04/28/2025
Even if you grew up witnessing abusive relationships, you likely didn't understand the dynamics of emotional abuse or narcissistic behavior as an adult. I personally knew what toxic relationships looked like from childhood, but I yearned for a love like Romeo and Juliet, The Notebook, or A Walk to Remember. I thought I was strong and independent, but I had vulnerabilities that made me susceptible. My past experiences and lack of knowledge about healthy relationships made me unaware of the subtle signs of emotional abuse. If someone had warned me about manipulation and emotional abuse in my twenties or thirties, I would have been confident that it couldn't happen to me. It's infuriating to hear people who haven't experienced abuse say, 'I would never tolerate that' or 'I would have left.' The truth is, they are also vulnerable, and it's crucial to educate them about the silent, insidious nature of emotional abuse. It's time to raise awareness about the destructive power of emotional abuse, which can erode your soul, one small piece at a time. 💪🏽💕🌈💫
