Just A Thought (Excuses, Excuses...):

"I love him" is never an excuse for abuse. "I don't wanna start over" is a less than intelligent reason too. Oh, and the kicker: "I just want [insert kids' names here] to grow up seeing mommy and daddy together." We trip more than our fair share when we're in relationships, and love is always to blame; it's typically the default excuse for every crazy, asinine, illogical decision we make. But 'love' is just the word we use to describe our fear, sadness, or frustration. We fear walking away; we're frustrated with beginning again, and time and time again--we find ourselves sad and embarrassed because we think we've "failed." But leaving an unhealthy relationship is more winning than losing. And applying your intellect and having the courage to act on it are [you guessed it]: winning. I don't give a shit if he's rich or regular, lavish or average; never let him treat you less than you are.

Kanika A. Vann
Author, Love: Possible

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