Link to original post here.

So first things first, thank you all so much for your support! I didn't think my post would really get any attention, so I am so thankful for all those who read it, messaged me, and offered me advice. There were a couple of victim blamey comments, and to the posters of these comments, I truly hope you or your loved ones are never in my situation or anything similar. I was gaslighted and extremely manipulated. I was put on a pedestal by this man in order to be more compliant and understanding when he abused me. He told me about all of the traumas he went through in his life in order to gain sympathy from me. Interestingly enough, he said that his sister and mom were narcissistic and gaslighted him growing up.

I texted him yesterday saying that I didn't want to talk to him anymore. I told him why and said that I did not consent to the many sexual acts that he forced on me. He, to no surprise, said that he did in fact ask for my consent before we had sex. We never had such conversations before ANY sex we had. I am glad I was able to see my way out of the situation with a lot of guidance from friends and those in this community. I hope the other women in his life can also find their way out.

Lastly, while I am apprehensive saying this part, I want you all to know that I am actually well educated in the area of abuse and trauma and essentially knew the red flags when I seen them, but wanted to believe there was no way I could be a victim. I am a licensed professional counselor and trauma therapist. I have worked at a domestic violence shelter. The reason I am sharing this information is to show that abuse can happen to anyone, no matter their education. I was initially so ashamed that I could have something like this happen to me when I have counseled so many people through similar situations. After talking to my therapist friends, I was assured that manipulation has no boundaries and it often is so much easier to see the red flags in others lives as a counselor.

Thank you for reading, I truly appreciate the support.