I’m still in the relationship, but the person I’m with doesn’t feel safe anymore.
It’s not the obvious kind of abuse that people talk about. There are no bruises anyone can see. It’s the constant checking of my phone, the comments about what I wear, the guilt trips when I want to see my family, the way money is always “his” even when I earned it.
Most days I tell myself it’s not that bad, because other people have it worse. But my chest feels tight all the time, and I’m starting to feel like I’ve forgotten who I am outside of this house.
I’m not ready to leave yet, but I’m starting to plan quietly in my head – what I’d need, who I could call, how I’d keep myself safe. I’m sharing this because I need to see my situation in words, and to know I’m not crazy for feeling scared even when there are no visible marks.