Major Lessons Learned from an Abusive Relationship

Challenging Healing Lessons from an Abusive and Narcissistic Relationship

"Remove yourself from people who treat you like your time doesn’t matter, like your feelings are worthless, or like your soul is replaceable" — s.mcnutt

“The abusive partner continually denies any responsibility for problems.” ― Beverly Engel

25 August 2024 marked my fourth anniversary after leaving an abusive, violent and overall toxic relationship. It was an extraordinary emotionally charged and challenging period of my life, especially the first couple of months. I had to come to terms with getting out of the FOG (Fear | Obligation | Guilt) for letting go and walking away from someone that I thought (at the time) I have fallen in love with.

Recognizing Abusive Behaviour
I have written extensively here on my Mental Health and Motivation website about some of my now ex girlfriend's unacceptable behaviour that I was subjected to during the relationship. I will therefore not repeat the well-documented encounters of her abusive behaviour against me, her chronic lack of gratitude, the many overt and covert relationship red flags, my paradoxical cognitive dissonance and / or my interpretation of love, loss and grief.

25 August was my late mother's birthday. Celebrating this special day with her was a special highlight of our yearly calendar while she was alive. It is therefore ironic that 25 August is now also associated with reminiscing the most challenging relationship of my life. It was not in any way scripted like this, but rather the unfortunate unfolding of events after some unjustified abusive behaviour towards me. I don't mind sharing this day between one of the best and the most disappointing relationships of my life - it places my mother's sincere character and sense of gratitude into such a healthy perspective (and positive reinforcement of how I should conduct myself in the presence of all other).

Decision to Leave an Abusive Relationship
Thee years ago I reluctantly, but sensibly removed myself from a toxic relationship with an attractive, intelligent and charming woman (albeit with an unashamed false sense of entitlement and the definite queen of grandiosity at times). Her initial impeccable character and intellect, at least in my presence, made way for a staggering flow of abusive behaviour against me. After a few months of various unprovoked physical and verbal attacks I faced the daunting realization of being close to the edge of clinical exhaustion as a result of a perpetual trauma bond with an emotionally unstable partner.

Going No Contact

I isolated myself for a few weeks in going No Contact for essentially reflecting on her poor time management, limited empathy, abusive behaviour, lack of remorse etc. that unfortunatly created an overwhelmingly toxic relationship environment. I realized that I cannot continue to ignore the increasing red flags any longer. After a rather dramatic detachment (final breakup) I was consumed with disappointment and grief that inevitably developed into months of severe post-relationship trauma. The objective of staying No Contact (even after the breakup) is still 100% maintained.

Abuse and Domestic Violence: 'Result for Playing Chess'

Behavioral Research and Self-Assessment

I spent more than a year in not only researching the psychological 'cause and effect' of antisocial (relationship) behaviour and the traumatic consequences, but also assessing (and understanding) my own codependent behaviour vulnerabilities for staying in an abusive relationship.

Letting Go...

Letting go of this transactional and abusive relationship was not an achievement as such, but rather the acceptance of ending a dramatic trauma bond that had the toxic behaviour dynamics to cause severe (and possibly long-term) negative consequences. I was unfortunatly enmeshed in an unhealthy relationship with someone who was emotionally stunted in the ability to trust, love and / or respect others as part of the reciprocal values required for an emotionally stable relationship.

Achievements after Leaving an Abusive Relationship

Apart from gaining an extensive body of additional psychological reference knowledge I have had many opportunities for discussing the abusive relationship with family members, friends and professional contacts. I did not (at any stage) consider professional counselling, but rather through no further contact, self-determination, honest reflection and informal psychodynamic talk therapy (with my professional contacts) pursued improved control over my own cognitive dissonance, emotional conditioning and relevant behaviour modification.
During the relationship (and extended aftermath) I lost some of my creativity, daily motivation and sense of self. My own photography was severely compromised for focusing almost exclusively on someone else's omnipresent needs and wants. It took me months for regaining my normal confident self, my interest in my own photography, photography training and the daily management of my CFD trading portfolios.
Spending less time reading and researching about the 'cause and effect' of antisocial behaviour / personality disorders. I spend more time lately with my own photography and the daily reading / researching about trading and investment opportunities / threats.
The ability to once again engage with a variety of people with trust, effective communication and the setting of assertive personal boundaries (when and where required). It has happened a few times recently where I had to set and enforce personal boundaries for protecting my privacy and personal space.
I have always considered empathy and gratitude as important personal / relationship qualities - it's only now that I truly understand the impact and consequences when these emotional values are vaguely selective or completely absent from someone's Emotional Intelligence repertoire. The words 'thank you' became the most important words in my vocabulary over the last year.
Spending relatively long periods in solitude without anxiety (and worrying) about someone else's feelings, actions and reactions. Many hours were consumed with soul searching / self analysis to eventually emerge with a renewed sense of self-awareness, continuous self-enrichment and an ever-increasing emotional intelligence.

Lessons Learned from an Abusive and Narcissistic Relationship

I cannot take responsibility for someone else's (antisocial) behaviour, I did not cause her inherent propensity towards aggressive tendencies and I do not have to be in the 'firing line' of any abusive and antisocial behaviour against me. I can only control my own behaviour towards other people and that I should be more mindful in terms of my own judgement, decision-making and social behaviour towards the actions and reactions of other people (in an intimate relationship and / or otherwise).
That I should be more vigilant towards pathological behaviour patterns and obvious and / or covert (silent) red flags during any stage of an intimate relationship. I've read, researched and listened to an extensive range of world-class intimate relationship abuse recovery and psychology resources. Not only for the identification / understanding of psychopathy and related personality disorder traits, but also for assisting me with reference to responsible (re)actions towards any antisocial behaviour.
That there are indeed people who cannot say 'thank you' - with a preconditioned disregard for not expressing any gratitude whatsoever. It was the first time in my life that I have experienced such a profound sense of self-entitlement (for any received goodwill) and / or deliberate rejection of thankfulness. It took me a while to understand and except that I should not just assume someone will say 'thank you'.
To address and improve my own relationship codependency behaviour in terms of setting healthy boundaries by not accepting any destructive behaviour tendencies towards me, not trying to please other people and not to feel / be responsible as a 'caregiver' when a more mature relationship disposition is required.
That processing, letting go and healing from an abusive / toxic relationship is an emotionally challenging detachment, especially without (proper) closure. It required a conscientious effort of personal introspection, own behaviour modification, resilience, forgiveness and acceptance to move beyond the realms of just accepting someone else's (false) sense of entitlement, lack of respect and incessant aggressive behaviour tendencies.
Recovery and healing time from an abusive relationship is a different journey for anyone going through the challenge(s) of detaching from an unfortunate trauma bond. Its easy (in hindsight) to say it took me a year. A year ago I had no idea how long it would take - some days It felt it would never happen.

Throughout the past four years I have had invaluable private conversations with many people about the toxic dynamics of this abusive relationship and the eroding effect on my emotional wellbeing. I was brutally honest in describing the essence of every (physical) attack against me, the utter disrespect for my integrity and the grandiose disdain for everything that I tirelessly offered during the relationship.

Acceptance / Rebuilding after an Abusive and Narcissistic Relationship

What made the acceptance so much more sustainable was the realization that the grief of losing someone special does not have to go away. What did go away eventually was my fear of letting go. This quote by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler provided me with the necessary perspective and solace for moving on - “The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.”

Having accepted the undercurrent ebb and flow presence of my grief (and trauma from the abuse) I find myself thinking less and less of this specific grief / trauma (and person). The ever-consuming dark thoughts of grief, loss and associated trauma made way for more coherent thinking and mindful living of being in the moment - focusing on the daily awareness of here and now... It took me more than 18 months of introspection, reflection and soul searching to finally arrive at the other side of this emotionally challenged, but self-enriching journey.

Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse
In the aftermath of the relationship I struggled to come to terms with the grandiose disdain shown for any contributions of compassion and goodwill I effortlessly offered during the relationship. I questioned my empathetic vulnerabilities, my own identity and core values that could possibly have 'justified' the abuse against me. It took more than a year of soul searching, research and the passing of significant time for creating the inner peace to complete the recovery puzzle. Read more >>

The Psychological Journey of Abuse Recovery

Mental Health Healing Process Disclaimer / Reference
This healing process was entirely structured around my own experience(s) in developing a coping and recovery strategy for dealing with the aftermath / trauma from an abusive relationship. The healing process I followed is not in any way intended as a consequential recommendation (or guidance) for others to follow and expect similar results (in the same time frame). It should be viewed as a source of information / frame of reference as one specific attempt to come to terms with and heal from an unhealthy relationship.

Healing Process After an Abusive Relationship

From Therapeutic Journaling to Online Publishing

Mental Health Quotes by Vernon Chalmers

Playing Chess and Anger

About and Disclaimer

Why Partners engage in Abusive Relationships?

Abusive relationships are complex and often rooted in a mix of psychological, social, and emotional factors. People may engage in such dynamics for reasons like:

Learned behavior: Some individuals grow up witnessing or experiencing abuse, which can normalize such patterns in their minds.
Power and control: Abusers often seek to dominate their partners, using manipulation, fear, or violence to maintain control.
Low self-esteem: Both abusers and victims may struggle with self-worth, leading to unhealthy dynamics.
Cultural or societal norms: In some cases, societal pressures or cultural beliefs can perpetuate abusive behaviors or discourage victims from leaving.
Mental health issues: Conditions like untreated trauma, anger issues, or personality disorders can contribute to abusive tendencies.

It's a heartbreaking cycle, but understanding these factors is a step toward breaking it. What are your thoughts on this?" (Source: Microsoft Copilot 2025)

Major Lessons Learned from an Abusive Relationship: Supportive Information

"Experiencing an abusive relationship can be an incredibly difficult and traumatic experience. While each situation is unique, there are some major lessons that people often learn from such relationships. Here are some common lessons that survivors of abusive relationships have shared:

1. Recognizing red flags: One of the most significant lessons learned is to recognize the warning signs and red flags of abuse. This includes understanding the different forms of abuse, such as physical, emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse. Survivors become more attuned to behaviors that are manipulative, controlling, or demeaning, which helps them avoid similar situations in the future.

2. Trusting one's instincts: Many survivors of abusive relationships report ignoring their instincts or gut feelings during the course of the relationship. They learn to trust their intuition more and to listen to warning signs that something is not right. Developing self-trust becomes an essential aspect of moving forward.

3. Setting boundaries: Abusive relationships often involve a lack of respect for boundaries. Survivors learn the importance of setting and enforcing healthy boundaries in all aspects of life. This includes relationships with family, friends, and future partners. They understand that setting clear limits is crucial for their emotional and physical well-being.

4. Building self-esteem: Abusive relationships can take a toll on one's self-esteem, often leading to feelings of worthlessness and self-blame. Survivors learn to rebuild their self-worth and prioritize their own needs and desires. They work on self-compassion, self-care, and surrounding themselves with supportive people who uplift them.

5. Seeking help and support: Many survivors of abusive relationships initially hesitate to seek help due to fear, shame, or guilt. However, as they learn about the dynamics of abuse, they realize the importance of reaching out for support. This may involve confiding in friends, family, or professionals such as therapists, counselors, or support groups.

6. Understanding the cycle of abuse: Survivors often gain insights into the cycle of abuse, which typically consists of a tension-building phase, an explosive incident, and a honeymoon phase. Recognizing this pattern helps survivors understand that the abuse is not their fault and that it is the responsibility of the abuser to seek help and change.

7. Prioritizing self-care: Abuse can leave survivors feeling emotionally and physically drained. Learning to prioritize self-care becomes crucial for healing and moving forward. This may involve engaging in activities that bring joy, practicing self-compassion, and taking time for rest and relaxation.

8. Establishing healthy relationship patterns: Survivors often make a conscious effort to break free from toxic relationship patterns and establish healthier dynamics in their future relationships. They learn about healthy communication, mutual respect, trust, and the importance of equality and consent.

9. Advocating for oneself: Survivors of abusive relationships often develop a strong sense of self-advocacy. They learn to assert their needs, speak up for themselves, and protect their boundaries. This newfound strength allows them to advocate for their rights in various aspects of life.

10. Empathy and compassion for others: Having experienced the pain and trauma of an abusive relationship, survivors often develop a deeper sense of empathy and compassion for others who have gone through similar experiences. This can lead them to support and uplift fellow survivors, and even become advocates for ending domestic violence.

It's important to note that everyone's journey and lessons learned may vary. Each individual's experience is unique, and the healing process is personal. If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, it is crucial to seek help from professionals or organizations specializing in domestic violence support." (Source: Chat GPT 2023)