Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate

Support systems are crucial for anyone dealing with relationship abuse. When you’re in an abusive situation, it can feel isolating, but having a network of supportive friends, family, or professionals can make all the difference. Building a support system starts with identifying people you trust. These could be friends, family members, or even coworkers who have shown understanding and compassion in the past. Sharing your experiences with someone you trust can provide relief and validation, reminding you that you’re not alone. Many survivors find strength in community support groups. These groups offer a safe space to share experiences and learn from others who have faced similar challenges. The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides resources and connections to local support groups at  thehotline.org . Additionally, consider seeking professional help. Therapists and counselors can provide guidance and coping strategies tailored to your situation. They can help you rebuild you...

I felt moved to update this blog.  Inspired to share my thoughts about the abusive men and women who watch your social media pages, study you as you walk your neighborhood, work at your desk, or follow you in your car.  They are the friendly type, appearing to be harmless, but deep inside they are mean-spirited men and women with hearts that are as cold as ice.  When you least expect it, you will see their icy stare from afar.  They don't love people, they use and abuse them! Regret I guess I didn't see "it" coming, the pain.  Years of it.  Days of feeling like everything was okay when it really wasn't.  The mature me was angry with the naive me from long ago.  "How did you miss the signs?"  I asked myself one day.  The men I had got myself involved with in my lifetime had to sell me on even giving them the time of day.  Had I known my worth back then, they wouldn't have been given even a second look. Repercussions I have de...

The signs are evident!  Either agree to go along with the abuser's lies, emotional/physical cheating, anger outbursts, threats, and more or suffer the consequences.  So many people in toxic relationships tolerate much while deceiving themselves and others with statements like, "I don't put up with his stuff...I don't play that!  I am strong...he doesn't get away with anything.  She knows better or else!" Sure.  Then a spouse or partner does another thing and another, kiss and make up, put on a good act and he or she is back in a victim's bank account, bed and anywhere else that he or she wants to be in getting selfish needs met. Victims put on a tough act, but they are weak to the sweet talk, promises, and cheap gifts--tis the season.  They dismiss thoughts that, "He could have treated me better...bought something nicer...apologized."  However, a victim desperate for a bit of harmony will take almost anything from an abuser if it is nothing but...

"I didn't want to believe it happened.  I met someone that I really thought was a nice person.  I felt that he was going to treat me sweetly, but once again I was wrong.  I became bitter allowing this individual into my life again and again.  I should have never given this man a place in my life, but I did and so now I have to undo it!" How many of you secretly regret connecting with a partner whether on or offline?  This is someone who deceived you in some way.  Who didn't keep promises, lied about his whereabouts, his or her commitment to you, and more.  You might have looked the other way early on during the courtship--forgive and forget, right?  But now sometimes you are numb or crazy with anger. When you are at your wits end with someone, feeling trapped in a bad relationship, consider those high and low emotions toward him or her red flag warning signs to get out while there is still time.  Just imagin...