abusive relationships

I see her as a person I would share life with over coffee as we also shared similar thoughts. She asked me to share my story with her and her blog followers after this post, so I did. Two paragraphs later I got a reply that said "You're a SURVIVOR. I hope you know that." We both are, we have that in common. I asked her to share her experience with what she had been through and as I read over what she sent me I couldn't help but let a few tears escape.

So here's Amanda from We & Serendipity, sharing a little bit about what made her stronger:

I can't really put my feelings into words & I hate being graphic. I'm over this occurrence but I feel like I still can't provide details because it brings it all back. However, I full-heartedly believe in standing up for it, talking about it, and being an advocate to those who are in abusive relationships.

In high school, I was abused by a boy I really liked. He was very good looking and the football captain. I liked him. But he sexually abused me and hit me. Luckily and thankfully, I was in a domestic violence organization at the time. I knew the warning sings & I got out of the relationship before it was too late.

I got over it with the help of many religious leaders. A few years later, I had been dating a guy for about a year. He was extremely controlling. He would constantly read through all of my emails, text messages, Facebook messages, screen my phone calls, everything. He was super paranoid about me talking to other guys. And it was confusing to me. I loved him so much, how could he care? Before too long, I found out this guy had a heavy pornography addiction. He began trying to use these tactics on me, and wanting to do what he saw on TV. I refused. This guy eventually controlled every aspect of my life. I couldn't hang out with my friends, I couldn't have a good relationship with my mom, I had to dress a certain way & I even had to be someone I wasn't. Every single thing I liked he had made me change. the relationship ended and though I felt it was very hard because I loved him, I knew it wasn't right for me. I knew the relationship would have turned violent and I'm so thankful that my (now) husband was my angel. He walked into my life when I thought I could go on no longer. I'm so thankful for God. And for the comfort He gave me during that horrific time.