DEAR DEIDRE: YEARS of being put down by my husband made me a shell of the happy, confident woman I once was.
He accused me of looking at other men and made nasty comments about my body and clothes.
He also texted other women, but denied cheating.
I’m 33 and he’s 39. We’d been married for four years when I wrote to you in despair. I felt unattractive, exhausted and broken.
You told me he was gaslighting me because he was the inadequate one, not me.
You suggested I fill out the Women’s Aid (womensaid.org.uk) questionnaire, which showed me I was in an abusive relationship, and sent me your support pack, Abusive Partner.
You also recommended counselling.
Things didn’t get better straight away. But one day, something clicked and I recognised my husband as a toxic presence in my life.
I started having counselling, and told him our marriage was over. I am slowly rebuilding my confidence and social life, and I’ve started salsa classes.
It makes me feel sexy and vibrant.
Thank you for your help.
Every problem gets a personal reply from one of our trained counsellors.
Send an email to deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk
You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.
DEIDRE SAYS: Finding strength to leave a toxic marriage can take time.
It sounds like you have started to rediscover yourself, and I’m delighted I could help.
