'I wish not to harp on about this book, 'Why Does He Do That?', (re previous post) so won't, however it is important that those who find themselves in a relationship that is disrespectful come to appreciate what a crucial problem it can be, or is.
We all find ourselves in one from time to time - with work colleagues, family members, lovers or friends - where we feel DEVALUED. Sometimes we find the ability to stand up for ourselves, yet, depending on who we are, our upbringing, our culture, our current state of mind, we really don't and life can be miserable as a result. Our self-esteem is eroded, our strength evaporates and we are just plain worn out.In extreme cases, insults and certain forms of intimidation - looks or glares and sneers plus much worse, this is considered abuse. Mental cruelty is common. The perpetrator attempting to justify it, playing victim and distorting or twisting events is just par for the course in these relationships, at work or home or 'play.'
In Natural Medicine circles, or Spiritual ones, they say we attract what we need to heal. My Shitty Ex-Husband was a perfect gift looked at in that light. He isolated me to a degree that no-one would expect of a bright, successful person, cleverly lured me in to his dramas and warped my mind, sucking up my life like a vaccuum cleaner to meet his own ends. He was selfish and destructive, while making me feel sorry for him and I still don't get how it all occurred.
There are women (and men) who live with a Jekyll and Hyde character and are too ashamed to say so. They are scared and confused, depressed and anxious, yet everyone they know feels sympathy too for the other person in the frame. It is a complex situation.
'Why Does He Do That?' covers all these things in general. I have only had a peruse, not wishing to drag up stuff that, previous to reading it, could happily (naively and wrongly) have been deemed to be OVER. It made an uncomfortable time looking through, but I feel it could be of help to those who know they deserve better, but don't know what to do. Good Luck!
Many of us will come out the other side. Having children gives you the wherewithal for backbone you never before knew existed and you may find out who you really can be - see 'Is Life Like a Sat. Nav. Drive?' - an essential a thing as you'll ever do!
Emotional Abuse
Refuge Charity
