Just read this on a different relationship thread and it's blown me away. Hope you don't mind me copying it onto here:
I shall say this only once.
Actually, no I won't, I will keep repeating it until the message gets through.
Every person deserves to have a relationship where they are treated with respect, love and equality.
There is never an excuse for verbal, physical or financial abuse.
If you partner treats you like shit, it is their fault. It is not because of something you have done.
You can't change an abusive man by being 'better' or sticking by him where others haven't, or by changing yourself.
Most people have happy relationships, where disagreements happen and are resolved without resorting to shouting, name calling or violence or screwing someone else.
Most people's partners are happy for them to pursue their own friendships and interests, work and education, have access to money, make decisions.
Most people in a relationship stay faithful. They don't have affairs or cyber-sex or obsessively wank over porn day and night.
Don't be fooled into thinking that dysfunctional relationships are the norm. There are many of them on here, but then people don't tend to ask for advice on healthy relationships, so we hear less about them.
Relationships are not supposed to be hard work, that is a big fat myth. Yes, you should work at your relationship but that is not the same thing at all.
Nobody should live their life in fear of angering their partner, or skirting round issues that might upset him. Or put up with cheating and lying for fear of rocking the boat.
Nobody should 'stay together for the children', or because of your marriage vows. If your husband treats you badly, he has broken the vows. Children are much much happier being brought up by parents who live apart than in an atmosphere of fear and loathing.
Just because you've escaped a level 10 bastard, doesn't mean you should settle for the level 8 one that comes along. The only acceptable level of abuse is none.
Just because all your friends are in bad relationships, doesn't mean that you have to be.
I really want to debunk the myth that all men are bastards. They simply aren't. If you feel that all the men you meet are, it's because you are unconsciously sending out vibes to these men. They can spot a target a mile off.
Be on your own. It is much easier than sticking by a tosser. If you have been in more than one abusive relationship, seek some counselling, you may be co-dependant, or you may be modelling relationships on a warped template, perhaps from childhood.
If he abuses you, he is not a good father. Good fathers don't treat the mother of their children with disrespect.
It doesn't matter how much he says sorry and makes it up to you, if he continues to abuse you those apologies are worthless.
Don't be fooled into thinking the abuse isn't 'bad enough to leave'. If you are treated in any way less than cherished, loved and respected, it is bad enough to leave.
There is never a reason to stay with an abusive man. He won't kill himself if you leave him, he won't take your children, and yes, everybody will believe you.
I probably have loads more to say on the subject but I will leave it there for now.
Much love to everybody.