I have been pondering this thread for a while. I really don't know what I wanted to acomplish, other than a big thank you to all the regular posters here. I have name changed as several posters know me in real-life and I'm not quite settled with shouting this out to all and sundry.
I guess I am now a survivor of several abusive relationships. I have had very long running mental health issues (hereditary Bipolar - late discovery due to adoption) Until reading this board I would have just said that I'm a magnet for arseholes. I am a victim of emotional, financial. physical and sexual abuse, although not all at the same time. And for some reason, I have always felt that on some level, somehow, I deserved what I got.
After reading many, many posts on here, it finally sank in, what I've been through is NOT my fault. I did not deserve it, or ask for it.
I am now happily married, and a mother to one wonderful daughter, and I will do my damndest to make sure that she understands all the lessons that I felt I missed out on growing up.
Partially sozzled with post christmas cheer and all that, I just wanted to raise a glass to all you wonderfully strong women here on the feminist boards. You must get utterly fed up with spouting the same truths over and again. I just wanted to let you know that it has definately made a difference to someone.
Thank you so much.