I am fully aware that I stayed in an abusive relationship for 5 years because it is what I grew up with!

My Brother and I have made much progress in our healing process but last night I saw him suffer a set back. He is experiencing a VERY stressful time. While I can sympathize and have been there for him 100%, he "wigged out" and began to backslide last night. He interrupted me and began screaming at me for something I said. I calmly told him that I would not be yelled at. I have never done that before! Usually I would apologize and defend my words. Not this time! He then stopped, as he was doing something else in the background, and interjected to say that he had to go and would call me right back. So I went back to my knitting. My first thought was "well good, you can call me back and pay for the long distance as I am not PAYING to get berated and yelled at!". As the phone rang I told myself not to answer. Although he needs support, he is not going to get it while dumping on me. I refuse to speak to him while he is in that state and will be there when he calms down and can use his words like an adult! I didn't feel guilty about it either.

I told myself that it didn't matter if he was on his dime or mine, under my roof or not, I do NOT deserve to be yelled at EVER! I have never thought this way before! I feel so good right now. I love my Brother, but I will not sacrifice myself worth for ANYONE ever again!

A book that I have been reading and would highly recommend is "The Verbally Abusive Relationship" by Patricia Evans. This gem has been a life saver for me and I hope that it can be for some of you too!

*hugs* *hugs* *hugs* May we all heal!