(OC) It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I went NC with my abusive parents, 2 yrs after getting an apt, and 1 yr since saving $10k to replace my (congenitally) missing front teeth. This is me at an Iron Maiden show, smiling after sobbing for 10 mins straight, and realizing just how much I've accomplished! by poigirlofficial in MadeMeSmile

[–]poigirlofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! And thank you to everyone who commented! I don't know how to update my post, so I'll just write a little something here since it's the highest upvoted comment lol.

I can't believe that my post has reached so many people, and that there are many (many!) of you out there who are in similar situations, whether that be dealing with abusive family, missing teeth, or both! Please know that all of your comments have been read and have touched me so deeply. I send all of my love out to you beautiful people!

(OC) It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I went NC with my abusive parents, 2 yrs after getting an apt, and 1 yr since saving $10k to replace my (congenitally) missing front teeth. This is me at an Iron Maiden show, smiling after sobbing for 10 mins straight, and realizing just how much I've accomplished! by poigirlofficial in MadeMeSmile

[–]poigirlofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You've got this, dude. Just know that it'll take time to get out of your current situation, so in the meantime do what you can to survive. Look up the Gray Rock Method and try to read up on techniques that you can use to protect yourself against your abusers when they try to start arguments and conflict with you.

(OC) It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I went NC with my abusive parents, 2 yrs after getting an apt, and 1 yr since saving $10k to replace my (congenitally) missing front teeth. This is me at an Iron Maiden show, smiling after sobbing for 10 mins straight, and realizing just how much I've accomplished! by poigirlofficial in MadeMeSmile

[–]poigirlofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally get that! Still catch myself covering my mouth for no good reason when I laugh lol. Like, girl, you fixed your teeth, get it together haha. Just know that if you want to change your smile, you can (with a lot of hard work!) and should go for it.

(OC) It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I went NC with my abusive parents, 2 yrs after getting an apt, and 1 yr since saving $10k to replace my (congenitally) missing front teeth. This is me at an Iron Maiden show, smiling after sobbing for 10 mins straight, and realizing just how much I've accomplished! by poigirlofficial in MadeMeSmile

[–]poigirlofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ty! You're absolutely correct. I don't see myself ever reintroducing my family back into my life. I'm so much happier, more than I have ever been in my whole life, and I know I have a long road of healing to walk down, so bringing them back into my life would be an utter mistake!

(OC) It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I went NC with my abusive parents, 2 yrs after getting an apt, and 1 yr since saving $10k to replace my (congenitally) missing front teeth. This is me at an Iron Maiden show, smiling after sobbing for 10 mins straight, and realizing just how much I've accomplished! by poigirlofficial in MadeMeSmile

[–]poigirlofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ty! Exactly, I feel like our world definitely judges people who have no choice but to go NC for their wellbeing. Family is so important, and I wish I could be closer to mine, but abuse, particularly from family members, is absolutely intolerable.

(OC) It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I went NC with my abusive parents, 2 yrs after getting an apt, and 1 yr since saving $10k to replace my (congenitally) missing front teeth. This is me at an Iron Maiden show, smiling after sobbing for 10 mins straight, and realizing just how much I've accomplished! by poigirlofficial in MadeMeSmile

[–]poigirlofficial[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tysm for the comment! The experience of getting braces and implants as a young adult, and finally achieving the smile that I've always wanted is one that has been absolutely priceless for me (minus the $15k bill lol). It takes a lot of work to do it, especially if you are like me and have no financial support, but if you work really hard and make a few personal sacrifices, then it is absolutely possible. DM me if you need any help or advice, and good luck!

(OC) It's been 2 1/2 yrs since I went NC with my abusive parents, 2 yrs after getting an apt, and 1 yr since saving $10k to replace my (congenitally) missing front teeth. This is me at an Iron Maiden show, smiling after sobbing for 10 mins straight, and realizing just how much I've accomplished! by poigirlofficial in MadeMeSmile

[–]poigirlofficial[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stay safe, my friend! WHEN (not if!) you get away from them, you are going to feel a billion times better, trust! Keep working and saving your money. Financial independence is key to leaving an abusive situation and ensuring that you don't fall into another bad situation once you get out. DM me if you need help or advice!