Abuse

[Mary Garrison]

Have you or anyone closely related to you ever been abused.? How has that effected your life going forward? Is it hard to trust people that mean the most to you?

[Neharajoria]

Well, to me Abuse manifests itself in various forms.
Physiological abuse is what I have suffered and I would not want to talk about anyone else I know who suffered. That's their story to tell.
I was in a relationship for eight years, six of which I was subjected to constant character assassination. Was that abuse? I do not know, you tell me dear. I blame myself as much as my ex for it. I took it, he dealt it. Takes 2 to tango, at least in this specific scenario.
The worst part is the denial, the constant justification of such behavior, and classifying it into some twisted form of love. I have only myself to blame for not recognizing what it was sooner. And I don't think I'll forgive myself for my stupidity ever.

Though I did learn to respect and love myself better through the whole experience, I wish I had learnt that lesson in a more pleasant way.