The truth is I don’t know how to answer that question. I know my legal name, where I live, and who I thought I was, but I don’t know the woman I’ve becoe.
The truth is, years ago I would have judged a woman like me. I would have had empathy for her, yes, but I would have wondered why she didn’t leave. I would have wondered what was missing in her life that she had decided this was love. I likely would have viewed her as weak, and not realized the strength that it took her to continue going forward each day.
If nothing else, where I find myself has been a big lesson in never judging someone if you haven’t walked in their shoes. Never assume that because someone isn’t being hit that their relationship isn’t abusive. Never believe that the words and emotional abuse aren’t just as difficult, if not more difficult, to heal from than bruises and broken bones.
Most importantly, never assume that it couldn’t be you.
Hidden Shell 