Why does he do that? is it normal to feel hopeful after reading a few chapters?

[confusedbutonrightpath]

Have posted on here under another name before re my problems with DP and this book was recommended to me by some posters. I'm currently reading 'why does he do that?' by Lundy Bancroft and I feel better already (know it's early days), made some notes in the margin of events that ring bells with me to help me straighten my brain out.

I'm hoping to regain my self-esteem/respect and maybe even the r/ship but if that doesn't happen then I know that it wasn't just me screwing things up.

Thanks everyone for the support this site gives .

Hey, I bought that book after I left my abusive husband. It was sooooo accurate. Felt like it was written with him in mind! I also made notes in the margin. It really did help me sort stuff out in my head, because my ex tried so hard to convince me that his behaviour was normal, and I was so messed up that I could barely get my ideas straight about the reality of the matter.
'Thankfully' his abuse got so dangerous (threatened to kill me while brandishing a kitchen knife, and the beatings were getting to be every day occurances) that I knew I'd be dead if I stayed any longer. Once away from him, head clearer, and with the help of that book, I know him for what he is.
Hope things work out for you.