Disentangled

Imagine being taken to the greatest heights of ecstasy only to find yourself free falling with no logical explanation. You hit the ground, stunned and confused, and then clutch your chest to close the gaping hole that exposes your heart. Feel the nerve endings twitch with electric heat at every pulse. Touch the open wound with the tips of your fingers. Visualize how the hole got there... Not with a razor-sharp knife, but with a spoon, over the course of months or even years, leaving you numb to the pain. This is what it's like to be involved with a sociopath. If you were feeling the red-hot coils of a stove, your reaction would be to jerk your hand away, but this kind of danger is psychological. Like a skillful game of chess, you watch your opponent, anticipating their next move. Once you’ve exhausted every avenue to find it makes no difference, and you shed the last drop of blood, you have to face the truth. As Gloria Steinem says, “The truth will set you free, but first, it will piss you off.”

Daniel was supposed to be the love of my life and a second chance for happiness. Instead, he purposely seduced me with the intent to use my money and security. By the time I realized what was happening, I was so deep into the relationship that it was hard to let go. I walked around in a fog for three years, trying to hold onto my sanity and my money. Eventually, I realized... he was a dead end. Thinking I could beat him at his own game, I made a plan to get back some of what I lost.

Unless they've gone through it themselves, most people don't understand the trauma that victims go through. It's not always easy to just walk away, especially if you feel used. It's a process and a hard road, but one that can be successfully journeyed. With knowledge comes freedom from a life-sentence of abuse and unhappiness. Not only did he break my heart, Daniel destroyed my financial security and trust in men. The scars run deep. They lessen, but never fully heal.