Agreed. And I can tell you from my own experience with an abuser -- I am separated from him and he has moved out. I am finally experiencing true happiness and a great sense of relief, freedom and inner peace since leaving my abuser. I am no longer under his thumb, I am no longer catering to HIS needs all the time, and I no longer am being gaslighted and blamed for everything. It feels GREAT.

So, if anything is holding you back and making you question leaving the abuse, know that you will be far happier once you actually leave and experience an abuse-free life. Just sayin'.

I dealt with it for the last 5 years and lost myself. I am now regaining a strong sense of self, direction and purpose. My health, my mental health and my sanity are far more important than being in a relationship just to have someone and avoid loneliness. Not saying that's what you're doing yourself - but many people stay out of fear of being alone/single or due to finances.

As Bridget Fonda says in the movie, Singles, "there is dignity in being single".