Should I stay or should I go?
Ending a relationship is hard, but there are times when you DO have to make a decision to take action when it comes to an abusive relationship.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not pro-divorce. I know offhand what kind of heartbreak and pain it could cause, even in an amicable one. However, it’s different when the relationship is toxic and abusive. Remember, the relationship is a two-way street, both sides have to love, cherish, and have mutual respect for each other. And it has to be safe! Yes, safe physically, emotionally, spiritually, and environmentally.
Anyway, if any of this (following) is happening to you, it’s probably time to take action:
Are you afraid to go home to your partner? Your home is supposed to be a safe place for you. If your heart starts pounding in fear, (and/or you start having any physical reaction due to fear), that is not normal. It’s time to take action!
Do you feel helpless, stuck, and no way out in the relationship? You may even have suicidal thoughts because of the relationship you’re in. It’s time to take action!
Do you feel like God’s not listening to your prayers and abandoning you? I know I prayed and prayed to God for help, but at the end of the day, very little had changed. Are you in the same place? Is God really trying to keep you in the abuse? NO! God is LOVE and God says Love and fear do not exist together. God never ever leaves you nor forsakes you. It’s time to take action!
Have you caught yourself feeling and saying the same thing like “I think I need to leave him.” or “I can’t take it anymore.” over and over for several months or even years? Maybe your friends don’t even believe you anymore because you’ve kept saying that same thing so many times? Sounds familiar? It’s time to take action!
If you’re in immediate danger, be sure to contact 911. If not, stay cool and stay low, and plan your escape. Usually, abusers are not rational and may make things even worse by giving you guilt trips or making threats. Have someone go with you to talk or leave first if that makes more sense for you and talk afterward.
I realize everyone’s situation is different. I’d highly recommend speaking with the local safe house or domestic abuse hotline and seek some guidance from there. Some resources are listed here in this page(Link).