If you had the opportunity.....would you? UPDATED!!!

I work with survivors of domestic violence. When I conducted support groups, I was working with some women who wanted to do what you're wanting to do now. My advice echoes exactly what a large majority here have said: Don't do it.

Abusers thrive on power and control. That's what an abusive relationship is really about. If you've been out of a relationship with him for any length of time, don't invite him back into your life with an acknowledgment that he had power over you. That's what it would do. You'd be admitting that he still has some power over you, because you're acknowledging that it still bothers you after all this time. Don't give him that power.

I know that the desire is great. I, myself, wanted to write to my ex and tell him exactly what he did to me and how much he hurt me. It won't change anything is the bottom line. There's no guarantee that he would even read the letter. If he does, he could make an effort to try and ruin what you have now.

If you're still needing a sense of closure, my suggestion is to write out the letter. List the hurts and the betrayals and anything else that you might be harboring. Burn that letter. You're still acknowledging and giving voice to why you want to contact the abuser, but you're not giving him the power to use it against you.
 
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This was only part of your advise but it is how I handled it. I have thought about what I would say for a long, long time if given the chance. When I was faced with it I told DH what I was thinking of doing. He said he wouldn't waste his time but I really felt the need to say what I have needed to say. And I did.....
His response was (and I quote)
"You broke my heart (when I left him). I carried that torch for a long time. I'm sorry. Just young and stupid I guess. I didn't realize what I had."

celebrate.gif
It's exactly what I needed to hear. Not to worry folks, I left him 30 years ago, never looked back and I am happier than a pig in mud where I am today in my life. But his apology did mean alot to me.
Thank you all for your advice.
 
Quote:
This was only part of your advise but it is how I handled it. I have thought about what I would say for a long, long time if given the chance. When I was faced with it I told DH what I was thinking of doing. He said he wouldn't waste his time but I really felt the need to say what I have needed to say. And I did.....
His response was (and I quote)
"You broke my heart (when I left him). I carried that torch for a long time. I'm sorry. Just young and stupid I guess. I didn't realize what I had."

celebrate.gif
It's exactly what I needed to hear. Not to worry folks, I left him 30 years ago, never looked back and I am happier than a pig in mud where I am today in my life. But his apology did mean alot to me.
Thank you all for your advice.

That is awesome. Now you can close that chapter of your life for good and move on....feeling better about yourself.
 
Quote:
This was only part of your advise but it is how I handled it. I have thought about what I would say for a long, long time if given the chance. When I was faced with it I told DH what I was thinking of doing. He said he wouldn't waste his time but I really felt the need to say what I have needed to say. And I did.....
His response was (and I quote)
"You broke my heart (when I left him). I carried that torch for a long time. I'm sorry. Just young and stupid I guess. I didn't realize what I had."

celebrate.gif
It's exactly what I needed to hear. Not to worry folks, I left him 30 years ago, never looked back and I am happier than a pig in mud where I am today in my life. But his apology did mean alot to me.
Thank you all for your advice.

That is awesome. Now you can close that chapter of your life for good and move on....feeling better about yourself.

Yes! The End
 
Quote:
This was only part of your advise but it is how I handled it. I have thought about what I would say for a long, long time if given the chance. When I was faced with it I told DH what I was thinking of doing. He said he wouldn't waste his time but I really felt the need to say what I have needed to say. And I did.....
His response was (and I quote)
"You broke my heart (when I left him). I carried that torch for a long time. I'm sorry. Just young and stupid I guess. I didn't realize what I had."

celebrate.gif
It's exactly what I needed to hear. Not to worry folks, I left him 30 years ago, never looked back and I am happier than a pig in mud where I am today in my life. But his apology did mean alot to me.
Thank you all for your advice.

I'm so glad you got closure from this. 30 years is a long time to carry that pain and frustration. I think his reply sounds honest. Congrats on the closure!
smile.png
 

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