My name is Diane and I am a SURVIVOR of Traumatic Domestic Abuse. I am here to let you know you are not crazy, and there is nothing that you did wrong to incur the abuse you have gone through. I lost my husband/best friend unexpectedly on January 2, 2000. Talk about a welcome to the New Millennium. Fast forward 2 1/2 years, and I thought had found my new best friend. Well, I have decided if you weren’t exposed to some things, you just didn’t realize they really did exist. I lost my self confidence, my self worth, the retirement my deceased husband and I had worked and planned for, and I darn near lost my life. I say this not looking for sympathy, but rather to say there really are some really unkind people out there who really do take advantage, and literally suck the life out of you physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. They are Covert Narcissistic Abusers, Coercive Controllers, and Gaslighters.  They do not need to be physically violent  as a lot of people might think or assume, and that makes them more dangerous. My physical abuse didn’t start until almost 9 years later. Under the guise of care, concern, and promising you they will “be there for you” it is actually a ploy, or a plot to destroy you, and it is very real believe me! They use your secrets, fears and dreams against you, twisting everything and everyone to their benefit. How can that happen you ask? Because you have no idea it is going on…until it’s too late. Sadly, you have changed, you are a different person, and the narrative that has been woven behind your back is probable because you are on Anti-Depressants, Anti-Anxiety medication, and are reduced to walking on eggshells, and vowing to yourself, to keep your head down and do “whatever it takes to make things okay.” It is not reserved for women by the way, it happens to men as well.