This is a very interesting talk on abuse. Not all stories are exactly like hers, but there are commonalities we should be educated about.
- Love Bombing (Charming the victim)
- Being the "perfect" soul mate
- Having a believable "sob story."
- Isolating
(There are more... check out Lovefraud.com)
We think we can help. We think we can learn to behave in a way to make it stop. We think we are the crazy one.
We feel discouraged, hopeless, afraid and helpless. This is NOT something that happens all at once.... abusers are usually intelligent enough to subtly increase the heat until, before you know it, you're half baked! I am thankful everyday for friends who noticed a change in me, believed me and believed IN me... who helped me escape when I could not think clearly for myself.
