to think that an abusive relationship is better than no relationship?

[ChineseDragonLady]

If part of the relationship is abusive as long as most of the relationship is good? Surely it's better to put up with some abuse if you get treated well the rest of the time than it is to spend the rest of your life being lonely and miserable?

Indeed. If you're miserable with an abuser there's no end in sight, unless you finish the relationship. It's hopeless unless you cling to the forlorn hope that they'll change.

Whereas on your own there is hope and a greater degree of control. I've taken my horse out for a lovely ride in the winter sun, had a giggle with another passing rider who said she was out for her "romantic stroll" and I'm now curled up with the cat, watching crap on the telly. All's good.

There's a phrase which is going to sound very trite but I think is absolutely spot on here:

"It's better to walk alone than badly accompanied".

There's no more lonely place to be than in an abusive relationship.

Are you from the 1920s OP?!?