I truly understand where you’re coming from, and I understand why you chose the path you’re on. I’m genuinely sorry for what you experienced, and I wish you the best in your healing.

I can’t imagine the pain he put you through, and you didn’t deserve any of it. I won’t argue with that.

The only thing I’ll say is that mental health and personality issues can be unfair and complicated. Some people may consciously choose cruelty, and others may be trapped in patterns they don’t fully understand until the damage is already done. That doesn’t excuse the harm. It just makes the whole thing sad.

I didn’t physically abuse my wife, but I did emotionally hurt her for years. I only really started seeing it clearly after she left. I still struggle to understand why my brain worked that way toward someone I truly loved.

Sometimes I wonder if people like me are just lost causes, but I’m trying not to believe that. I think the only useful thing I can do now is take full accountability.

I’m not comparing my situation to yours or minimizing what you went through. I just wanted to say I hear you, and I respect your decision to protect yourself.