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Was it Really That Bad? And Maybe He’ll Change?

Was it Really That Bad? And Maybe He'll Change?

Yes, and probably not.

The end.

Okay, maybe we need to talk about this a little more because these two questions are a plague in every abuse survivor’s mind.

These two questions are why many women stay stuck.

Because you never know. God can do anything, right? And you want to trust God to work the miracles you need, right?

(Plus just think…God can make blue trees and turn mud pies into French Silk too!)

Here’s the thing. You do know. Don’t you? Deep down in your gut, you know.

You also know if you pick up this dark Truth you’ve been living with for years and examine it up close, you might fall apart and never be able to put yourself back together again.

It’s easier to shove it down under and pretend it’s not really there.

Or, okay, maybe it is, but waaaaaay down in the abyss of your guts it’s not that big of a deal. I mean, you made it this far, right? And life hasn’t been all that bad. There were good times. Surely that’s a sign that things are pretty good underneath, and the bad stuff is just an anomaly that surfaces now and again?

Everyone has a bad day. (But not everyone spends their life seeing how many nice ways they can tear apart the people around them without being detected.)

So here’s another thing. Emotional abuse isn’t usually large and obvious and in your face. In fact, if victims have a hard time “getting it,” how do we expect outsiders who don’t have to live under its murky waters to see it?

So problem number one is you can’t see it.

It’s like carbon monoxide that way.

And here’s ANOTHER, other thing. Emotional abuse kills you one nibble at a time.

It’s not like physical abuse where a big shark comes up behind you and chomps off your leg. No, emotional abuse is more like a gnat bite. You can barely see the little bugger until you feel the bite. Just a tiny bite. No big deal.

But when you live day in and day out getting bitten numerous times with no end in sight, you begin to feel hopeless and crazy.

And then sometimes the gnat backs off, and you have a good go of it for a while. It’s such a relief, and you feel so overwhelmed with gratitude and hope that your suffering may be over, that you let your guard down.

You forget how awful the millions of tiny bites were.

You start to wonder if they were even real, because there is no explainable or believable evidence they happened.

Just the subtle, nagging feeling of being on eggshells, worried the bites may begin again, but you don’t want to worry about it, because that’s uncomfortable, and you just want so badly to enjoy this peaceful moment.

Say hello to the cycle of abuse.

The cycle is a circle. It goes around and around and around. He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me, he loves me not.

(By the way, I’ve been remarried to a non-abusive man for almost five years now, and there is no cycle of anything. Just a consistent, respectful, normal relationship. I was never crazy. I was a normal person FEELING crazy in an abusive relationship.)

I used to sing this song when I was in the middle of a crazy moment with my husband. “Round and round and round we go, where we stop, nobody knows!

And then I’d cackle like a lunatic. Because that’s exactly how I felt.

And by George, if that isn’t what my husband used to tell me, too!

I’d get all wound up, pointing out the invisible elephant in our home, and he’d tsk tsk about how I was making stuff up in my head again.

So I’d wave my hands and get louder and more animated (because that always worked, right?)

Pretty soon I’d be swearing like a pirate on rum, and of course, that wasn’t very Christian of me.

Yeah, it was pretty bad back when I thought I had to make gold out of straw and just couldn’t do it.

In my desperation to be seen and heard and believed, I disrespected myself. I behaved like a child. And then I felt ashamed, and the cycle continued this way for over two decades.

When I began to read about emotional and spiritual abuse, everything was describing my home life.

My default was to assume the problem must always be me. After all, my partner and the Good but Clueless Church Folks kept telling me I needed to do more. Be more. Save my husband without a word. Just make him happy. Trust and obey. Suffer for Jesus.

But I couldn’t hold it together when he went into gnat attack mode. The more I read and learned about the techniques abusers use to control their targets, the more I realized I was the target.

I learned through therapy that the outward actions I was exhibiting were actually complex-PTSD symptoms after two decades of covert abuse.

The motivation behind your willingness to go berzerk is that you just really, really, really want to resolve an issue. REEEAAALY bad.

And for some magical reason, you think that if you could just turn your words in exactly the right way, with a sprinkle of pink fairy dust at just the right moment, you just might break through.

There might be a meeting of the minds.

You might come to a peaceful resolution that leads to great sex and deeper intimacy on an intellectual, emotional, and spiritual level.

But that never happens. Ever.

But it might!” You say. “It might! Someday! If I keep trying!”

So it’s up to you to change him?

Who said another person was your personal responsibility to change? To control?

Whose life did God give you, anyway?

He gave you one life. Just one. Yours. And THAT’S the life you get to change! Isn’t that good news?

So back to the original two questions.

First: is it really that bad? You tell me. Because you get to decide whether or not it’s really that bad. Maybe you could ask yourself a few questions:

  1. Do you sleep well at night, knowing you are safe emotionally, physically, and spiritually in your own home?
  2. When you and your partner have conflict, are you both able to bring it around to resolution so you can both move forward in peace?
  3. Do you live and move within your home in peace? No eggshells on the floor?
  4. Can you freely express your opinion, knowing you will not be belittled and demeaned for having one?
  5. Are your ideas and thoughts respected and valued in your relationship?
  6. Are you an active part of the decision-making process in your relationship?
  7. Do you feel loved and cherished for who you are?
  8. Do you make choices for yourself without worrying about what your partner will think or say?

If you said no to most of those questions, then it’s really that bad.

The second question: maybe he’ll change?

I read somewhere that the best predictor of the future is the past. So if things in your relationship have been consistently the same (that includes the cycle of seemingly good, then bad, then seemingly good, then bad), and it never changes, what can you predict about the future of your relationship?

When I first asked these questions, I had other abuse survivors tell me clearly that I would eventually discover what most abuse survivors discover.

Nothing’s gonna change.

And after I gave it a few more years, really pressing into my partner for some measurable action and change, setting up clear boundaries, and refusing to tolerate bad behavior…

…things only got worse.

Which was actually helpful for me in the decision-making process.

I waited, and I’m glad I did.

I waited until I knew for sure, for sure, for SURE that I needed to be done.

And then I filed for divorce and walked away forever.

I was threatened by my former church, but I kept walking. Because they are not God. They are just broken human beings, like me.

And they were not having sex with and living day in and day out with my husband.

I was. I was the one with skin in the game. I was the one who had to decide.

I’m not the first woman to do this. To go through all of this. There are literally thousands and thousands of us all over the globe. That’s excellent news because it means you’re not alone, either.

An abuser CAN change. They just don’t want to. They don’t believe they need to. They’re fine. You’re the problem—remember?

I know women who have stayed into their 80’s with their abusive partner, hoping and praying that he’d change. He never did, and now they are old and full of regrets at having lived their entire lives in survival mode, sacrificing all that God created them to be in order to enable a wicked man in his sin.

I don’t believe this is God’s destiny for His daughters.

XOXO,

Natalie Hoffman

P.S. I’d love to be your mentor and coach. Find out how you can privately and inexpensively work with me and hundreds of other Christian women HERE.

Flying Free Sisterhood

An online coaching, education, and support community for women of faith in destructive relationships.

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The Comments

  • Avatar
    Nikki
    August 15, 2023

    I really hope this is still an up and running website. This is the best stuff I’ve read yet. I am literally moving out of my house tomorrow. 20 year marriage. I never considered it emotional abuse until a couple of close friends told me that’s how they say it. My husband has emotionally abandoned and neglected me and our 2 kids for years. It’s lonely. I am the father and the mother. It’s exhausting. I’m tired of begging him to step up. I shouldn’t have to beg him to spend time with his wife and kids. He spends all of his time on the couch, tv or phone, and usually in our basement. I’ve stuck it out for 20 years. I just can’t anymore. Our daughter got sick with an eating disorder last year and he was in denial. It was all out on me. It was exhausting and devastating and I’ve never been so low. He never once supported me. He told me I need to stop obsessing, that I get consumed. Well she spent a week in the hospital and when she came home it was a TON of work keeping her healthy. I was depressed and suicidal. I am now seeing a therapist and on meds for my depression bc I had no other option.
    He’s has so many chances to step up and try to fix things. Counseling 4 times. Nothing ever helped. Now that I am leaving, he’s furious. Telling me I have broke the covenant of marriage and I am going to feel God’s consequences.
    I am a mess. Devastated. I didn’t want to split our family up. But it’s never really been a real family. I am just sick. Crying all the time. Doubting my decision to go. Praying that once I get out of here I will feel the peace I think I deserve. Just not doing so great. These articles are
    Wonderful. Thank you.

    • Natalie Hoffman
      Natalie Hoffman
      → Nikki
      August 15, 2023

      Thanks for sharing part of your story with us, Nikki. I’m so sorry for the pain you are in. I pray that you will be able to leave the abuse behind as you leave your abuser! Let me know if you ever have any questions. -Aimee, Flying Free Community Support

    • Avatar
      Sarah
      → Nikki
      November 27, 2023

      Nikki, I’m just an internet stranger but I read your comment and I’m saying a prayer for you, that you and your daughter are safe and healing. My story echoes yours…22 years of marriage where it took me 17 years to recognize the emotional abuse.

      It was better for a few years but our teenage daughters have been struggling with depression, anxiety, school refusal, and my husband shows minimal interest or support. I have been supporting them alone and watching him hurt them with his distance has really opened my eyes. At this point, I know it’s intentional as I have asked him every way I know how to step up and connect with them and he is making almost no effort.

      Anyway…you are not alone, and you are bravely finding a way to do what’s best for you and your daughter, and God will see you through this.

  • Avatar
    Cara
    July 20, 2023

    My husband is 95% kind, shares the domestic load and the main issue we have is we are not able to repair well after rupture as he interrupts or accuses me of not being gracious. Further he has a tendency to show his anger by yelling loudly which scares myself and my children. This used to be weekly and is now a couple of times a year after we had marriage counselling 3 years ago. However about 6 months ago he yelled so loudly at me that I got so very scared. Since then I have not wanted to have any sexual intimacy (we have not he has been respectful of that) and we have attended 2 marriage counselling sessions. I asked him to arrange the sessions as otherwise I felt I would be forcing him to go to counselling and that I would not discuss our issues until a 3rd party is present due to his interruptions and accusations during ruptures. He is also a pastor and I have stopped attending church as I am SO uncomfortable with how he is very calm, kind at church but gets so irritated with us. Since the 2 sessions where the therapist was quite direct with him about how his anger would have affected me so much over 25 years, he has not put on another appointment but he has been very calm and extra kind. I am quite nervous as I do not trust this calmness as we have been here before over the years and as soon as something stresses him or doesn’t go his way he yells and scares us. I am not sure what I want to fully say but I appreciate the chance to write it down at least! Although I do wonder if you have guidance as to how long should I wait to see if there is inner change re his anger tendencies? Also is it picky of me to demand this change when he is a good husband in other ways and so is my frustration about the lack of change disproportionate? When I read the other testimonies I know that in many ways he is kind and safe and there is just this one issue. Albeit I have asked him for 20 plus years to get help with his anger management and he has refused to up until recently. SO yes I guess I’m seeking some insight as to how reasonable I am being to insist he seeks counselling for his anger and how do I begin to trust him that the change is real since he is not receiving any counselling? Thanks for reading.

    • Natalie Hoffman
      Natalie Hoffman
      → Cara
      July 20, 2023

      Hello Cara, thank you for reaching out! We would love to help you with questions like these inside of the Flying Free program (www.joinflyingfree.com) where Natalie and other coaches can help you through group coaching, coaching on the private forum, and through classes that we have set up about topics like these! Otherwise, I think you’re on to something when you said, “albeit I have asked him for 20+ years to get help with his anger management and he has refused to up until recently.” That’s a big indicator that you have given him SO much time already. You get to decide how much time you give him. If you decide it’s been enough time already, then it is. Hugs to you, Cara!

      -Aimee, Flying Free Community Support

  • Avatar
    Tina Groom
    April 5, 2022

    I am in a slightly different situation, my husband suffers from depression and has a very critical spirit because of it, my son is the verbally abusive one because my husband wants peace, he just “checks out”. I finally convinced him to go to marriage counseling and the counselor basically said that I was too controlling because I wanted respect and didn’t always demand it the right way! I felt like what was said during my individual counseling session was opposite of what was said in couple counseling, during individual counseling, the response was, “let’s bring your husband in so you can be on the same page”. When my husband came with me, the response was “He is just laid back, you need to be more like him, your son is 17 and your daughter is 15, they longer need to be mothered….so now I have lost credibility with my husband because I insisted that he go with me to this counselor (who I thought was legit- and saw my control for a need to take over when the other parent wasn’t willing to step up)

    • Natalie Hoffman
      Natalie Hoffman
      → Tina Groom
      April 5, 2022

      I’m not sure how your situation is different. Your husband is critical (doesn’t matter why) and not taking responsibility but putting it all on you. Your counselor is doing the same thing. And you are left holding the ball. This is the typical scenario when it comes to emotional abuse. The way out is accepting everyone and who they are and how they show up – and then deciding for yourself what you want to do and how you want to show up as a woman and a parent. You don’t need anyone’s permission or approval. As long as we are trying to control everyone (get the husband to change and get others to validate us) we will be stuck in their vortex. They will control us. We give our power away when we rely on others for how we feel. What if husband and counselor and children can be exactly who they are – and we can be exactly who we are – and we don’t need their approval or permission to have boundaries, to say “no” when we need to, and to say “enough” when necessary? And what if we can hold space for everyone in the story with love? Love doesn’t mean hanging out when other people have to have their way or treat us disrespectfully. We can say “I love you – and no.” “I love you, and no. I will not go to couple’s counseling or participate in counseling that puts all the responsibility on my shoulders. I love you, and no – I will not be like you. I will be like me.” “I love you – and I also love the woman with my name.” “I love you, and I’m leaving you.” All of those can be realities that include love plus boundaries.

  • How to Go From Crawling to Flying After Living with Emotional and Spiritual Abuse -
    November 22, 2020

    […] It feels scary and uncomfortable to think about all the unknowns ahead. You are also realizing the relationship was a farce. Your spouse didn’t love you. The relationship wasn’t what you dreamed it could be. The […]

  • Avatar
    onmyway
    May 12, 2018

    What is there has been “some change” and some repentance. ..? I am confused to whether or not my husband has “actually” changed. My church leaders think maybe… some trusted friends say “no”

    I believe I am at the place where either way I feel that I just can’t return and take that risk. I am so broken down. And my husband has always had such a lovely image on the outside….

    How do I not feel guilty about walking away when there has been “some change”

    • Natalie Hoffman
      Natalie Hoffman
      → onmyway
      May 13, 2018

      Almost every single abuser will have “some change” when their target sets up new boundaries. I call the “change” a worm on a hook. Looks good, but if you bite, you’ll be back on his hook again. He’s got the relgious folks on his hook, too. They’ve bought into his reality, but you don’t have to. You know better. If you were a fish deciding NOT to bite the worm on the hook, would you need to feel guilty? Nope. You don’t have to feel guilty. You can feel WISE, because that’s what you ARE. (((HUGS)))

  • Avatar
    Lara
    April 27, 2018

    How are you in my head, knowing EXACTLY what I’m going through and EXACTLY what I’m thinking? So I am separated from my second husband, blindsided that he is an emotional abuser. But I think I’d rather walk away with some dignity knowing I did the right thing instead of forever living with him just so I am not seen as the shameful woman who divorced twice.

    • Natalie Hoffman
      Natalie Hoffman
      → Lara
      April 27, 2018

      Yes!

    • Avatar
      Jo
      → Lara
      April 4, 2022

      I am separated from my fourth husband and learning to be content alone with God. Cheaters and abusers gravitate to me which means I have to work on my boundaries with God. Fortunately my church friends were supportive when I finally left, when I found out the depth of his lies and his cheating. I stayed almost a year after he choked me and threatened to kill me and hide my body because I was ashamed to be in another horrible marriage, so I hid the emotional and physical abuse. I would pray, crying on the porch, that God would change me and make our marriage work while he was out drinking and cheating. Turns out I wasn’t the one causing the problems, being abusive or cheating and lying, but I took it all on myself until I couldn’t take anymore. If I live alone with JESUS and my dog, and enjoy the great relationships I have with my children and grand children that is so much more than enough for me to be content and joyful. I love not being emotionally, verbally and physically abused. I love the peace and fulfillment that comes from knowing Jesus never leaves me and I can trust Him.

  • Avatar
    Carrie
    April 24, 2018

    I am SO tired. I know I have too. To burn down my own house makes me cry. We just bought a new house on a lake, but he is sick. I can’t do this anymore. I’m exhausted. I know I am the only one who can light the match. Believe me he is waving it in front of my face like a gloating teenager who just got away with cheating on his big test! Light it, light it….I dare you…..Look at you. You won’t do it…I know you Carrie your WEAK oh Godly one! But I am going to light that dam match….And as I watch it burn to the ground I think I will turn up my Christian music and sip on a glass of wine and tell Satan he no longer has control over me! It’s finished. Done! And actually maybe I will play the song Burnin down the house…..Yes darling I am officially Cray cray but it’s so strange….I feel the FEAR but at the same time I just want to get it over with. My biggest fear besides the slander that will come is finding money for a lawyer. It’s been the thing that has kept me from acting….God knows…I need help…..Here is to PEACE and Freedom…..Loves Darling…Thank you for the push off the cliff…I needed it! God Bless you

    • Natalie Hoffman
      Natalie Hoffman
      → Carrie
      April 24, 2018

      I gotta tell you, Carrie, I was smiling from ear to ear reading this. You’ve got a great sense of humor (most survivors do), and sometimes the anger and frustration is the only thing that actually gets us to make that final decision that we just can’t live like this anymore. I promise that God is waiting for you on the other side of this – and He will be in your face during every step in between. He’s never EVER going to abandon you or leave you on your own. Anyone who says differently is a lying fool. Hang in there!

      • Avatar
        Jo
        → Natalie Hoffman
        April 4, 2022

        Yesssssss!!! Carrie, I will be praying for you!

    • Avatar
      Ramona Williams
      → Carrie
      April 4, 2022

      ❤WOW !
      The sister who is burning down her house moved me to feel power, tears mixed with grit and a little bit of I can relate to exactly where she is and what’s holding her back. This is the courage I am seeking to be free and find my wings, to be free of torment. My husband acts the same way and manages to have the most amazing image on the outside with everyone.

  • Avatar
    Sue
    April 6, 2018

    I really needed this. Thank you.

    • Avatar
      Shelley
      → Sue
      October 31, 2023

      I’ve been with my husband 37 years, married for 32.
      It’s been non stop.
      First as many women do I stayed because of the kids. They grew up, I still stayed because I didn’t want the dog left alone with him. I know it’s stupid.
      Dogs gone, he’s now retired and I can’t take another second.
      A few months I made myself look in the mirror and I said to myself, “It’s time, save yourself, you’ve had the keys the entire time.” I’m filing in a few weeks. I’m excited, and terrified at the same time.

  • Avatar
    Vanessa
    January 25, 2018

    I can’t express how grateful I am that you have gone before me. You are like one of those mighty pioneering women who braved a life out on the open plain with savage Indians, cold and no air conditioning. Your truth you’ve learned is bold, broad, and filled with tons of the love to show us how much we are really loved and that we so precious to God not matter what our reality tells us-we are loved! You also believe the reality we speak of so you are like a cold glass of refreshing water to our souls. Thank you

  • Avatar
    Olivia
    August 28, 2017

    Thank you so much for this… it is so helpful. Two years ago my husband admitted to being verbally abusive and got help. or so I thought… really what happened was he learned to still be manipulative and controlling without yelling or being mean. It makes the abuse even sneakier. Recently he told me that even though he took credit for everything 2 years ago, there is a lot that he resents me for because I didn’t take credit for my faults in the marriage and I really should be more respectful, loving, etc. I am tired… and weary… and just so done. Your blog has given me the strength i need to fight for my own independence and freedom.

    • Natalie
      Natalie
      → Olivia
      August 30, 2017

      You are wise to recognize the manipulation. The fact that he resents you shows he is not able to take responsibility for his own problems and work on them. He’s projecting his own lack of “taking credit for faults” onto you. Classic narc behavior. Keep fighting. You don’t deserve to be treated abusively.

      • Avatar
        Vanessa
        → Natalie
        January 25, 2018

        Wow, I am glad to hear your reply that his resentment is lack of taking responsibility for his stuff. H said I need to take responsibility and when I said he was right I got the silent treatment. Thought I was doing right by him and he would be happy. Always want to be checking my blind spots of where the Lord May need to do work.

  • Avatar
    Debby
    July 15, 2017

    Sorry, I am NOT being very clear here. I reconciled with him in December. I did NOT feel pressured and he did NOT pressure me. It just felt comfortable and I was willing to give him a chance. 6 months later, I am in another room.

  • Avatar
    Debby
    July 15, 2017

    I forgot to mention I have been married for 31 years. I try to look at how things are now from the perspective of one who DIDNt have to live through all the hell he put us through but the truth is, I DID live though that. I dont hate him. I know he is broken inside but my compassion and fear of taking such a big step is paralyzing me.

  • Avatar
    Debby
    July 15, 2017

    Your article was SO helpful. I started pushing back 3 years ago when I finally typed in “domestic abuse” and got a PhD in the abuse cycle. I separated for 9 months a year go March. My h DID make a lot of changes, drastic, really ,as far as how he treats me on a day to day basis. HOwever, as I look back on my journal entries, I see the first 2 months were great, then slwosly by surely, some of the behaviros returned. They are not NEAR as explosive and destructive as they were (I am such a different person that he knows he cant get away with that) but there is still the crazy making and not taking accountability when he DOES do something unacceptable. I also notice that when I “resume fellowship” he does LESS as far as his personal healing journey (doesnt call counselor which he promised to do, doesnt read the Boundaries book, deosnt go see the psychologist who diagnosed him with OCPD which I had told him about 15 years ago and was “crazy” for even thinking that, etc) It all builds up. Here is my dilemma: Is it my oversensitivity to these behaviors that arent near as bad as they were, that keeps me from being able to enjoy and feel comfortable with the good parts? For example, would ANY healthy woman be able to feel intimate with this man where instead of 80% awful and 20% “good” is now 20% not so good and 80% of the time its good? I feel like I am maybe asking too much. I am back to being confused. I am in another room (again) and he is of course being SO kind and helpful and chats with me and wants to watch a movie together. I avoid him as much as possible. He KNOWS I dont feel close but he wants to “wait me out.” But I am 55 years old. My kids are grown. It is a little scary to think of being out there and being alone into my old age when I might need help. But I also know that God opens doors. I HATE feeling this way. But I am too afraid to take the plunge.

    • Natalie
      Natalie
      → Debby
      July 16, 2017

      Thank you for your comment, Debby. One of the ways you can know someone has genuinely changed and is not just going through the motions is this – what do they do when you push back? Set boundaries? Do they respect that? Or do they get ornery? When you give him feedback, how does he respond?

      The other thing to look for is whether or not they are doing the work completely on their own – or only with prodding from the outside. Inner change doesn’t require prodding. It comes from conviction on the inside – and then spills out as changed behavior and changed attitude.

      If you still need to be “careful” and walk on eggshells, that’s a problem. I recommend going through this worksheet to help get some clarity: http://www.drmichaelbroder.com/can-your-relationship-be-saved-download/

    • Avatar
      J
      → Debby
      April 27, 2018

      Debby, I am in the same boat as you are. My husband has made a lot of behavioral changes. He is sooo much better than he was. Even today, he wrote me a long letter (which was probably just covering his butt) and asked me to let him know how to be a better person. But I had already told him that he needs counseling a few months ago. He scheduled, cancelled, rescheduled and cancelled again once he knew that I was planning on leaving anyway. So for him to tell me that he wants me to tell him how to be a better person…..I’m sorry. I did that months ago. He wants a checklist. That’s not how change works.

      Oh and I think he has OCPD and NPD combined. These guys don’t know how to change, but there is still a part of me that thinks that he might change. I wish that part would shut up.

  • Avatar
    Nicole
    June 30, 2017

    Thanks for all your wonderful blog posts. You just really get it. I am in the middle of trying to decide if I’m done or not. I’m out of the house, finances separated and just waiting for peace to file. I’m not there yet. I’m finding standing back and watching the cycle from afar helps. It helps because I realize even when I do absolutely nothing to provoke, he still cycles.

    I pray for him to come to some realization on his own now that I’m far away and it’s harder to blame everything on me. I do see God working in his life a lot actually but then him having momentary conviction and then slipping back into denial.

    It’s hard, I remember growing up watching one of my mom’s friends get abused and I couldn’t understand why it took her forever to get away. Now I GET IT. It’s the hardest thing because we want to have hope but we need to deal with reality and the fact that with various interventions, nothing changes.

  • Avatar
    Kirsten
    June 30, 2017

    Hello,

    Thank you for this; I can definitely relate…especially to the part about flailing my arms trying to prove my point that I was not wrong, or to prove what I meant. I totally feel like a crazed woman! Once my husband thinks he is winning, or is the victim, that’s it…I can’t change it or prove anything else. Tables get turned and no matter how much I try to defend myself it makes it worse for me. I just remain silent, but that isn’t good either in all situations. Even silence irritates him and he gets angry because I am not fighting! I can’t win. It is such a cycle and we have been doing it for 25 years. There are good weeks or if I am lucky, months….then something will trigger it and the cycle starts over.

    You mentioned your husband wasn’t saved. Well, what do you do when the husband IS supposedly saved but still acts like he does? I have contemplated divorce oh so many times, but I never do it. I don’t know if I have the courage. I am always reading books to see how I can improve my situation and hope it works.

    Anyway, I love your insight. It really helps to know I am not alone.

    Thanks again!

    • Natalie
      Natalie
      → Kirsten
      June 30, 2017

      My husband says he is saved too. I married him believing he was. He is quite spiritual and goes to church faithfully, reads his Bible, knows all the right words to say, can wield a Bible verse just right, etc. Most Christian women married to emotional abusers are married to men like this. The bottom line is that the Holy Spirit does two things: convicts and comforts. Do you see this in the life of your spouse? I never did. Satan knows the Bible and the Truth. But he isn’t saved. I actually did a video about this on Facebook. You can check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/emotionalabusesurvivorblog/videos/1686878364943925/

      fly free!

  • Avatar
    Christy
    June 30, 2017

    I am so thankful for you. Please keep writing and for the women who read these articles and are thinking about getting out the abusive relationships but aren’t sure.
    I was one of them. It was a gut wrenching experience to leave but I am so much better off now.
    We recently had a huge family get together (a graduation) where I and my new husband had dinner with my ex and his new wife. He hadn’t changed but his wife much tougher then me, so I hope she does better then I did. It was amazing to see how he acted in public vs. my husband. Being away from the abuse clears the fog from your eyes, there is no other way to say it. I am so thankful to God everyday for bringing me my husband who understands and is gentle & loving!!
    They don’t change.(At least not without God!)

    • Natalie
      Natalie
      → Christy
      June 30, 2017

      Wow, that is extremely encouraging. Thank you for giving the rest of us a glimpse of what a healthy future can hold if we can just let go of the sick past.

  • Avatar
    Joy Forrest
    June 30, 2017

    Thank you! In our support groups, this is always a struggle for the ladies. Love this, and am sharing!

  • Avatar
    Rally
    June 29, 2017

    Thank you so much Natalie… you are such a blessing to me and help wth clarity when I need it.

    My dream in life is to not be abused. If I could be in a marriage that modeled Christ and the church that would be wonderful. But either way, I’m not going to allow myself to be abused any longer.

    • Natalie Klejwa
      Natalie Klejwa
      → Rally
      June 29, 2017

      Good! You can be free to become all God made you to be. No longer under bondage due to the traditions of men and the lies of satan. You are a courageous, precious daughter of God.