The first thing I want you to know is that emotional and physical abuse happens in relationships every single day. I want you to understand that this could be happening to someone very close to you, yet you may never see it. Just because something appears to be one thing on the outside, does not mean that something darker isn't happening below the surface. You should know, according to safevoices.org, 1 in every 4 women experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Emotional abuse can be just as scarring as physical abuse; springtideresources.org reported that 72 percent of women believe that emotional abuse has greater repercussions than other forms of mistreatment. Whichever shape this abuse comes in, it is all too real.
I want you to know, if this isn't happening to you, you are very lucky.
I want you to know, if this is happening to you or if this has happened to you in the past, you are strong. You are worthy of so much more than what this moment has lead you to believe. Every single human being is deserving of love, including you. I want you to remember that.
I want you to know that just because someone says "I love you" doesn't mean it's okay for them to belittle you or hurt you. Loving someone means caring for their well-being. Loving someone means owning up and fixing your mistakes. Someone who claims to love you will do anything in their power to make sure you are okay. You need to know that "I love you" doesn't make up for the fact that someone left you feeling inferior.
I want you to know that those names you've been called have absolutely no association with who you actually are as a person. You are what you believe you are. If someone is putting you down it is not a reflection of who you are, it is a reflection of who they are as a person.
I want you to know that you can take all the time that you need. Be patient with yourself. All scars take time to heal. If you want to cry, you have every right to. Whether it's a week after or two years after. Talking about it can upset you and that's okay. Don't feel the need to jump into anything until you are absolutely ready. If you don't want to date, you don't have to. If you aren't ready to be in a new relationship, you don't have to be. Do what you need to to heal and grow. Talk to your family and your friends. Seek other help if that is necessary for you. Whatever it is that you do, make sure you aren't putting so much pressure on yourself. You will find your ways of coping. Give yourself time. You will be okay.
The last thing I want you to know is you are loved. I want you to know you are not alone. If you've experienced this or if you are currently experiencing it, please know that you are going to get through this. You are stronger than you know.
