And now I see how and why so many abused women get “hooked”. During the honeymoon phase of abuse the woman falsely believes the abuser truly loves her. But what’s really happening is more about power and control. He wants her to think he loves her, but really it’s just sheer manipulation to stop her from leaving and to keep her under his control.

I can see how easy it is to believe it’s love. But love does not include abuse. Abuse is not love. It’s only about power and control over another to assuage the abuser’s extreme insecurities and own self hatred.