"Is This Really Love?"

Before I get started, allow me to clarify what I  mean by the title of this post, as that could mean many things. In this post, I will be talking about abusive relationships and what I think one should do in the event of an abusive girlfriend/boyfriend. Remember, this is only a matter of opinion, so I hope to help others as best as I can! Also, this is a response to my first suggestion, made by Christine.

Anyhow, let's get to the post. Allow me to start with this: nobody deserves to be abused. Whether it's domestic violence, bullying, or abuse in a relationship, it's just not right. But, in the situation of relationship abuse being mixed with love, many seem to get lost when trying to find the right solution. Sometimes, people enter an abusive relationship because they think they don't deserve anything better than that. Most likely, people will do that because of child abuse or getting neglected by family and/or "friends" on a daily basis. This is normally followed by depression and stress.

Love can be challenging. For example, let's say you have been in love with a kid named Peter/Christina. But, Christina/Peter is an abuser, which you are not yet aware of. Peter/Christina asks you out, and you become a great couple; for now. Before you know it, Christina/Peter is yelling at you constantly, always trying to put you down, and worst of all, abusing you. It's not a fun game to play. The worst part is that you've been in love with this person for a while now so you're stuck in the decision of whether or not to stay with Christina/Peter. 

What's even more horrid is that you may fear of breaking up with that person because you fear that person may try to harm you in ways unthinkable. You don't want to break up with them because you love them, and is now afraid of what might happen if you let that person go. Well, with little experience in this chapter of relationship problems, here's my advice to you.

Let that person go. Get solid proof of that person abusing you or any other family member of yours (ex: kids, nieces, nephews, little cousins, etc.) and contact the authorities. Depending on how severe the situation is, that person should face either fines or get arrested for however many years. You may not want to let that person go, but what is a relationship if one is intended to hurt the other person in any way? Not a very good one. Once you let that person go and the pain and depression and stress is gone, you'll feel better. A lot better. To ease the tension of after the break up, hang out with some friends. Chill and watch a movie at the local theater or grab dinner at a sushi restaurant. Or, if you're like me and can't have sushi because of an allergy to seafood, grab some lunch or dinner at a steak house. Another option is to just hang out with a sibling and talk it out and watch a movie or watch TV or even play an online match of "Call of Duty: Black Ops: II" or "Left 4 Dead 3" As a girl, I find it calming to play X-Box or PlayStation.

There are limitless options to choose from to make yourself feel better.  But, whatever you choose, I'm sure it'll have at least a little impact in the way you feel. However, if you choose not to break up with that person, then I'm afraid this post has had almost no impact on the way you feel. Hopefully, in the end, you'll make the right decision, and as always, I wish you all the best of luck with your relationships and the best of luck in general =)

***Also, I will still be taking suggestions on posts. I will try to get to as many as possible. Also, like my Facebook page: Relationships and The Endless Search for updates on when I have posted new blogs and links to read them!! 

Thanks for all the support,

-Annabella F. Esposito.