like mine.
    Therapists have told me to leave and I will be ok and happy again.
    He is a special brand of abuser as he is a manic-depressive, intelligent and cultured, fun personality that people love. He saves the real person for what his mom called kitchen talk. He goes up and down. When he’s up he is happy-as-larry, but when he’s down he has tirades and takes everything out on me.
    I’m a smart businesswoman but have become isolated by him. He tells me I’m crazy, not articulate, can’t understand anyone…he has-lights. No one knows except 1 girlfriend.
    It’s eating me up inside….but, I find it hard to let go.
    I see it. What’s wrong with me?

    • Carola G Densford

      There is NOTHING wrong with you!!!! I recognize your guy. It’s my Husband to a T.
      The reason why it’s so hard to leave or make a plan or deal with it..is because they DO NOT MAKE sense!!
      These are some sort of psychopaths, mostly narcissists, that do not think like a normal person. The ‘problem’ we have, is to try to make reason out of their behavior..to somehow reason with them, make them see or understand like one would with a normal thinking person.
      BUT..these are not normal thinking humans..and you (me) are not human to them. Like I’ve read so many times..; we are ‘means to an end..whatever they need that moment to please their sick mind and feed off of any emotion they can arouse..the more destructive, sad or angry the better. Then they need to win the argument and walk off satisfied and leave you in the puddle of your own guts and emotions.
      Not caring at all how you feel..if at all..feeling victorious over your defeat. No matter how pointless and senseless it all was..no issue to resolve..only the goal is to put you down and lift himself up..in whichever sick, unrealistic, gaslighting or made up argument or drama that was created in their head only..and then thrown at you to ‘deal with’. And how often did he try to then twist it all as him being the victim all of the sudden, when he was the attacker in the first place? And as soon as you defend yourself and he runs out of arguments..the shift comes..and you are now the attacker and he’s the victim and you end up apologizing for ‘reacting’ the way you did..even though..if you think about it..WTF did just happen?
      It’s crazy, sick and psycho. And trying to understand them..or yourself trying to deal with the psycho.. is just another way to keep you busy exhausting yourself.
      I know. And I’m still doing it. There are sooo many ways they come at you , you only recognize it afterwards for what it was..after having time and clarity to look at it for what it was and not what he tried to present it as..
      So..even though I’m in the same hell still..and yes educating myself any which way I can..and still..under his thumb and financially dependent on him of course.. it’s not understandable to any normal human being why ‘don’t you just leave?”
      Only the ones that live(d) it understand..but.. know this much…if anything.. ALWAYS trust your gut, not him or his words!! And there is NOTHING WRONG WITH YOU!!!

  • Victoria Brown

    I just got out of an abusive relationship. I’m twenty four years old. Thinking about the abuse sucks so much. One day it got so bad that he pistol whipped me. I had this man back. I was his home when he was cold. For him to do such a thing like that is heartbreaking. I’m still in the healing stage and sometimes it becomes hard. Some days I want to call him and tell him how much I miss him, then other days I hate him for what he put me through. Reading other people stories helps me heal because I know that I am not alone and that we can come together and give each other advice.

    • Avatar photo
      Women For One

      Hi Victoria, thanks so much for your comment. We appreciate your courage and honesty in sharing your voice (and your own story!) with us. The healing process can be very tender, and we encourage you to reach for whatever support you need—from reading the stories of other Truthtellers to getting professional guidance for your situation to seeking communities of people who honor you and your experience.

      Our founder, Kelly McNelis, also recently contributed to a piece about how to recognize emotional abuse (whether you are currently in a situation, out of it, or wanting to help others who are experiencing it), and perhaps it will offer you some solace and tips on moving through to find the light at the end of the tunnel. https://www.mydomaine.com/signs-of-an-emotionally-abusive-relationship–5a8cec3877509

      Thanks again for connecting with us, and for being brave enough to begin your healing journey.

  • Elizabeth

    Hi, thank you for your story, I’ve been searching for reasoning and help as I believe my husband is a bully but sometimes he makes me think I’m the crazy one. He’s older, a widow, with grown up adult children ten years younger than me and we have a two year old and I’m pregnant again, 4 months, though neither of us planned this time. He constantly tells me I’m crazy, I imagine things, I’m selfish, I’m trying to make him sound crazy, he didn’t say or do that. In the space of 5 minutes he tells he is happy about the new child and then tells me he wants me to get abortion when I don’t agree to other things he way he wants. He has told me he shouldn’t have married me, a week after our wedding when I was 8.5 months pregnant, he doesn’t love me, he tells his children I pressured him or anything not to make him seem anything other than loving and kind. They hate me, especially now with the second child, in all honestly I have done nothing to them but support them, be nice, include them in everything, constantly tell my husband to call them, involve them. I don’t think they have any idea really of what goes on sometimes but still they blame me for everything and I have destroyed the family. My husband refuses to acknowledge any pain and constantly tells me I don’t make them a family or don’t try while he sits back and does less than zero and even says he doesn’t want to make an effort. He told people the first time I was pregnant a lot of untruths and will do again. He is a scary man, I don’t know why I always believe him when he suddenly seems normally again and says lovely things like he wants us to be together and a family. If I ever correct him about what has been going on I get a torrent of accusations none of which are true. Sometimes I feel I’m the crazy one. Trying to find the strength to leave while not angering anyone further, he will take me to court and fight me on every level as he doesn’t like to lose. I guess we have to go through the storm to find the beauty the other side. I’m nervous he will take my children, although rationally I know he can’t, he has a lot of resources and I have very few. Mostly I’m so sad as once I was very much in love and believed he wanted to get married and have more children, now he says he never promised anything, I still have the messages. It’s so tough for anyone in this situation, I feel very abused by the whole family and think if only they knew the truth of who and what he is it might all be easier, I would never do that though to them about their father. I am going to protect my children from being rejected anymore and pick up the pieces. Nice to vent, thank you for reading x

  • maria

    Thank you so much it helps me to read about what is going on in my life,I am trying my hardest to get him out I moved out of state with him one year ago big mistake am all alone 6 states away from my family and friends ,My fault I seen the red flags but ignored them .I own everything I still can’t get him out called the police they did nothing,He has broken a lot of my stuff he screams at me bully me belittles me threaten to burn down my house along with other things.Now he is saying if I give him 10,000 he will leave I hate his guts

  • Una

    I feel like I’m reading my own story I’ve left him after discovering he’s been texting and seeing other women as well I was devastated away nine weeks still difficult but getting stronger I’ve got a very supportive family behind me always had just didn’t realise they are the ones who loved me I do now

  • Gail

    My story is so similar after not speaking for past 3 weeks because of cussing name calling degrading my family he tells me he wants out cares nothing for me says he will not live this way and my story for 22 years was so much like your I say I hate him but my heart is crushed I feel ashamed of me don’t want to be without him don’t want our home gone I feel so responsible I have been called liar shit nogood dor 22 yrs and I’m scared to death and so hurt please help me

    • Marie

      Hi Gail – im in the same sinking boat. Married 27 years to an emotionally abusive man. When I think about the things he’s said and done to me, I get so angry and deep sadness and I want to begin a new healthy life. The sick part is that I still have hope that he would see what he’s done and ask for forgiveness and seek help and we could have that happily ever after , I too don’t want to be without him but it’s causing me such heartache, I see your post was only a few months back and curious if anything changed.?

      • Andrea

        Hi, my situation is almost identical excepts it’s been almost 29 years. It’s like they all have a copy of the abuser’s guide book.
        I too have lived in hope that one day he will see how much he’s destroying me and try to change his tactics or get help. But that’s impossible, they never change.
        It’s not sick to hope for change, what they do to us is sick.
        My ‘partner’ wipes his own slate clean regularly, as if it never happened and I’m crazy. He is fine as long as I don’t say anything he doesn’t like, like a stepford wife. But so cruel and cold when I make a mistake, which I always do. He is very manipulative and treats me like gold in public. I have nothing to show for the fact that I’ve even been alive, he’s alienated our son against me. I can’t show that I care about anything, he can take it away from me. I’m so exhausted, I just can’t do this anymore, I feel like the living dead.

        • Suzanne M

          Hi Andrea. I feel your pain. You and I are in the same boat.
          I stay for financial reasons. I am 63 and have grown children with their own lives. Outwardly he puts on a good show. I go to small church and they all like him. They have no idea.
          I am in a small town with no friends here. Best thing is to see your post, and others, and know I am not alone. God bless you sweetheart. Know you are not alone and your post made my day.  Blessings!

          • Micheaux

            Yes, I’m in same boat, same age, he’s Jekyll Hyde, so nice and normal, then cycle starts,
            I get pulled back into the sweetness, it’s hard to leave this close to retirement but I can’t keep on if he keeps turning like he has.. this time he seems genuine, but that’s how it always is, then he starts in slowly again being verbally or financially abusive.
            I’m very close to going as I think I can afford to now, especially after all the horrible ways he’s treated me over last 20 yrs and recently..I’m in limbo, real close to making the decision, but then the economy scares me and he gets nice so I wait again til the next blow up and swear that’ll be the time I’ll finally go..
            Stay safe and well all of you.

  • Lori Rux-augustine

    Reading this, I could have easily written every single word.. I’m at the point of obtaining the lawyer. The real battle has yet to begin with him legally, mentally I have won that war! In hindsight, the fog that blinded me and engulfed me nearly took my life and my sons for 2 very different reasons both caused by him. And that was day fog began to lift. When I could focus? I’m still in shock finding out the things he did, that I didn’t know l. Who was this man? How could he? And why hurt those that loved him? I’ve stopped trying to rationalize such an irrational thought!!!

    But thank you!
    Articles like this, give me strength to keep pushing on!

    Lori Rjux

  • Valerie

    Thank you for this article. I’ve recently started going to an abuse center. My husband of almost 31 yrs has kept me in a so called plastic bubble until I try to pull away which causes so much arguing. I was never allowed to go to school, have a full time job, go with friends alone, make decisions on our home, watched the clothes I wore, jealousy with him is horrible, he’s not loving, compassionate, doesn’t want to hear my feelings and says I abuse him. It’s always about him. I always felt isolated in our marriage but just continued on. He lied to me about having cancer 2+ years ago, I must have been talking about splitting up only for him to be diagnosed this year with Hodgkins lymphoma. At first I cried and wouldn’t leave his side, then anger built as though he was purposely doing this to keep me from ever leaving. My emotions have been on a total rollarcoaster on how do I leave now. I really don’t feel anything for him, I love him for we had 5 children together but the resentment grows every day. I’m 51 and I want to be happy and not have fear of him watching my every move. He seems to hold tighter the more I push away. My heart is so empty and I fear getting sick due to all the anxiety I have around him. There’s so much more and I hope I can find the strength to move on. Thank you

  • Sonya Sagehorn

    Thank you for your story. I’m in s verbally abusive relationship with my husband and have lost of who I was and am. His hatred has followed me in different meanings and his words towards me will forever follow and haunt me. All of the party’s and I will work on this or that never seem to own up to it. I’m trying to be brave and think about my poor precious 5 year old who hears her daddy talk so badly to me her mother it sickens me and I cry myself to sleep thinking how much I hate him and want to leave and start a life with my daughter and soon to be son or daughter. But then the next morning I think damn I complain to much is life really that bad? Maybe I make myself believe this is the norm? Idk I just know that I’ve never felt so hurt and disrespected in all my life . Thank you for your story ❤️

  • Lee

    Your story is mostly my story. I’m still stuck in this a ubusive marriage. Trying to make my way out soon. I resent him for all the destruction he has caused. At the moment I am going through such a tough time. My days vary. I mostly have days when I am ok. But the last two days I have been at an all time low. Where I feel stuck and numb. I want to vomit when he is near me.
    I am planning my exit.

  • ME

    THANK YOU SO MUCH. I am going thru an awful situation as an American Brazilian citizen here in sao paulo and this has really touched me. Its like you guessed how I feel. Thank You

  • Dawn

    Dear Mrs. Elizabeth, I found your article for the first time today and it was like reading an autobiography. Could you possibly e-mailed me? I am a Christian Women who has been married 22 years this last April. I have 7 children with my husband, but only 3 daughters left at home. I am from Alaska and had to leave for medical reasons, I have Crohn’s Disease and haven’t worked outside of the house since college. I have homeschooled all my children all the way through school.
    Which means I am desperately alone. My mother is mentally I’ll and divorced my step dad for sexually abussing me. I have no family support. My husband has been with me 25 years but more I try to please him the worse he gets. Help! Do you know of any counselors in Valdosta, Georgia?

    • Lisa

      Honey watch Fried Green Tomatoes, the movie. The help you need can be found by contacting The National Domestic Violence Hotline, by phone or internet. 1−800−799−7233 https://www.thehotline.org/ They will help you find help close to you. Good luck, may you know peace again soon.

    • Obscurity knocks

      I too, am in this situation, it’s been almost 29 years for me. He lives his life like a single man and things are only ok if I tow the line, if I don’t I’m punished. I feel it’s been one long succession of punishments. Sometimes I hope I’ll die in my sleep so I can escape the constant fear and misery. Sometimes I think maybe I have died and I just don’t know it yet, like Patrick swayze in ghost! As I’m so invisible it makes me wonder.
      It’s like being tortured. Sometimes I hope he dies.
      I am always penniless so have no recourses to leave. I literally brought up our son alone as he works away mostly. He is incredible selfish and cruel when I’m not behaving how he wants me to. I’ve become reclusive because he will humiliate me in public if he has to. I hate him.
      I really feel for you all. Considering they think of themselves as individual and special, they do all seem to use the same rule book on abuse. Our experiences are mostly identical.
      I think I would have committed suicude years ago had I not accessed sites like this. I feel less alone.

  • Whitney

    Thank u. Your a strong woman. I read articles like this alot..it makes me happy. And i can admit and realize i am in an abusive relationship and its scary its hard but to read stories such as this makes me happy for you and every women who was strong enough to leave. Im not strong enough.

  • Constance McLearie

    I want to smile again.

  • Zoey

    That was super difficult to read because it mirrors my situation. I am so alone and he has turned into a completely different person. He legitimately doesn’t care that he is constantly hurting me and then will go days without speaking to me completely unapologetically. As I’m left crying and alone he goes on about his days per usual. I live in a very small town and there are not many support services in place. Since he’s an officer, the service that are in place are not safe nor confidential. It’s a miserable situation to be stuck in. I’m so angry with myself for allowing myself to get stuck in this awful position.

  • Jadwjga

    I agree with the sentence about the karma. I met my husband almost three years ago , fell in love so much than within a month th we were living together in his house , I left my work and life I knew for him . He is 21 years older than myself so I thought he is trustworthy, successful and felt privileged he wanted to marry me . First 6 months were a bliss and then all the hell broke loose . I have tried to leave every month and every time went back.
    I found the article very helpfu in understanding how important it it to think of our health and mental well being in the face of the abuse. I am just about to start a new chapter in my life…goodbye to the past …welcome to my future.
    Thank you for this article ,it made me realise how I should not feel or be treated by a husband.

  • Jennifer C Poulin

    well I will try to write but seems your website has been in active for a few years . I just got out of a 34 year relationship ( marriage ) and seems I can’t find anyone that put up with it that long . You are the only 1 I found . I guess I am just crazy . If you do get this I would love to hear back . Your writings are spot on , but you must know easier said than done . Thanks , feel a little better just to write – Jennifer

  • Susan Hoefer

    Thank you Mary for sharing your story and your strength. I too have been in an emotionally abusive marriage for 28 years. And, I have been emotionally abusive in many ways myself. Dysfunctional, abusive , ways of relating. I realized that , at the core, I was/am abusive to myself. Much self criticism, internalized perfectionism, bullying really. My husband is more passive in his forms of abuse. More controlling tendencies, he too is very hard on himself. Our healing has happened with distance and individually and as we both learn about the abusive parts we each have we are both discovering that we are each responsible for changing our relationship with ourselves first. Learning about self love, learning to control the inner bully, inner critic… inner bitch:) Fortunately, we both have many parts inside, many loving and redeeming qualities which are influencing our way of being in our individual lives. Healing can happen. Because we are both healing and changing and learning as individuals, our marriage is becoming deeper and more loving. We both realize fear was running our individual lives and our marriage. Of course, if he was not able to heal and grow along side my growth, I too would decide to leave , as you did. For now distance and individual healing is changing my individual life and my relationship with my husband.

  • Trish

    I wish I had the wherewithall about me sooner. I agree. Wholeheartedly. Same situation here. Sucks that it is all the forms of abuse except the one that is most recognized by others, but it is most definitely just as if not moreso hurtful and more difficult to explain/prove to others.
    Currently fighting this divorce battle now. Hope to be a ray of sunshine/hope to others struggling someday!

  • Melissa

    I know this post is from 2015, ironically the year I finally divorced my husband of 23 years. As I read this I felt like you were writing my story instead of yours. So, fast forward 3 years and I am now faced with all the issues that I have not been able to reconcile – and I feel I may never- and I am in a relationship that I do not want to bleed all over with my old wounds. Is there book or something you would recommend that could help me with healing some of those wounds. I go to counseling, but I feel like I need something to cling to between sessions that can help me to work through stuff as it happens.

    Thank you

  • Lisa

    I am still in a toxic relationship of 24 years now. I was violently abused by our father growing up, so I ignored the red flags. I was used to them. He used to hit me, but I had him arrested. So he had to do Anger Management. The only thing he learned was another guy in there for Domestic Violence taught him to Belly Bash me. Told him it doesn’t leave visible injuries. So I spent several more years being rammed into by my 6ft. 2in, 275 lb nightmare. While I was 5ft.6in. & 130 lbs. Then after I finally had him arrested yet again, because he could not control his rages after a while, he went into full blown emotional abuse. Gas Lighting all the time. Told everyone, even neighbors I was crazy. (We had a son, and he told them to keep an eye on me for our son’s sake. Truth was he just wanted me watched to see if any men came around while he was at work.) I had several neighbors throughout the 2 decades tell me that after they saw me with our son, and how I was always taking care of him, and our home was spotless, and I took my son everywhere I went. (I could only go to grocery stores.) My millage would be trip metered every time. I would be in for it if I took too long or went to a Dollar store as well as the grocery. He poured Lemonade all over me when I pulled into the driveway one time with our son in the backseat watching. Just walked up to the car, I rolled down the window and he tossed it all over me & the car because I took too long. And it was never him, always me that caused every argument. He would pick fights to leave & go out & then he would stay gone overnight. I did not know until years later that he would park down the country dead end road we lived on & walk back home & sleep in his camper trailer next to the garage. He loved to torture me, I was just glad he was not home. He also hung with his ex in laws family constantly whom I was not welcome with. Who does that anyway? Then there was his porn addiction. I will spare you that one, but I will say I was just happy if he was leaving me alone. But I was afraid our son would find it so he kept it in the attic! Our son never went up there. Then I find out him & his ex were wife swappers, and he still was friends with the two couples they did it with! I mean can this nightmare get any worse? Yet I was the bad egg to everyone he knew. I had to just keep my mouth shut & take it for years. He would explode if I said he was being mean or abusive to me. He has a bottle rocket reaction to anything negative about himself. I finally really started standing up for myself & we would fight verbally a lot at that time. I now had no friends, no family, no one but him & our son. I was stuck, I got a job at a country club to try to make enough to leave him. He would spy with Binoculars from the back parking lot through the large window of the dinning room & hall on the other side. He beat me up several times for being too friendly to guests. Even though I was just trying to get better tips. No flirting, just friendly mind you. I was forced to quit the job after he blacked both my eyes and broke 3 of my ribs. He was arrested again, I was in ICU. cost us thousands of dollars every time, but I was not going to just take it. He told his family I was a nut case & trying to control him by having him arrested on false charges all the time. They treated me worse than dirt. i had only been working weekends so his older daughter from his 1st marriage could babysit, but I was making very good money. So once I healed I went back. But he did it again before I had enough to leave. Now my work new it was no car accidents happening. The management offered me a job at another club out of town and paid for my son & myself an apt. in that town. No strings attached, I finally had escaped, until we had to go to court for child visitations, and support. He was being nuts & threatened our child while he would eventually have visitations, so when the judge said he had never harmed his child he could have regular visitations every wkend~! So I went back to him to protect my son, just as he planned I would do. I could not stand the thought of him possibly doing it to get back at me. So at that point once he knew I could leave he straighten up a bit, no more violence physically for about 5 years. Just the verbal onslaught. At that time he choked me almost to death. I fought back & nearly ripped off his man hood & he finally stopped. That time I had him arrested they told him prison next time. So he never has hit me again. But the psycho of this horrible relationship did scar me severely. I cannot sleep without meds, I have PTSD, I shake & quiver inside when he is around. I have to take nerve medications. Antidepressants did not help the Dr. said because it was situational not my body really. Our son grew up not seeing any of it. My abusers was very crafty. Only bad when our son was out of earshot & eyesight. Then as he grew up he tried to turn even him against me but he couldn’t. Our son caught on to what was happening about 13 to 14 years of age. And has buffered for me ever since, trying to keep him in a good mood, or just staying with me so he would not start on me. Which no child should have to do. He stayed home to this day because of it. While he does go to college. He finally grew up into a wonderful young man. He is just the opposite of his father, thank the good Lord. I always told him I had to raise a gentleman and my life would be complete. We were not allowed to go to church but we would sneak out & go many times during my abusers famous golf outings on Sunday. I would just reset the millage trip meter and park exactly. One time i forgot to lock the car & he knew we went somewhere. So I said I left my purse in the car and just forgot to lock it. By now I am disabled. Mostly from those fake car accidents. I had pain constantly throughout my entire body, mostly bone & joint sever pain from the ribs being broken so much. My knee was broken once, and I now have severe Arthritis, along with type 2 diabetes from gaining weight from one of the meds I had been on for years. Plus I am sure the depression & misery didn’t help me stay thin. But I loved my son, and I had that joy. But now I have a little dog, no apt places that are 55 and disabled will take. She is my support dog, I could never leave her. Plus I checked and because I worked very little I would make only $760. a month on disability if I left him. So I have continued to stay for the home & the money, & to keep my dog. But I am on an emotional roller coaster with no brakes. If I do not get out soon, I fear when he retires in 3 years he will end up killing me. I know I have to do something but it is so hard. Please if you are living this way get out & do not waste your life like I have to end up practically crippled from it in every way…

    • Avatar photo
      Women For One

      Thank you so much for sharing a piece of your story with us. Because we cannot offer individual feedback, we encourage all women in our community to reflect on their experiences by sending us a Truthteller story submission and gaining the support of our larger community. Here’s the page where you can submit your story, as well as access our submission guidelines: womenforone.com/share.

      Most of all, we encourage our tribe to make truthtelling an integral part of their lives. Truthtelling is all about sharing from the heart with vulnerability and courage. It’s also about finding the silver lining and lessons learned from otherwise painful experiences—while locating the support we need.

      Also, if you are currently experiencing a lack of resources and support, we encourage you to check out our Crisis Resources page at womenforone.com/crisisresources/, which we created especially for our tribe.

      Women For One is committed to helping women from all walks of life make happen on their own terms. But we also understand that our life stories encompass challenges, trauma, and circumstances that can sometimes feel inescapable. We are here to let you know that there is help, and there is hope.

      • Sarah

        Hi, I don’t understand how these men get to be this way? how did they grow up? Or, does it go beyond that?

        • Rudi Mae

          I do have information about that, but here’s the bottom line. That is a question with a focus that the abused cannot afford. In these crisis situations it does not matter HOW abusers got that way. What matters is They Are Abusive. We can not understand or fix them out of their behavior. The cycle gets stopped when the abuse is arrested, that is to say when the behavior stops, whatever way that occurs. Then there has to be therapeutic interventions to address all the ways damage has occurred to you, to children & other family.

          It’s super hard for vulnerable people to understand but self-understanding, self-trust and relentless truth telling about What It Is Now is the key to extricating yourself from this quicksand. See it for yourself, Say it to/for yourself. It’s like the oxygen mask lesson airline personnel give. Take care of yourself. Keep yourself safe. Give your truth & learning energy to yourself figuring out your day to day problems not to figuring out why the energy vampire is a vampire. I am not blaming the abused for not seeing this being the key, I am giving hard-won knowledge on how to win themselves back from the Dark side.

  • Kathryn Stolz

    This sums up my life! I am 63 and I have lived this life. I want out. I live in Central Florida.

  • Reem

    I am in the middle of this same situation..

    Reading this helps me a lot. Thank you for sharing your strong. It gives me power to stand up.

  • Carolyn Bennett

    Wow, a great article, but I’m locked in here, just since he retired from DEA, this started, and I’m a behaviorist. I’m destitute he has all the money, suddenly, he stood up on the lanai and tore my beach dress off. It had begun, I’m 74 and he is 80. Never had this happened when he was working,,,it happens,, followed by several venues, that broke me.. my doctor at Fl. Behavioral, Dr. Nihal Shah. Was a friend, I have trouble going out and facing my neighbors. Self esteem has flown.
    Carolyn Bennett Faddis Clearwater Fl. 727-772-5815. Grand Venezia at baywatch

  • Patricia White

    This story is me… 25 years. I’m going through a hard time but will overcome.

  • Debbie

    My hole family have been in emotionally abuse for 20 years with that my dad already suffers from depression on top of the abuse . It’s not fair . That he has done this and needs to be behind bars .

  • Nicole

    Thank you so much for this. Words cant express.

  • Eli Richardson

    Thanks for your suggestion about finding a group that shares similarities to your case. My sister had enough of her toxic relationship. I know it won’t be easy for her, but at least a therapist could help her understand not to look back. 
    https://www.bonniehs.com/couples-therapy.html

  • Misty

    Thank you for sharing your story. I have been married for almost 20 years. I am just starting to understand why I have been so unhappy for so long. I was physically abused by my mother growing up and after I divorced my 1st husband thought I found a prince in my husband now. He is a monster in disguise. I believed all the things he does is because he loves me, but both of my sons saw it years ago. They took off as soon as they could find an escape and I don’t blame them. I have become a miserable person and dread going home. I feel guilt because he is now unable to work. That just started a whole new type of abuse. I even feel guilt for writing these words, like I’m somehow betraying him. Why is it wrong to want happiness? I just want to be able to smile and laugh like the happy person I was. To sing with the radio and drive just for the fun of it and not have to report in. To finally have a friend and go to a bar for a drink if I want. I’m a grown ass woman, why can’t I?

  • Hope

    Most of what you wrote resonates with me. I’m still stuck in my own prison… i hope one day i can have the courage to leave…

  • Dee

    Oh goodness how real this is. It is a cunning way of pushing responsibility for the abuse onto some one else. He is the victim or so he tends to make one believe.
    Fear of the aggression and the tantrums are devastating especially the fact that no one stands up for you. They are powerful as they make their mark outside by helping all and sundry while you are left dying inside and having to cope on your own. There is no cure for this and when you are in your sixties you are too tired to fight back.

  • Dee

    Thank you for your honesty I have been dealing with a man that when I look back has like 2 sides he is a man that has to touch other woman and I guess you do make excuses I loved our children he loved his job so he was was a man with 2 sides we had good times and I loved the kids. But after 60 years of marriage I now saw for the first time a man that got caught lieing at a assistant living place. The director called a meeting and she questioned him several times he lied he said he did not remember he wanted telephone numbers to call the help and she asked another question and he said I never touched her tho and finally admitted his words said to a woman that was hired to assist him , that was only afew days at this place so he was a christian man one side and a lier woman lover other side I wanted him to die and take his dirty laundry to the grave but God had other plans. He is a man that kids looked up to him he has education etc etc and he made me feel like I could do nothing because I never went to many years of college. He finally admitted something after 60 years of marriage. Here it is end of my life and I do not want to live in hate toward him I am a christian woman and only want to put Jesus in my life yes emotional abuse is a killing everyday situation. But after he did this and lied to all of us I can not continue to live with this man. After 2 weeks of hearing this if i have to call him he says he is cured and all he wants is his cell phone and computer. I sure would love some advise. I pray pray and God is leading only christian men to do work that I have to get work done on home in order to perhaps sell I don’t know what to do. We are not going to tell Grandkids several of them. I am in late 70’s.

  • Dsj

    Reading this blog really resonates with me, and as I read, I feel as if I was reading my life with my ex, almost perfectly! I too was married for 22 yrs to my abusive husband. It took me so long to figure out what what was going on in my life. From the day-to-day stress of the situation, I developed shingles 2 x’s, and it got to the point where my doctor told me that I had to find a way to eleiminate my level of stress or it would develope into something much more serious. At that point I broke down and ask how that was possible since my stress was coming from my husband (it hadn’t even occurred to me that my leaving was an option), and I felt trapped. My friend encouraged me to go to the Aware Shelter for free counseling, and I began to start my journey to take my personal power back. Thank you for sharing your story, and for the strength you acheived, as this has been encouraging to me. In a couple days is our 1 year anniversary since we divorced, and I have been feeling a bit blue. Your blog lifted me up and helped me to know that I am not alone. I really felt like you were able to express the exact words that I wanted to say, but couldn’t. Thank you so much!! You derserve the personal power you have taken back. I am still recovering, but am ancouraged by your example to know that a healthy view of myself is within reach! Thank you, thank you, thank you, and best wishes!

  • Christine

    I love your article! I am in a similar situation. However I have two children 16 and 13 he threatens to take them away from me. I know he can’t. Just afraid of how cruel he is thinking. Please help. I have friends and family support. I’m strong just afraid I won’t be able to handle his rath.

  • Katy T

    I appreciate your story. Especially the part about the silent treatment for days. I endure that 85% of my marriage. For me it’s so difficult bc my husband moved me to a whole new state where I don’t know anyone and have no friends or family here. Just me and my kids and I can’t go back to my home state bc I can’t leave and take my kids due to “his rights”. I can’t afford to leave either unfortunately. I have reached out to a few lawyers but to no avail. I am going through some health issues right now and my husband threatens me and gets very mean and nasty when it’s hard for me to care for our 1 yr old when he doesn’t want him around. He also refuses to help me in any kinda way. For example he said he won’t pick me up and drive me home from a fairly serious scheduled surgery I’m supposed to have in a few weeks. I’m still unsure how I will navigate through that. As I don’t have anyone to ask. I’m kinda scared to be home in such a vulnerable state. He definitely has convinced me that I’m completely psychotic and even as I’m writing this I wonder if I am. My home is basically a prison and you could cut the tension with a knife. I would love to go out but I don’t know anyone here. I’m 25 hours away from home now. My husband won’t go out w me anywhere. I run errands and work. That’s it. I take my kids out sometimes but I can’t remember the last conversation I’ve had with an adult that didn’t involve work. It’s been years though. I realized I was in an abusive marriage the day I came from having a procedure done and I was really struggling but still trying to do what I needed for the kids and myself. My husband said he would kick in my stomach where I had the procedure bc I mentioned I may not be able to handle our 1 yr old that night. That was a defining moment for me….I cried for so long that night. Most of the time I just sit and look outside wondering what it’s like to be ok or normal or happy and I hate that this is what my life is. I know I can’t leave for the next 13 years or so. I always heard of abuse growing up and never thought it would be me.

  • Jasmine

    I LOVE your story! I need to tell mine too! I am in counseling right now. Thank you so much for sharing. I know I’ve experienced emotional, psychological, verbal and financial abuse. Counseling is comforting. Even when some pastors won’t believe you, God always sends somebody who sees what has been happening like he has. I’m grateful that my family is finally starting to see the years of turmoil I’ve experienced before and during my marriage. Having a child doesn’t make it easy to leave. I’m glad you were able to get your story out, I plan to get my story out soon too!

  • Norma

    How to get out of this abusive 32yrs marriage in my late 60’s? It’s getting worse. More disrespectful, intolerance and lack of empathy. Financial dependent. Any suggestions? Thank you!

  • Mike

    Hello…..i verbally abuse my wife for yrs..i was in a bad accident got hooked on Oxycottins they turned me into a monster..i called her every disgusting low names you can call a woman in the book..prior to my accident we were both pretty abusive to each other..we did not have an easy life our youngest son was diagnosed autistic at 18 months old. Put alot of strain on our marriage. I went cold turkey of the drugs went to rehab seemed consoling for my abusive behaviour. But the scars and mentally breaking my wife down made he vulnerable to an online affair..unfortunately for her he brain washed her and scammed her out of 40k dollars. Mind you when I found out I was shocked hurt not angry. I understand why she did this.He comforted her like I can never do. I told her I was seeking therapy and she noticed and great change in me. I take most of the responsibility for her breakdown .And I woukd truly like to save our marriage.My question is can a couple ever come back from such hurt and abuse.And to be honest I’m sick and tired of hearing once an abuse always an abuser .Becuase even after all the hurtful things I found out with my wife the online affair all that money..I LOVE HER AND I WANT TO SAVE OUR MARRIAGE! Any advice can we make this work..i just want a loving caring happy marriage….our two sons will be seeking family consoling as well..ive explained to them the way I treated their mom was wrong and to never do that to a man or woman ..i hope it’s not to late they are 17…and …18..

  • Darlink

    I could have written much of this myself. It’s a blessing to be excited again. (!)
    I know my joy and excitement is there someplace…thank you for sharing.

  • Christina Vendely

    The saddest thing about spousal emotional abuse is how it affects the children.
    Eventho I finally made my husband leave, it didn’t stop the abuse.
    My fifth grade daughter had already been indoctrinated.
    She has now graduated from college- on scholarships, grants and my income.
    Lives at my home with no overhead-
    I do her laundry- make her dinner-
    I love doing this- but when an argument explodes because I did something wrong, I get very irritated and hurt.
    My job , to my daughter, is not as stressful as hers-
    No, it’s not, but my job is physical-
    At 60, I leave work feeling like a cripple.
    It is sad that what she saw as a young person with her dad being so verbally abusive stuck with her.
    I left her dad-
    Sadly, I can’t leave her.

  • Antoinette Naude

    I am scared to so what can i do to get by and keep myself confident

  • Lydia Gray

    When a man violently destroyed my home, I was told by the domestic violence agency in my area, legal Aid, and other related agencies that even if I were to press criminal charges against my abuser for destroying my home, that I would receive no help for fixing the damages that were done to my home by the domestic violence abuser. That is no way to treat someone whose home was violently destroyed by an abuser, and I was shocked. I became too frightened to press charges even though I very much wanted to, I also knew that I did not have the money to fix up the damages myself, and I did not want to become homeless, so I felt forced into letting the abuser get away with it, even though it was against my principles to do so. I am very glad that I got to keep my home, but it is frightening when you own your own home, but do not have the right to get help when you need it, even when the abuse was clearly wrong.

  • Viv

    This is so helpful im going through the worst moments of my life its mentally emotionally and physically draining -v.

  • rohini n teekasingh

    I was looking for some piece ,because I have an abusive marriage .After 13 years of struggles and 3 beautiful kids later .I was done ,but the struggles lies in picking up the pieces .I have a lot of help from my family and finances is not the issue .It is letting go of the anger ,that I have a problem with .It seems like he still has me hostage because I am still so very angry ,with this man for treating me this way .How can I find the inner piece I need to move on?

  • Anne

    Like many on here, I had to put up with this same kind of controlling shit for far too long (22 years), and from someone who was not only cold, arrogant, and controlling (I am warm, down-to-earth, and flexible), he also didn’t “help” me with with the house (inside and out –I did all the yard work on top of cleaning, cooking, and shopping) and kids (he claimed he couldn’t understand their school because he grew up in a different culture). When it got really bad, I finally left and he got together with one of my best friends, next door neighbor, and colleague. I was beyond angry and hurt that two people, both of whom I had supported for years could do this to me. I am mostly ok these days, 3 years later, but am occasionally overwhelmed with the grief of betrayal and loss. One of the most recent things that happened: he moved her from her shit hole house next door into the home that I had cultivated for 22 years. My kids now have to share their rooms (when they’re back in town from college) with the neighbors they grew up with. It’s horrifying.

  • Pamela Mcknight

    I read your article and I realize that’s me I left my husband but I let guilt get in my way when he became disabled I went back to him he doesn’t yell or throw things anymore but he expects me to be his caregiver and wait on him hand and foot even though he is physically capable of doing some things he is extremely obese he sits in front of his computer all day playing games and He has me wipe his bottom in the bathroom because he says he can’t do it anymore I feel like I am being taken advantage of and I want to leave and go back to NC to stay with my sister but I let guilt get in my way and I worry how will he take care of himself what will our grown adult children and friends think if I leave him again he says he can’t live without me I wish I was strong like you what should I do

  • Misty Miller

    Wow my story is very simular. I have been with my husband 22years. Married only 7 years. We have a really good relationship we have a 13 yr old son we run a floral business together. However he cheats on me and when he does he is very disrespectable with it he sneaks her into our home our property.and then tries to make me out to be the crazy one off my medication

  • Tana vallone

    I have read many many article and they all gave me assistance although your article is a mirror image except for marriage, almost 9 years as I did see red flags although I could not put a finger on it although saw controlling issues and over road my gut and not sure why. I am a very strong overly independent individual and how this got a hold of me I can not figure out other than a devil in disguise and I played right into the game. I can not express the disappointment I have in my self for overriding what I knew as it eats on me. As this creature does nothing but say such awful things as he has done so much wrong himself. I am a single parent prior to meeting him and I feel with the experience and things he has said he will play very ugly and vengeful games. He has stalked me in many ways, he researched my exes, he stalks my works company Facebook and I fear the damage he may do as I work for the Fire Dept as a firefighter and the medic unit. I am fearful for my children as to the destruction he can cause for them with a biological parent they never knew to destroy them and myself. Odd thing is I am very feisty, strong, to the point as I do not bow down to him although this weakens me with the fears as we live close in same pathway. I am preparing house to sell and see what offers come. The lies and vengeful capabilities I have read they can do to destroy is gut dropping. I have only wished the good side was real as the ugly ruled. I am not a man chaser never needed to be as it’s always been my kids and I and my kids my priorities not a man ever. His mother passed a few years back as I ask her does she see her son now that his actions and verbiage in regards to me were untrue as I ask her to please help his mind. He has verbally torn me up to all his friends and family as they live in another state and make it sound as if I am a gosh awful bad person to him and I am judged by his family in that although I know who I am. Only a few if a couple of people know the ordeal between us, I have always kept my personal life private. I can not figure out this fear and hold he has on me and will he ever go away without consequences to me or my kids. The experiences I have encountered are unbelievable although right off the investigative ID shows crazy as it sounds. Sick thing is I truly cared as I never shared personal much with anyone as I shared few things that were private with him as he twists it and tears it up anytime he gets mad as he has no room as he made horrific mistakes in his past not that my stories were mistakes they were my private moments.
    I could keep yapping, I feel so trapped not knowing what vengeance he will pull and how to prepare for this. Is there a way to tear myself down verbally and make it sound like I’m am worthless for him to go away. How can I get away with the smoothest way possible for my kids and I and what vengeance will these people go thru. Does it work to say I need to concentrate on my kids since they are teenagers etc. do I need an attorney even though not married or live together, financially I am not fit for the expense and he knows this.
    All appreciated

  • Anne

    I’m 76 and have been in a verbally, emotionally abusive marriage for thirty years. I got up the courage to leave him once, I was working then and able to support myself, but then he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, so I went back to look after him. I have stayed with him through chemotherapy, and supported him. His abuse eased off slightly, I think because he felt he needed me. He’s recovered now and the abuse and control is worse than ever. Also, I think he may have early dementia. Because he’s classed as extremely vulnerable for Coronavirus and with the lockdown I’m trapped, I cry myself to sleep, I feel as though there is no future for me now. I’m too old to start again and I haven’t got the strength or finances to leave.

    • Anne B.

      Hello Anne, I am in the UK and because of the style of your writing I think you may be too? I realise you posted nearly two years ago and may never get to read this. I wonder how your situation has turned out. The Covid situation has not eased since you posted, these days quite the contrary – we never thought that two years on we would not be much further ahead, did we? Being relatively cut of from the support of family and friends is not helping either.

      I am 68 and have been married for twenty-two years, second marriage for both of us. My husband is extremely rigid and unsupportive, and when I fall short of his expectations, he explodes in anger and I get shouted at and called the most horrible names. This happens very frequently. He never apologises and I know I have become a complete doormat. He is not physically violent apart from pushing me on a few occasions over the years.

      I am always walking on eggshells around him, rehearsing in my head how to phrase whatever it is I would like to talk to him about to avoid an outburst of anger. This has been going on throughout our marriage. I am still working and plan to continue for the foreseeable future, as without my own money I would be completely dependent on my husband. He is 75 and has mobility issues, and I have lately felt that even if I could muster the strength to leave him, it would be wrong of me at a time in his life when he might increasingly need practical support.

      He is grumpy, irritated and angry all the time – at everything and everyone, but mostly at me. Efforts at conversation are often met with “So what?” or “Who cares?” so you stop trying in the end, and that becomes wrong, too. The criticism and nagging is constant and his angry outbursts are never far apart. I am so tired of this and my self-respect and self-esteem are on the floor. I am holding down a responsible job in the NHS but you would never believe it if you saw me at home.

      This year he stopped speaking to me on Christmas Eve, as I dared to speak during the carol concert we were watching on TV (just an “Isn’t it beautiful?” between two carols). The explosion of fury was instant and the silent treatment has been going on for nearly three days. I never try to jolly him out of it anymore which I think angers him – sulking cannot be much fun if no-one is there to observe it – and this afternoon he has announced that he will be making arrangements to leave, he cannot continue in this marriage as I am impossible to talk to (!)

      I think it might just be a ploy to bring me back to the fold as it were and implore him to change his mind. Threats of divorce have been a constant throughout the years. He did leave once, but after two years wanted to come back and I agreed (ref. ‘doormat’ above!)

      If he is genuinely wanting out, to my surprise I am feeling a bit panicky about it, when I should be relieved. What is wrong with me???

      • Prof

        Hi, I’m in the UK too.
        I think it’s normal to feel like that, we’ve been brainwashed to believe that we can’t live without them.
        I doubt he genuinely wants out. Imagine how long it would take him to groom another woman? It is grooming!
        Don’t beat yourself up or call yourself a doormat. That’s what they rely on.

  • Rita vaughn

    Hello…my name is Rita… I have been married to an mentally emotional husband for 32yrs.i have left him twice and each time he promises to be better if I come back……. I have had it with him and don’t Want to be married to him anymore… We don’t have any children together.. They are grown and moved far away..
    A lot about her story sounds like my life… I am very unhappy and feel like I could have a nervous breakdown… I’m holding it back… I have IBS and stress makes it worst…

  • Lia

    Dear God,

    I really want to lead a normal life for good now!
    I studied hard, I work hard, I deserve much more than being shamed and ignored all the time. I want to escape.

    There is always the right moment, you just need to grab it. So I wont wait anymore, because I cant live like this anymore. I deserve respect and I want to live in peace.
    No more drama in my life.
    I have never knew what normal life is. But it is on me now. I have to let go all this heavy burden and live on my own. I will make it. It is a hard task, very hard. Somethimes I wonder why me? It is just so hard to live… It is not even living, it is surviving. No!! Not anymore.
    I will live on my own, I deserve a normal life.

    So please, dear Destiny, Life, give me the chance to start again, on my own, to live life with every cell of my body and my soul that.
    It would be a fantasy come true… Then Love will find me, too. I know that.

  • Megan

    Thank you for your article. It does inspire hope in me. I’m alone and I have no support system. I feel completely isolated, exhausted, and like I can’t even make the smallest decision on my own. I’m financially dependent on my husband and have no friends and barely any family. I’m not sure what to do. I’m totally lost. I’m slowly trying to get back out to work even though it’s tough. I’m desperate to leave him.

  • Susan pensiero

    How did you find the courage to trust your gut/original self and leave? Meaning, was there one thing that happened, or was the emotional abuse to the point it just tipped over? How do you manage it emotionally when you are an accommodater/pleaser? I am 60 and have been in a 11 year relationship with an Episcopal priest.

  • Jessica

    This article is the story of my life for 25 years of marriage.Im chocking I can’t breathe most of the time my stomach always tells me something I need to act.

    • KT

      Tears are streaming down my face as I read MY story in each post. Today, actually is 40 years of marriage with my nightmare. And I still sit here in pure hell. I am so low on the ocean floor, and feel that I will never surface for air or see the sunlight again! Forty years of unimaginable pain, lies, betrayals, secrets, abuse have left me hopeless.

  • Tiffany

    My story as well. He was once the love of my life. My complete soul mate. Alcohol and drugs turned him into an emotional abuser. He gave up everything for them.

  • Tracy Brown

    Thank you for writing this. Reading it was like reading an everyday account of my life. My husband is a functioning alcoholic. He is so friendly and charismatic in public that no one sees the belligerent drunk that staggers in cussing me, mocking me, and calling me names. We have been married for 19 years and have 2 teenage daughters. I am trying to find the strength to leave. He has 2 accounts, holds money in the one I am not on and blows it on alcohol instead of paying bills. He lies and says he’s gonna get help and stop drinking but it NEVER happens. He just drinks and deny it.

  • Chris

    People are always saying to leave an abusive relationship. But the fact that it is just mainly emotional abuse…makes it hard to justify leaving. My faith discourages divorce and so I know I could never be happy within myself if I left. Yet I am so depressed at times that I feel death would be better than this! What makes the situation even more complex and pathetic is the fact that he has cancer and I am in a wheelchair. I would be forced to live on an SSI check somewhere. I don’t have any support. I was going to counseling before this pandemic hit. But now I am stuck here with him 24/7 He alternates between giving me the silent treatment for days and the rest of the time he is telling me how I need to not open my mouth. He appears happiest when I don’t open my mouth at all. When we used to go out he could drive somewhere with me and back and never utter one word the whole time. If I pointed that out, he would say:”why do you feel the need to talk all the time”.(He puts me down constantly) I think most people who would be in a car with another person for more than an hour would at least exchange a few sentences. But he thinks it is perfectly normal to go out and back without any exchange of words. I know my situation is hopeless! Thanks for giving me a space to vent!

  • Mad Max

    Hi, I have a question: I did some hurtful actions towards my spouse 4 years ago (we have been together for 17 years and have two small children). Since then I have been living with emotional abuse from his part, which ultimately goes down to “You hurt me so much and you keep doing the same thing, hence my behavior”. I have tried numerous times to say that I am not doing the same thing, rather your behavior is pushing me away. Recently he was diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder, but I really can’t take this anymore.

  • Elane

    Thank you for this article. The same happened to me and I was also oblivious to the abuse as it became my normal. I also went to speak to a person and my eyes were suddenly opened wide … and I could see the truth. I always thought that my situation was unique … but not at all. Thank you again.

  • Kimberly

    I’m in an emotionally abusive relationship. He says you’re supposed to love me the most. I love you more than anyone . I’d die for you. I’d kill people for you would you do that for me? This are some of sick things I listen to. He says daily we need alone time. I have children. They live here… constantly making me feel guilt . Over everything. .

  • Kimberly

    Your story resonates with me so much its unbelievable. It’s helped me explain to others when im too tired to explain what I’ve been going through. I’ve been with my husband for 18 years. 15 years of marriage this October. I left to live with my father on Wednesday. We have 2 children so there is still communication but im doing my best to stay off the ride and take it one day at a time. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope to some day share mine.

  • Nelly

    It’s hard to come to the terms that no one saw the pain, manipulation, bullying, down talking, physical fights, secret recordings, or the truth. I have to live with the words he left about me with everyone I know. I am left with no home, insufficient funds, scars and unconscious memories. Yet I am the crazy one. My soul has been riped out. I had some good times but the reason for those days was just to use me and to get his way. I never felt so scared in my life. I fought hard to get out. To the point where survival mode hit so hard that my body couldn’t even move from all the physical and emotional escape that I went through. We are now in a world where empathy or understanding is non existent. Ridicule and judgement seems to be the new ways of living. How can I overcome this deceiving person, when he was super nice, throwing money and fun with everyone else, but me. Yes with time, all wounds heal. Yet he made fun of my defects and abusive father, to the point of no return. Your story was a breathe of fresh air. Too many people have lied about abuse, that society doesn’t care how difficult it can be to be the one with no way out, no hope, no money, no love. I’m alive and my kids are too. So what more could I want? The beating of my heart would be nice. Thank u for letting me vent, since everyone around me, when I try to vent, say I’m crazy, playing victim, a drug addict or that I enjoyed that lifestyle. God Bless

  • judy straley

    Oh how I can relate to your words.
    Verbal abuse, isolation, or knowing how to get out. I paid cash for a house but he insisted his name be on the deed. I told him I was leaving and wanted to put the house up for sale. He won’t sign to sell. How stuck I am. Tells me How stupid I am to give up a beautiful home. I feel so paralyzed

  • Paula sussman

    Exactly my experience. Shattered

  • Kelly

    Read it again. To answer your lack of understanding & comprehension, third paragraph is what she did to save the marriage. Further down what she did to save her children… and husband.
    And finally, she ended it. She contributed, she was selfless. She also left, she not only dreamed the ending, wrote it, but also found support to leave, safely and alive to tell her story.
    The End
    I admire her.

  • P

    I could have wrote this myself. I often minimize what he’s done to cope with it so much that I wonder If I’m crazy and overreacting. I now see I need to get some therapy to keep my mind strong. My spouse has never hit me but will smash everything in the house in front of the kids and then give us the silent treatment for days. There is never an apology and my 4 year old son is having troubles now and throwing rage fits like his dad. I need to get out. Our home is so beautiful that I have been in denial about the financial abuse and have actually been believing there’s something wrong with me for not being grateful enough. Thank you for telling your story!

  • pat handke

    i have been in first abusive marriage for 24 years, then an even worse one for 15 years. im not sure if they are both just jerks, or narcissists. either way, ive been called names, emotionally, verbally, psychologically abused for so many years,,,
    ive been married since I was 18 yrs old, now im 60. im scared of being alone at the end of my life. I cannot financially afford to be on my own.. I do have a full time job, but it doesn’t pay enough.. I feel so trapped.
    all I ever wanted is to be loved,,, ;pat

  • Carrie Schroeder

    I came across this article. My experience was the same except for the financial abuse. About 8 years into the marriage I began googling some things my ex did that I thought weren’t right and the search results revealed his narcissistic behaviors. I stayed 6 more years because of the kids. I couldn’t take it anymore. I recently posted something on my Facebook about Narcissistic Victim Syndrome and my own sister told me I shouldn’t post it! Why are we expected to remain silent? I wish someone had enlightened me on narcissism 16 years ago when I was being love bombed! Thanks for sharing your story💗

  • Mary Jeffreys Protzko

    I am in the same situation but I have never left. I just let home be rude and hurtful and then ignore it. Covid is happening now and I feel really trapped like I have no where to go even for a few hours. Jobs are scarce. I’m so frustrated.

  • HARRIET

    Hi Mary
    It is as if you are having a helicopter view of my life. I decided to move back with my parents. Thank you for ordering first steps.

  • Andrea Porter

    Your article really helped me and I am so glad that you wrote it! There are so many women that suffer from emotional abuse and think they are the ones doing wrong because it is not physical abuse. Thank you!

  • Diane

    I could of written this myself although no where near as good, lol.
    I’ve been married for 23 yr in this cycle but the difference being my abuser left me, I’ve mourned him and my marriage but know it’s the right thing.
    Such a relief to hear I’m not crazy like he’s told me so many times, I sometimes hate myself having put up with his behaviour, he will never take responsibility for his actions, he is never at fault, I worry my 11yr old panders to him as she has seen the consequences from me, silent treatment, disrespect, I could go on and on. He also drinks in excess. I long to be a stronger person, he was also the breadwinner so financially I will struggle but I know I’m better off without him.
    Diane

  • Lydia Gray

    If you own your own home, and you are not married to your partner, and your partner suddenly and violently and deliberately and physically destroys your home, there is no reason for you to give up the home that you own. The partner who destroyed your home and does not share in the ownership of your home should not be allowed to get away with it just because the crime victim cannot afford to pay for the damages that the abuser caused to your home in the act of violence against the home. The crime victim should not be forced to give up the home that she owns and there should be somewhere that a woman whose home has been violently destroyed to turn to for help with fixing the damages that were done to her home by the abuser as well as respect her right to press charges against the abuser for destroying her home. My experience of a man violently destroying my home has shown me that there is no help for women who own their own homes and whose home has been violently destroyed by a partner that they are not married to.

  • Carli Jones

    This is exactly what I needed to hear and learn the steps to take with my 2 small children as confirmation and encouragement to what I need and thought to do .
    Thank you so very much .
    I am happy you are free and I pray to be soon as well with my kids .

  • Melissa Compton

    I feel like exist anymore I haven’t been anywhere in over a year I’m so lonely if I say something to my boyfriend who I’ve been with for 21 years I’m left alone everyday and when he comes home he’s so mean to me I try so hard to make him happy I can’t do it anymore

  • Roberta P. Hilligoss

    Ms. Robinson,
    Thank you for your insightful recommendations. It has been 49 years since I was physically abused by my high school sweetheart. I was 25 when that happened. He was also 25 and unable to kick the drug habit he had started. He was a smart young man but didn’t have any goals and dropped out of college. His wish was to become a professional gambler. A very bad direction to take. His family couldn’t get him to stay in therapy and since his father was abusive toward his mother he had lived with that only 6 years before his father died at the age of 38. His watch his mother be abused. His mother remarried an older man and he moved the family to California. Life changed drastically for the family. The new husband was very good to his new wife and children. To the point of spoiling them. When this young man entered high school he was very popular and very handsome. The girls wanted to date him and he decided he wanted to date me. I was surprised he picked me but I was head over heals in love with him after a year together. As the years went on we continued our relationship which lead to a sexual relationship. I was more in love than ever. I was 18 and life seemed to be going in the right direction. Only problem was he still lived with his mother. His stepfather had passed away from cancer and his sister was in college. He didn’t work unless his mother refused to give him money. Then he would pick up jobs on oil rigs for fast money and they paid well. Life continued in this direction. I worked full-time and would see him every night and on weekends. I was still living at my parents home too. My goals were not planned out either but I thought with age everything would fall in place. I did end up becoming a Pharmacy Tech in our local hospital. That was a good change for me. I was happy with my new job. Nothing changed with my boyfriend other than his use of drugs at times. At least he never forced me to take them. Then one evening I stopped by his home. He wasn’t home but before I finished talking to his mother he got home. He came up behind me and slammed my head into he front door. His mother closed the door and after that I was taken to a nasty bar in town then finally we went back to his house where he beat me and I then realized his mother was afraid of him. He was intimidating her too. Getting money from her regularly. He continued to beat me up for 24 hours most of that time was in his mothers home. She did not call the police. He had a gun and was threatening me with it. I was finally released and went home. He then called me for a ride back to his mothers home and I gave him the ride. Why I don’t know. I felt sorry for his because he had grown up with an abusive, alcoholic father. After that I didn’t see him again. After that I didn’t seek therapy and I didn’t press charges which would have sent him to prison.

    Then I married 3 years later and ended up with a guy that came off as a great person with a future and he was fun at the time. Then I found out that he was very traumatized by his experience with women. He didn’t date much in high school so when he went into the Air Force at the age of 17 all the older guys in his barracks took him to Mexico and got him drunk and fixed him up with a hooker. The woman told him his penis was small and he never forgot it. Then his first wife years later started having affairs which he didn’t find out for the longest time. While he was getting his doctorate he met a girl and dated her before he met me. He said they had talked about marriage. She then told him she was seeing another guy plus seeing him and that she wasn’t interested in marriage at that time. Then I met him when he was visiting his parents in our hometown. He has had a lot of hurtful this with women and he never liked his strict mother. Long story short I got the brunt of all his fears. He was sure I would cheat on him, leave him, take the kids and they would never know him. I would never have done that. I never cheated but he was driving me away as each year went on with more verbal abuse and intimidation. His drinking got worse and the kids were realizing that we were fighting more and more. After trying to deal with him for years I finally had had enough after 25 years. We divorced 21 years ago. Our 39 year old daughter has a terrible time staying with boyfriends. She was engaged but is not single again. My 35 year old son is doing much better than he was. He has been married 9 years and was dating his now wife for 6 years before marriage. He is still angry over many feeling of being abandoned by me and his sister not seeming to care about him. He had friends he did things with but he had to live with his father which wasn’t much fun. They were given the choice as to who they wanted to live with but when my son took my car and wrecked it he had to move in with his father. His father was an angry man and a lot of his habits are now my son’s. My son has been very disrespectful over the years. With age he has started to realize I did everything for him and his sister although he feels his sister got more attention. Sibling rivalry. I know since I was the second child to a sister that got lots of attention because she was a very good student and that she had learned to read at the age of 3. I wanted to play outside all the time. Had no interest in learning to read at a young age. I was not a great student and I have paid for it all my life. Everything was hard and I was to lazy to try harder to make good grades. My son is good in math skills which has been great for him and the line for work he went into. He is a Marine Engineer. My daughter has a BS in Psychology, 2 years short of a Doctorate in Psychology and now she isn’t doing anything. COVID closed down her school job and she hasn’t worked for 10 months. She is in crisis now and has learned that she may have Lyme Disease.
    My original question was why do I care about the first love even though he passed away from a drug overdose when he was 45. I hadn’t seem him for 20 years. Then I married and divorce my husband of 25 years and while I care about what happens to him and he is the father of our kids I don’t have the same loving feelings for him. I haven’t dated since my divorce. Just had a friend with benefits for 4 years between 2003 t0 2008. We continued to talk and have phone sex from time to time. Then we ended that too. Now I am talking to a guy that I have known since I was in first grade. We go way back. We had dated back in the 60’s and 70’s but nothing serious and he was another friend with benefits. He is now calling for no other reason than to have phone sex. He has been single for over 40 years. Was married for a year back in 1968. It’s fun on the phone and I think because he went through prostate cancer he is now longer able to preform. I told him we could still have fun together but he isn’t interested in coming to visit me or for me to visit him I don’t think. He has had other problems with cancer. He was treated for skin cancer on his nose and then he decided it would be a good idea to use Black Salve from Mexico. It killed the skin cancer but it also killed his nose which has been replaced 3 time over the years. His face is a bit distorted now. He is a private man and also doesn’t mind being alone. He complains that I talk to much but I am trying to get him to talk to me. I am interested in more than just phone sex. I can’t seem to pick a man that doesn’t have baggage. What is the answer to all that? I am not unhappy being alone but sometimes I would like a man to treat me well. Take me out. Take a vacation together. I can’t suggest that because I am not financially able to do much traveling. I don’t want any man to think he has to pay for a vacation with me. Although it would be nice. Haha!
    Thank you for your time.

  • Jacqueline

    This is my story…as if I wrote it myself…hopefully soon I’ll be able to start my next chapter.

  • Wendi

    I didnt think in that mantality so it never occured to me at first.

  • Lillian

    I am going through this for last ten years . I know it’s emotional and verbal abuse . I want to get out but I feel scared -mostly I worry my kids will hate me. I am so depressed that I have difficulty getting out of bed . I think of suicide all the time . I can’t stand to be in the room with him – I am scared when and where the next outburst of abuses will come from . I am just pushing on for my kids . I wish for a miracle to escape but I can’t

  • Mari

    I don’t even know if you still answer to this post but , it felt so close to my own I developed Shingles at a early age from the abuse . I did not have a voice as my ex would scream derogatory language at me until I shattered . He then would tell me can’t I just act like a normal person . He would serial cheat and hide money . He told me I would not make it on my own and our kids would hate me . The same speech’s over and over . I’m trying to break free .

  • Jessica quezada

    It’s been over 16 yr still hurt when I was abused an still hurt til this day wat can I do

  • Andrea

    I am loving this nightmare right at this Moment, I want to leave so badly but know I can’t afford an attorney or place to live, our children are all adults but he enables them to live In out house and not pay for anything so of course even though they know what he has said and done to me they side with him, I’m the bad one for wanting out.My oldest is so selfish all she can say is what if I get married and have children it’s not fair!
    I have had suicidal thoughts for years , Thank God for my antidepressant but that is only a bandaid. I just wish I could get the courage and money to leave.
    He is trying his typical honeymoon stage right now and trying to be nice and and constantly says he loves me , but the thought of him touching me make s me cringe. I honestly can not stand him.
    God I want out so desperately bad!

  • Dana Tutland

    I googled how long it takes to heal after a 21 year abusive marriage and your article came up. Thank you for sharing your story. It is my story too. The kids and I have thrived since we left. It’s beautiful. I began the grief work last fall and it has made me love life again. I do get stuck and here’s how, I work on one area of grief, find great relief and joy and then a bit later another area shows up. At first I went with it…. understanding that this is the process and it’s working, now I’m feeling shameful and doubting the process. There’s a part of me that thinks maybe i just want to be sad. I really don’t believe this to be true. I think I read somewhere that it takes years to heal. Do you know? I’m looking for validation, at most times I’m good at giving myself, but there are times that I need to hear it from another person who experienced a similar relationship.
    Thank you,
    Dana

  • Susie

    Thank you, thank you. It was like reading about my own miserable life. It gave me hope even though I waited in silence all these years. I am a old woman with many illnesses. All I can do now is pray. Leaving would bring hardship on me. I say with tears in my eyes leave while you are young and healthy enough to start over.

  • Joni

    It’s been 35+ years of on-again/off-again verbal and emotional abuse from my husband. I always looked at life through rose-colored glasses but the lenses have become increasingly cloudy. I am so sad. I want to have hope but it keeps happening over and over.

  • MRS V

    Omg this is my story.I am so tired of the verbal abuse and he blames me for everything.
    He makes every about him,he knows everything and refuse to allow you to have an opinion. All he talks about is how good he is.It always about what he does. He moved in my house . This is my house and his name isn’t on it. He has spent money fixing it up but I had it before I meet him. I AM TIRED AND REALLY READY to end this .

  • Kelly

    Reading this story is so similar to mine. I have been married 30 years. Slowly the control, manipulation and abuse started and progressed. Everything was my fault, if I did not do as he said he would not talk for days. There just so many ways he has emotionally hurt and belittled me. I have no confidence left. It took a year of thinking, for me to finally decide to leave. I am in the middle of dealing with the separation. I have so much fear. I keep moving forward even when the fear is unbearable some times. I cannot wait for my new life and freedom to start. I just have to hang on a few more weeks.

    • Avatar photo
      Women For One

      Dear Kelly,

      Thank you for sharing a part of your story with us. Your vulnerability shows you are clearly a strong woman, and we hope you find everything you need to make life happen on your own terms and find the peace of mind and spirit that you deserve.

      The Wf1 Team

  • Ljc

    I have just read this and cried so hard. This is me and I have felt so alone until I read this. I have been mentally abused with name calling, accused of affairs and sleeping around. I work long hours and I have never done any of this. I wasn’t allowed to see friends else it would cause an argument. I never knew what I was going through until my doctor realized what was happening. I am on anti depressants and anxiety meds. I built up the courage to move out and this Was the hardest thing I have done as I was scared. He had me tracked so he knew everywhere I went, found out where I was living. The mental abuse didn’t stop when I left. I would get text messages calling me the nastiest of names. I would be told this was my fault and never once could he see what he had done. Thankfully I had witnesses who had seen him and how he was to me. One night it was so bad I just wanted to end my life. I could t take it anymore. My maid of honor at my wedding came over as my daughter had called her and cuddled me to sleep to stop me from doing anything and to stop the pain. I cried all night. This friend was the person who let me stay when I left but he found me and would walk by to see if my car was there and if it wasn’t would start the abuse again. It still hasn’t stopped and I moved out 6 months ago. My doctor has been the one I could go to and cry it all out to. I saw her two weeks ago and was a mess and had to have my meds increased.
    This is not me! I have always been very strong and independent and I cannot believe I have allowed someone to bring me down to my lowest level ever.
    I have to be strong again and fight for me for once in my life. I need to be happy and be at peace and I will do it. I have been given the abuse line number by my doctor as she fears for my safety but am too scared to call it.
    If there is anyone out there going through this, I beg you don’t stay and get out no matter how hard it may be or how scared you are. Even though I was someone who was unlucky and was tracked on my every move. This doesn’t normally happen. Do not take this form of abuse that no one can see, sometimes I wish I was black and blue so people could see what I am going through but I am on the worst side of where no one can physically see it.
    If I can do it and believe me it took a lot then you can do it!!!

  • Judy turner

    Hey I am now a little freightened to even defend nor help myself out nor get myself out of his way you see the real aspects of my badly narcissist hubby is that he was in law an that makes it 190 times worse see most of them take his side believe him help support his ego and basically I’m left holding the bag they believe every single word he says about me he snowballs them just like he does me he will an has put me away so many times threatened me to do if again so there just is no hope nor rest future to even try try to escape him an believe me I’ve tried too an an if i do tell on another law or family member who had Been in lm larv law then they either call him right away an next thing I know I’m either on my way Back to hook an his abuse or on the way to the nut housebtllk their is not a single way to ever escape him no way out for me but to suffer unmercifully no way out of this mess no way to even try to get or ask for any help out there today no end situation m

  • Jennifer Nelson

    I can relate so much to what you wrote about and also lived with emotional abuse for over 24 years. I should have left much sooner but even my adult kids said they would have sided with him if I had left before they were old enough to know and witness emotional abuse and his addictions also. Husband did a very good job of making me look crazy or he was a hero for his poor disabled wife. Even became a deacon at our church to play mind games and separate me from my own church family I had introduced to him and worked over 10 years to teach him about God. It was all an act. He wrote about his pleasure in his journal about turning people and my whole church against me. I suffered in silence as we never fought or screamed. I grew up with that and never wanted children to live like that. He was so clever in his abuse. I was extremely conservative Christian and thought divorce was sinful and a ticket to hell. As soon as I discovered his early 20s girlfriend I filed that day for divorce. Finally at peace of not going to hell. Ha. I discovered just because people sit a church 3 times a week and are involved doesn’t make them followers of Christ. I lost all my church family. They even asked for proof he was cheating. I gladly gave them all his disgusting messages to multiple dating sites and even his actual girlfriend he found off one site. Unreal they still couldn’t believe I didn’t drive him to his addictions and womanizing and abuse. I am now almost 50 and looking back it was a blessing to finally have my eyes wide open about church and just people in general. I live such a peaceful life now and do what I want when I want. Enjoy kids and their wives and grandson. He walked away and never saw his kids again. Due to his choosing. The pain of what my kids have endured by them seeing his true self breaks my heart. That is what still bothers me. No daddy daughter dance at wedding or for college graduations, or births of their babies. I know you will never read this but makes me feel better to share it and read your story. ❤️❤️

    • Avatar photo
      Women For One

      Dear Jennifer,

      Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing your story. It takes courage to take the steps to make life happen on your own terms. You deserve much peace and happiness. We wish you well.

      The Wf1 Team

  • Qeyata L Mccoy

    This was very informative, I escaped Physical abuse, now I’m trapped in emotional abuse. Which feels far more worst, I literally feel like life is being taken from me, The ups and downs, silent treatment, displaced anger, and resentment.

  • Marie

    I love my husband but I’m truly struggling with what I finally see as narcissistic behaviour.

    No matter what I do I never seem to get anything right.
    He’s constantly accusing me of never being there for him when this just isn’t true.
    We buried his mother this morning but last night I was working late as I’m trying to set up my own business , by late I mean I was back home by 8:15.
    He’d been to the pub with his mates from work and was still drinking when I got home.

    He had been out all weekend fishing but I was still running around after him taking him hot food etc.

    While trying to work and see my disabled daughter.

    Any way he’d been sending me text messages and clearly he wasn’t happy that I was working the night before his mothers funeral.
    I started to make dinner for him when he told me not to bother then he really started on me.

    “I thought you’d be decent and be home cooking me a nice dinner seeing as it’s the night before my mothers funeral but no you had to work.

    And why haven’t I organised a poem to read out at her funeral.
    I hardly new the woman yet nobody from the family or friends would do anything not even him or his brother.

    If she ment that much to him he would have found the strength to do this himself.

    He was screaming and shouting at me because he was drunk, he’s constantly looking for the sympathy vote, he’s lied throughout our marriage and spent all the money I had from my first marriage of 30 years.

    My first husband had a mid life crisis.

    Yet the night before he’d been absolutely horrendous towards me saying he doesn’t want at her funeral.

    But I went anyway.

    For years he’d been going on about his mothers money and how it could set us up in the future
    He never really cared about he just couldn’t wait for her to go.

    He came away from his second marriage with absolutely nothing but that was before we got together.
    He lived in my house bill and rent free, he’s constantly spending and me and my daughter are always having to bale him out.

    I can’t talk to him about my concerns about anything because it gets used against me.

    He just insults me and calls me fat which I’m not.

    I’m now seeing my doctor for depression and I’m on medication.

    I know later today he’s going to come home and start all over again.

    I just don’t have the energy fir this anymore.
    He hates me talking to my friends, what friends I’ve got left and he’s paranoid that I’m talking about him to anyone who will listen which I’m just not, I’m terrified to talk to anyone.
    This is just a small amount of what’s being going on in the ten years we have been together.

  • Jennifer Beckman

    Hi Mary,
    I just found this post and it resonates so much with me. I’ve been married for seven years, but lived with him for eight. He is incredibly cruel and mentally abusive. He’s lied to me and made me believe things about myself that weren’t true. He eroded my confidence so much, that I thought that the only escape from him was death.
    He wouldn’t allow me to learn how to drive. I wasn’t allowed to do anything without asking permission. I was constantly afraid of him yelling at me, and at times I thought he would physically assault me. I was afraid for my life on several occasions.
    I overdosed as a suicide attempt and ended up on life support in the hospital. When I woke up, I came home, but his cruelty didn’t stop.
    I spent years quietly trying to plan my exit. I got an education, started a job in a hospital. I had no money when we lived together, and now I have a marketable skill.
    I just sold our house and I bought myself another one far, far away. I’m counting the days until I’m out of here.
    There was no way he was going to change and I knew it. I spent so many years wasting my time trying to fix him, but he wasn’t interested. I thought, if he doesn’t want to help himself, why should I bother even trying?
    I’ve got a brand new life coming up and I’m so happy and excited for the first time in so many years. I’m no longer depressed or suicidal. I’ve got hope.
    Reading stories like this only shows the power within ourselves to do what we have to do. It shows that it can be done, of course, circumstances can be very difficult to overcome but it CAN BE DONE.
    Thank you for sharing this.

  • Caroline Feeney

    So glad I found this article!! My eyes are slowly opening. I say to my husband how was your day? He reply’s screaming quit attacking me. I at my wits end.

  • Caroline Feeney

    Wow opening my eyes up!

  • heather

    This is my life for the past 14 years. Losing my job to Covid-19 has intensified both the sense of urgency to leave and the fear of not having enough strength, courage, faith, or enough of me left to survive the leap and build a sustainable life that nurtures and protects everything I love. To have my home be my safe place not a pit of despair.

  • Jill

    I liked this article but was also disappointed that there were no examples of the abuse you described. It helps a lot to give examples because people can relate to it more specifically.
    Best to you and big hug

  • Nancy Rittenbach

    I need help I think. Maybe I am just being an old cry baby, as my husband use to call me.

    There have been many times where my husband yells at me for no good reason. I have very temporarily left him at least 3 times over the course of our 41-year marriage.

    Today he came home unexpectedly. He asked about my doctor’s appointment. I told him that the doctor said I should still have a sleep study consult. My husband yelled at me saying that I shouldn’t have a sleep study at all because I wasn’t going to where a Cpap machine, and it cost $900! There’s a lot more to this story, but when it comes to my health my husband doesn’t seem to care!

    I have had it and want to leave, but don’t have a job, and my health is too poor now to get one. The outbursts by my husband have taken a toll on my mental and physical health. I don’t know what to do!!!!

    I have been seeing a counselor for years, but she recently said something to me to make me think she’s not there for me. I have no one to really talk to.

    Do I need to find an attorney yet to get a legal separation, or stick it out the rest of my life with my husband?

    Please advise!

    Thanks much!

  • Leslie Sullivan

    Wow.
    I relate to this more than I like admitting to myself.
    Acknowledging it is the 1st step.
    Action is the next
    Leaving my merry-go-round tomorrow after 20 years

    THANKS SO MUCH

  • Kathleen liskanich

    I am so glad I came across your story while I was looking up emotional abuse. I had my 3rd back surgery last week and my husband won’t lift a finger to help me. This is not the first time. He is controlling to the end and doesn’t have a ounce of compassion for me

  • Hailey Alff

    My husband is mostly good to me, however when I make a mistake or I am not measuring up to what he wants he really treats me like crap. We were at lunch today with our friend whom has a new girlfriend and another guy and woman that are both in relationships. Ever since his friend has been in this new relationship…he show boats in front of her! He told everyone at the table that if they are looking for a great vacation deal and how to book it ….to reach out to him, because he is the “guy”! Of course his friends girlfriend told him to send her the deals and she was interested! Then he started talking about his solo trip to Rome (work related and paid for by his company) and how awesome it was by himself and the best trip ever! I was going to go but he was going to be working all day and I’d be on my own ! Then I said that I was supposed to go and instead of him telling the truth that we couldn’t afford it or I would not have been able to change with him… he turned to me and in front of everyone said “I am not fucking responsible for getting you to Europe! Figure it out yourself! If you want to go then you plan and pay for it yourself! I then just stared at him …. flabbergasted!! I could not believe he would speak to me in front of everyone like that! Behind closed doors he is totally different!! He would never speak to me like that, but because his friend has a new girlfriend that he wants to show boat in front of. …I became nothing to him!!! What do I do! I cannot continue to be treated this way by him! I’d rather be single!!

  • Shama T Blau

    All I have to say, is WOW DIDDO!!!! EXACTLY, I MEAN EXACTLY WHAT I HAVE BEEN EXOPERIENCING AND I also had no idea people such as this even existed. After about 2 and a half years of googling stupid things I was blaming myself for; taught me exactly what he is. A NARCASSIST IN THE DEEPEST, MOST DISRESPECTFUL, AND NOW DISGUSTINGLY PITTIFUL EXUSE I thought I LOVED. ME BEING AN Empath, had become his bullseye on his target.!!!!! Wow I never even saw the tiny little creeping behaviors that someone very close to me just revealed to me that it was “ABUSE” . She looked at me and said This is ABUSE! AS I AM BAWLING MY EYES OUT WISHING THERE WERE A WAY OUT.!!!! But it has been at least a year and a half since I really decided I NEED TO GO!!!!. And every single stinking time I finally have the courage to do it!!!! He clings tighter. I havnt told him obviously. I guess he has become an expert on the ” BOOK OF MY LIFE”!!! He must be able to somehow sense when I finally decide to grow a pair. Excuse my language. And leave. He piles on more dysfunction, total erratic disaster after another knowing dang well, that I have OCD, and that I love my kids and will not allow my home to be disgusting. I nicknamed him ” THE DESTROYER”. !!!! I have read so much on everything and everything leading me to extreme knowledge of Narcassistic behaviors and yep right back to God. And I found our that one of Satan’s names is the destroyer. I get it now. But that has not helped me become unstuck!!!! He has literally imprisoned me
    Guilting me and shaming any relationship with outside contact. Family, friends. Church. He has taken everything and everyone who could possibly help me. We also do not live in town, and with my toddler son and teen son with cerebral palsy. Leaving on foot is impossible. He has been sabotaging my second vehicle now. It too is undrivable every . I am his prisoner that pays his bills and his slave. My once beautiful enormous strength, and just plain old “tuffness, yet extremely loving, happy, vibrant, and giving soul, has become my new house. MY PERSONAL HOUSE OF FEARS. Fears I didn’t know I had or that existed within or at all. Fear of leaving, fear of staying. Fear of loving. FEAR OF HATING, fear of living, fear of dying. When I was 17 I was kidnapped, held captive, brutally beaten, and almost decapitated!!! It molded me into that beautiful grateful loving forgiving, yet tuff as steal having lived, SURVIVED, and happily. That woman has been replaced. I’m still here, I still feel. But now my triggers have become acceptable. I usually react even knowing his games. I don’t want this. I have become so weak mentally and physically, insanely exhausted. I’m not living. I am one great big ass ball of pure Anxst that has become accustom to the shards of glass I now sleep and walk on daily. No eggshells are comparable. My time has come. My boys cannot continue to live around and witness this toxicity. And I cannot allow them to grow up believing any of this is acceptable. Woman are doormats filled with flaming dogpoo!!! WE ARE BEAUTIFUL CREATURES FILLED WITH LOVE. AND I WANT THEM TO GROW INTO MEN. ACTUAL RESPECTFUL LOVING FORGIVING AND YES A BIT TUFF “MEN” !!!!!!!!!!! My love for them and desire for them to succeed, and have so much better, better than I ever had. To break the chains that are linking us to this cycle of toxicity and slavery to his negativity!!! I MUST GET AWAY. PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL OF US IN THESE HORRIFIC SITUATIONS. I will pray for you!!!! Thank you so much. This is really the first time I have ever revealed anything anywhere except for the few who fear HIM as well. This was lifting!! I hope I can figure this all out. My mindfulness and mental clarity has become enlightened recently. I can’t help but think that is God pushing right up and hopefully right out the door. My van not working puts a huge toll on my desires of escaping though. Many times I feel like letting go. Giving up. One step forward. 271 steps back.

  • Trudy Knecht

    Thank you for telling your story, I have just recently left a narcissistic marriage and it’s not easy, I even started to talk to him again and he convinced me to drop the restraining order and not even 3 weeks later we are apart again this time when I went to work he pulled up with a uhaul and emptied our garage of everything and shut my water off and went home to his girlfriend. He tore our house apart 3 yrs ago and only put in a toilet, I don’t have a kitchen sink, shower or ceilings I had to leave I just couldn’t live anymore without even being able to wash my hands, I stopped cooking because I couldn’t wash my dishes the only water we did have was in the toilet and through a hose out back but now even the hose water was gone. I go to have a defibrillator put in on Monday and the fear is horrible. I cannot find a pro/Bono lawyer I have to fight it all myself. I’m just tired, my body is tired and exhausted. Again thank you for your story

  • Sue Z.

    Your story is my story, and thankfully I also got away after 25 years and am now much, much more at peace. Having a plan, a good support system of friends, and lawyers who understand is crucial. I went NO CONTACT and kept it, and am no longer walking on eggshells. Life is good again! Thank you for your honesty and for sharing.

  • Brittney J Epperson

    Thank u for sharing this

  • Kathleen

    Thank you so much for this article. My husband finally left at the beginning of this year. He is a Misogynist. I have been through 14 years of mental and emotional abuse. It is taking me time to get back on my feet. Little steps at a time. I have days where I am very tired but the one thing I have learnt from this is that it was not my fault. There was nothing I could have done to change his mental state. He did me a huge favour when he left. I have got a good counsellor. Most of all I have peace knowing that he is not coming back.

  • Tully

    I’m choosing to stay until my last child is done with Highschool or college, or if my husband agrees to separate. I’m exhausted. 20 years married this month. 4 kids. I could be financially dependent but he won’t let me go. He cheated, and despite my constant picking up my kids after the verbal abuse he dishes out, I can’t leave. My kids are strong. They see what’s going on. I’m aware. I just want nice everything for them. I think I balance everything out for them but am running out of steam to stay. No one knows if it’s better to stay or leave but I’m staying until I can’t. Please don’t judge me, I also cared for his mom until she passed and currently care for my father and disabled aunt from 5 hours away. I need a support group to keep me going I think.

  • Helen Yerger

    I left my husband after years of abuse. It never stopped though. He was the person who taught my children the word psycho over mother. I used to be so happy and love life and never let small things get to me. How he changed the person I used to be. My children(now adults) to this day have very little to do with me; they seem to adore him. We all used to be so close, now I’m empty. Maybe it’s the money he throws their way, the cars the help…I don’t know, all I know is the silent abuse continued all through the years. I am happily remarried and began to see me again and the loving caring and fun person I used to be, but apart of my heart will always be hurt and scarred. Abuse is one of the worst tragedies life has to give

  • Gemh

    I was verbally abused every day for 13 years straight. Nothing I did ever pleased him. After 3 years of marriage he came home said he no longer wanted to have sex. I almost fell out into the floor. I lied saying he could not perform. Meaning he was not going to with me. The abuse got worse as time went on. He put on acts in front of the family and our friends like we were so much in love, not. He was in love with himself not me. I’m a great cook. He refused to eat my cooking. So I stopped cooking. My name was never on any of his accounts. I later found out he had lots of secrets. Different accounts was one of them. Every time an appliance went out he blamed me. That’s life, it happens. He always wanted me to pay all the maintenance on the house. He was such a tight wad. I was to buy all the groceries off of my small check. If I ever asked for money there would be a Hugh fight. So I used my credit card when I ran out of money for the month. When he found out I had inheritance money he latched on to me. He used me up until I couldn’t be used anymore. To top it off he won the divorce case lying about his assets. Here he has a million dollars me I get $1,253 a month. I got no alimony no nothing. I had to finance the house for $79k to give me and my disabled daughter a place to live. He has family. Most of mine that matter are deceased. Talk about getting railroaded. On top of that I held on to all his stuff for 30 months which I should have charged him rent. It took him 2 weekends to pick up 12 truck loads plus a large Penske truck of his things. Leaving most of my attic empty. One bedroom empty, no dining room furniture, plus my daughter and I had to sit on 2 patio loungers for 13 weeks until we go out new living room furniture which I had to charge since I’m broke! Now the sew and sew wants things not listed in the divorce decree. He is like a leace he will not leave me alone! It’s difficult living off $1253 a month but at lease it’s peaceful.

  • Gillian buckley

    My husband of 54 years of marriage, he is 75 I’m 74, has left me twice this year between July and to date Nov 8th, he said it was because of my abusive behaviour to him in the last two years, but the truth is he has been talking to a childhood girlfriend from Scotland they were 11 years old so it’s 64 years ago, she lived in Canada, my husband said to me he was going to wash the car one afternoon on July 22nd but never came back for a month , he had booked a flight and went to Canada to be with her we have found proof of that, and yet the same afternoon he sent me an Ramallah saying it was my abuse I gave him for two years is why he left and that he was going to Europe, which of course wasn’t true, the abuse I was supposed to be giving him was because in2018, I checked He’s phone and found out he had been sleeping with men on a regular basis, and I tried to put it behind me and he said he would stop so in argument he was very nasty and name calling me I just retaliated with name calling him, he has had lots of affairs with other women as well in our marriage but always came back to me, but this time I’m divorcing him , he has blocked our three children and 7 grandchildren and myself from all he’s media, the woman has sold her house and belongings in Canada and moved back here to live with my husband after living in Canada for 44 years , we have just heard from her only child a son who found my eldest Daughter on Facebook which was a complete surprise, he is obviously very shocked as we are, and doesn’t know where they are living, he is very worried, because it has all happened so quickly and he’s mother has got a lot of money from the sale of her house and he doesn’t know my husband, my husband has got a lot of money himself, my marriage has been the same as the lady I’ve just read about , we’ve never had a joint bank account and when I said to him for the last couple of years to have a joint account he said if I’m good, he has always been mentally and financially abusive to me and only on about 4 or 5 times has been physically abusive but never ever says sorry, my Daughter calls him a Narcissist , he came back from Canada in August after a month with her and then two weeks later said he was going for a hearing test and that he was going to pick me up on the way back and to get ready and he will take me for lunch, but again he had left me again and went on a flight to Canada, I was devastated I couldn’t breath I called my children and of course they all came to see me, he blocked us all again and sent me and there email to say he needed to get he’s head together about what he did with the men, and was getting on a ferry to Europe to get counselling so we could move forward with our marriage, which of course was another lie, because I found proof he had booked another flight to Canada that afternoon, he has been gone for 2 months on Thursday , it’s almost as if he has scraped all the 60 years I’ve lived and cared for him off the floor and put me in the rubbish bin, I’m sorry this is a long one but you article so reminded me of my life even down to keeping quiet in case I triggered him off and would get the silent treatment as well , many thanks

  • Sherry

    I’m going though this right now my husband is a compulsive gambler and it’s getting worse day by day and he also sent 25 yrs in jail so he’s mentallyMessed  up

  • Karen

    Hi Mary

    I have been so lost and alone after leaving my husband The story was so similar to yours but it took me 32 years to leave. I am struggling to reconnect with the word at the moment as my husband had managed to isolate me from so many others. It was lovely to read your story and know iI wasn’t alone and can survive.

  • Jane Doe

    What about emotional abuse from adult children?!?!

  • Pam

    Can counselors help a person relocate if being emotionally abused? I’m going through alot of emotions and hate myself! Have low self-esteem cause of this. And zero confidence in myself.

  • Sherl

    Thank you I enjoyed reading this i only been married for 11 months but the mental abuse started half way I’m embarrassed to really talk about it

  • G.

    I understand everything you wrote, because I have experienced all that and more. You made the right decision to leave as it is rare for an abuser to truly change their ways. I can and sometimes does happen, but don’t count on it. I was in my marriage for 37 years, endured abuse that grew as time went by, attempted suicide twice, learned to hate myself because I had become to believe the lies that I was a failure, a loser, and that everything wrong in my marriage was MY fault. I finally had enough, left quietly, and filed for divorce.

    One thing I would like to say in forums like this, is that they are almost primarily directed to women. I am a man, a husband that was abused by his wife for almost 4 decades because he was trying to be a good loving husband and father. I feel that all too often people believe that the man is always the abuser and the woman is always the abused. I have been told that on numerous occasions and even my son in law has said similar things to me. Yes, I escaped; I lost my daughter who sides with her mother, besides being abused by her as well. I lost my marriage, I lost everything I worked so hard for all those years, and now I have lost my grandchildren because my daughter has cut all contact with me.

    Please realize that sometimes, it is the man who was abused. We hurt also.