Let's get something straight: an abusive relationship is not necessarily physical violence. An abusive relationship can be verbally or emotionally abusive as well. When a person spits harsh words, breaking you down to a point of depression, that's abuse. When someone who is supposed to love and cherish you takes every opportunity to cut you down and keep you inferior to them, that's abuse. Seeing someone you love endure such abuse can take a toll on your heart, too.

When you watch your friend endure the extreme heartbreak that comes with an abusive relationship, you end up feeling some of that heartbreak yourself. The gut-wrenching feeling being on the other end of that sobbing phone call is all too familiar. I can't help but feel sad to see such beautiful girlfriends of mine being torn down by such ugly souls. It's hard to hear the angry screams from the boyfriend, blind the girl into thinking its out of love, or that he's just "mad." It's even more sad when the words that echo "your not good enough" are actually believed.

The never-ending heartbreak from your person is enough to make you angry. Angry that someone so smart would be so stupid as to let someone treat them that way. Angry that deep down, they know that they're better than this. Angry that after yet another fight that ends in their tears and a broken heart never seems to be catastrophic enough to change their mind. Angry that they never listen to you. So, the cycle repeats. She cries because of his cruel ways, they break up, she cries to you and vows to never go back, he apologizes, they're back together. The stress and anguish that you hold for your friend gets old. How is it that they never get sick of the way that they're treated?

I will never understand how a girl can let a guy cut her down until she stands on nothing. I've stood by far too many loved ones sides while they let someone destroy them. I've heard of too many young girls around their late teens and early twenties, sacrificing the well-being of their soul for someone they've been tricked into loving. I, myself, have been placed with people who treat me well, and I know plenty of women can have the same thing. If the guy you're with doesn't cherish you for all that you, there's someone out there who will. There is happiness ahead when you use your strength to leave. He won't change, you've given too many chances. If he's violent now, he will be violent later. Do not waste any more of your time on less than the best.

To all those that are in an abusive relationship, I hope that someday, you listen to someone who loves you, and run like hell. To those that have overcome an abusive relationship, I salute you.