Family drama.

My parents were in a toxic marriage, they got divorced when I was 12. Years later I found myself in an abusive relationship, married the guy at 19, and divorced him at 22 for being an alcoholic and physically abusive. I’m 30 now, and have been with my fiancé since I was 23. He has proven to me that life is not meant to be that way, that each morning should be started with smiles, not tears, that kindness, laughs, and honesty are what maintain a relationship. Sometimes we have to experience difficult relationships in order to build ourselves up.

My mom has been married 3 times and my dad twice, all my grandparents are divorced remarried multiple times. My husband’s family has also had their issues. Both of us have had bad situations with exes and that is why they’re exes. But it’s only inspired me to do better. To choose someone I really love, to be more patient and kind, and to focus on the positive. Our relationship hasn’t been perfect and we’ve had some struggles, but we’ve gotten through them and we’re a strong team.

I was in “now and then toxic marriage” for 21 years. I finally had the courage to call the cops, file divorce, and leave. We have 2 adults kids and one minor.


His problem was obsessive, possessive, and extreme controlling.
Long story short, he realized what he did was wrong, went to a therapy, apologized to my family, took care of the house and our minor (he barely does chores before).
He changed from a beast to normal after “the shock therapy” (police & divorce papers). It opened his eyes. Our family and friends are also a huge factor to his progress. He even meditate and pray now.
After a few months of begging, I gave him a second change, and we started slow.
However, it wasn’t easy in the beginning because like you said I too suffered from PTSD and depression. Like him, I also went to therapy. It helped so much for me. It teaches me how to deal with my mind and emotion.
We are doing very well. I love how he is now. It has been 2 years and I can tell he is not only pretending to be different. He is totally different.
Fortunately our story get a happy ending. We are going to renew our vow this summer.
Please try to go to therapy. If it doesn’t help, try a different therapist or different therapy method.
Good luck, Gabrielle ❤️

My parents divorced after 36 years of a horrible toxic marriage. A lot of abuse towards my siblings and me.

My husband kept assuring me when I was nervous about getting married. Not about him but just marriage in general. We have been married for 19 years and I love him more now than ever. Let their example be what you don’t want to do or be.

Been there, done that, got the tshirt, nearly married into the same pattern before I even knew DH.

A LOT of therapy, time, and surrounding myself with people in healthy relationships ... these are the things that have helped me heal and expect better for myself and DH.

My dad is great, but my mother is a narcissist, and is emotionally abusive. Neither she nor her family came to our wedding (because of the invitations), and I had to cut her out of my life about 3 weeks before. So, I totally get it.

DH is under standing orders to walk out the door with any children we may have, if I ever start acting like my mother.