It's sad that we get attached to the way certain people abuse us. It took me a long time and a lot of heartache to realize that it's okay to miss someone, but not want them back.

I always imagined it was going to be a huge ordeal, but it was such a subtle transition away from the abuse. One day I started talking to them about an idea I had, they looked uninterested as usual, and told me to leave them alone. That was the one... far from the worst moment, but that was the final one... I decided to give them exactly what they asked for. It was over. I've never been happier.

I got to the point where I stopped asking questions because I didn't want to be lied to. Abuse confuses you like that... Instead of walking away from the liar, you find ways to deal with the lies.

The problem isn’t that they don't show you love, respect, and attention... The problem is that you wish they would... and now you’re begging, hoping, and giving endless second chances. They don’t value you and if you don’t change something, they’ll convince you to not value yourself. Stop arguing with reality. When it comes to love, respect, and attention, the right person won’t have to be begged.

I loved them so much that I used to drive myself crazy trying to figure out why they were hurting... Why they betrayed me so easily... What was happening in their life that would lead them to treat me so abusively... Then, in a moment of clarity, I realized I'm not the "Narcissist Whisperer" and freed myself from that toxic behavior.

No matter how they abuse you; toleration is how you abuse yourself.