Feeling Trapped in a Relationship?
Do you feel trapped in a relationship you can’t leave? Of course, feeling trapped is a state of mind. No one needs consent to leave a relationship. Millions of people remain in unhappy relationships that range from empty to abusive for many reasons; however, the feeling of suffocation or of having no choices stems from fear that’s often unconscious.
People give many explanations for staying, ranging from caring for young children to caring for a sick mate. One man was too afraid and guilt-ridden to leave his ill wife (11 years his senior). His ambivalence made him so distressed, he died before she did! Money binds couples, too, especially in a bad economy. Yet, couples with more means may cling to a comfortable lifestyle, while their marriage dissembles into a business arrangement. Homemakers fear being self-supporting or single moms, and breadwinners dread paying support and seeing their assets divided.
Often spouses fear feeling shamed of leaving a “failed” marriage. Some even worry their spouse may harm him or herself. Emotionally or physically battered women may stay out of fear of abuse and retaliation should they leave. Their self-esteem and confidence has eroded in the relationship, and the threat of abuse increases close to separations. Actually, an abusive relationship can paradoxically often be hard to leave, due to the trauma bond that’s been…
