Has anyone dated someone who has been in an abusive relationship? What can you

United States
August 3, 2009 11:34pm CST
I had the chance to date someone who had previously been in an abusive relationship. Has someone met someone who has been in this situation? Or know someone who has been abused? What are the best things to do as a friend, lover, etc, to help these individuals?
1 response
• United States
7 Aug 09
When I first met my husband I told him upfront what I had been through a few years before. He asked what he could do to try and make things better for me. My answer was I dont know. I realized everytime he went to kiss me or give me a hug i jumpped from him. When he walked by I flinched. In bed he would try to cuddle with me and i would wake up screaming. I know now the best thing he did for me and help deal with the fear was just be there for me. he was understanding and patient. If I flinched he would just talk to me tell me everything was ok he wasnt going to hurt and then he would come over and just hold me. It has taken almost 5 years and i rarely do any of they above. The best thing is to be patient careing and understanding but that is just me. All people men and women handle post abuse differently. Good Luck to you.