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laura c reilly's avatar

Nick, this is a powerful personal story. So many things resonate, not least of which is the lack of help for men abused by their partners - no Tessa for men. I have my own experience with a severely mentally ill family member, bipolar and schizophrenic, who tormented and gaslighted me and my husband for decades - all along "passing" as normal and kind and sane to other people. It took therapy and good friends experienced with working with troubled and mentally ill persons to get me through early years with this person in our lives. Mental illness is a destroyer, both of the ill person and those in their circle. I feel your pain, and I am glad you survived this.

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Sandy Rinks's avatar

Wow! I can't even imagine that hell. So glad you escaped. Your life during that time sounds so exhausting. Glad you are free now. Take care.

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Matthew Schniper's avatar

Very powerful piece of writing, friend. An incredible lived experience. Kudos for the braveness to share it openly. Glad to see you doing so well these days (with this new context of where you're coming from). Keep up the great work.

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Randall's avatar

Oh my God, that sounds like absolute Hell. I'm so sorry you had to endure that for years, I'm glad you were able to get out, and I hope you can build a better future for yourself.

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Kristina Adams's avatar

I'm so grateful for your survival and ability to open up and share your story.

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Ryan Hannigan's avatar

Nick, I didn’t know what I was getting into when I started reading, and I am so sorry you had to experience all of it. Despite all you’ve been through, you have remained kind and gentle and an outstanding human being. Your story could be a riveting screenplay if you wanted to go that route I have no doubt.

I’m just glad you’re still here and she didn’t “win”

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Aaron's avatar

fuuuuuuk, that's brutal, good riddance

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