TBeventer, I too am still with my husband because I love him. And I know he loves me.
But we have many, many problems. These problems have taught me that sometimes love just ain't enough (remember the Don Henley song?). Among other things, there has to be mutual respect and the ability to recognize and meet each other's needs. When there are very basic, important things missing in a relationship, they cancel out that love. You cannot have an honest, loving, healthy relationship if something as important as respect is missing. And the biggest indication of a lack of respect is abuse.
People have different tolerance levels, obviously. You know what I find ironic? I can't believe I'm about to say this... My problems with my husband take place on an emotional level. That means that when bad things happen, it's not always clear what's going on. Sometimes I feel like I am going crazy with the mind games. I have actually wished that my husband would do something horrible like hit me, so that it would be clear to me that I need to walk away. And I know I would, if he did that. I can honestly say that.
So it just kills me to hear you say he does physically harm you, but you just wished you could hate his guts so you could leave. Honey, I think if you were going to hate him, you'd be doing it by now. Maybe that is never going to happen-- maybe you are going to love him forever. That DOESN'T mean you should stay with him. You can love someone and still move on.
I know what you mean about sorting through all of the stuff. That is one of the big things that keeps me from going through with it-- I can't imagine the act of moving out. But when it comes down to it, you're just going to have to go through with it. And maybe it's more important to get out with just a few possessions quickly rather than drag it out and put yourself in danger-- or worse, be too paralyzed with anxiety/doubt to move out at all. Sometimes there's just no easy way to do it.
We're all here for you!
***
The hardest to learn was the least complicated.
But we have many, many problems. These problems have taught me that sometimes love just ain't enough (remember the Don Henley song?). Among other things, there has to be mutual respect and the ability to recognize and meet each other's needs. When there are very basic, important things missing in a relationship, they cancel out that love. You cannot have an honest, loving, healthy relationship if something as important as respect is missing. And the biggest indication of a lack of respect is abuse.
People have different tolerance levels, obviously. You know what I find ironic? I can't believe I'm about to say this... My problems with my husband take place on an emotional level. That means that when bad things happen, it's not always clear what's going on. Sometimes I feel like I am going crazy with the mind games. I have actually wished that my husband would do something horrible like hit me, so that it would be clear to me that I need to walk away. And I know I would, if he did that. I can honestly say that.
So it just kills me to hear you say he does physically harm you, but you just wished you could hate his guts so you could leave. Honey, I think if you were going to hate him, you'd be doing it by now. Maybe that is never going to happen-- maybe you are going to love him forever. That DOESN'T mean you should stay with him. You can love someone and still move on.
I know what you mean about sorting through all of the stuff. That is one of the big things that keeps me from going through with it-- I can't imagine the act of moving out. But when it comes down to it, you're just going to have to go through with it. And maybe it's more important to get out with just a few possessions quickly rather than drag it out and put yourself in danger-- or worse, be too paralyzed with anxiety/doubt to move out at all. Sometimes there's just no easy way to do it.
We're all here for you!
***
The hardest to learn was the least complicated.





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