Blindsided
The unforeseen onset of emotional abuse
With the intent of distancing from memories of a difficult marriage and an even more difficult divorce, Christie moved to a new town to start fresh. She was eager to put the past behind her and form uplifting connections with quality peers.
Meeting Louisa at a local coffee shop seemed auspicious. Christie was grateful to come across another who seemed just as eager to cultivate friendship. They shared meaningful rapport and enjoyed each other's company. Routine texting, replete with cheesy emoticons and consistent get-togethers proffered steadfast camaraderie.
So, when months into their friendship Louisa suggested setting up a weekend away at a spa resort Christie enthusiastically agreed. It was then that suddenly, without warning a disturbing shift in their dynamic occurred.
Inconsistent with her typical presentation, Louisa became cavalier and aloof. Arriving hours late, she deliberately ignored Christie while conspicuously chatting up the hotel guests throughout the weekend. Confused, wounded, and stunned, Christie was blindsided by this unforeseen turn of events.
Ironically, having left a marriage beset by emotional abuse she was instinctively familiar with psychological games and subtle tactics. As a result, when the initial shock wore off Christie…
