I have seen this term before but never quite understood it. Until tonight.
I finally looked it up.
I realized that my ex was doing this to me for 8 years! Unfortunately he was also using mental health medication (my "doctor" put me on whatever he said).
I spent 5-6 years believing I was so terrible, so horrible, to be around that I required medication for anyone to WANT to be around me. That no one would put up with me like he did, because he "loved" me. That I should be grateful for him.
The day I left him (June 26, 2016) was that last time I let anybody dictate my mental health to me. I had quit the meds a week before, I have not been back on them and I feel amazing. I finally feel like ME.
Everything he told me I would never have, I have achieved:
"You will never travel" - I have lived in another state since then. Drove 1300 miles ON MY OWN. First road trip on my own.
"You will never have a job" - I have held a job for almost three years.
"You will never have a license or own a vehicle" - I have a driver's license, I have a vehicle. I have actually owned two.
"No one will love you or put up with you like I do" - I am loved and adored by my husband.
It's amazing how standing up and walking away (finally) can be EXACTLY what is needed to kick start your life.
