That word "abuse" keeps coming up when my people are trying to help me. I have a hard time accepting that what I have experienced is abusive. I never felt abused. Maybe neglected, but abuse? That is such a harsh word.
I felt loved most of the time. Sweet little things that he did for me and all those wonderful things that he said to me to make me feel that I was loved. That can't be abuse, can it?
But, there is all the other stuff that alcoholics and addicts do
Lying
Stealing
Causing me to need a blood test
Throwing guilt bombs at me for sending him away "just when he needed me most"
Does that constitute abuse?
I suppose so, but it's such a harsh word, and I have a very hard time putting that together with someone who really was very sweet.
what is up with that?