It had been four months since we arrived to Riyadh and to this villa, frustration and despair had finally collided. I sat on the toilet looking at chunks of hair scattered on the bathroom floor. Panic quickly set in as I realized the gravity of this defiant act. My hair was always even, plain and drab, but now huge chunks were missing, short, long and ragged. I regained my composure and stood looking in the mirror, trimming and cutting the bigger pieces to make some sort of order. I showered, dressed and returned to the children who were busy with homework.
When he arrived home that night he didn’t notice my short, uneven hair, or chose not to mention it at that time. Instead, he focused on my mood, which seemed off and this was never acceptable. When it came to my mind and what went on inside it, he seemed to have a secret power and nothing was left a mystery. In the early years, these inquires were short and marked by a deliberate tenderness, love and trust were the main topic of discussion. He gently touched my hand and whispered in my ear, something never done, not even behind closed doors. This love and concern was not usually evident and so I never questioned it but soaked up the little attention he was willing to give. He prodded and pushed to find out what I was thinking and why I was not willing to share my innermost dreams and ideas. When I finally cracked, two things would be the inevitable result. He would be unhappy about the unauthorized thoughts that had been whirling around inside my brain, now exposed. The second result would be anger that I had not divulged all that I was thinking, akin to lying. Either way, the interrogation would not end until all thoughts, good or bad came crashing out and were revealed. Cautionary words were then spoken about hidden agendas and things that were seen as fabrications played out in my female mind. It was important that I always disclose what I was thinking and feeling to create a sense of trust and also prove my loyalty.
I explained that this trip meant allot to the children and to me as well! I told him it was hot, no a/c and no furniture. I reeled off a list of complaints and watched guardedly as he took it all in. Much to my surprise his face was calm and even relenting. He talked about his work and how it was not what he had pictured, he was trying to save money and move some day to a compound where everything was provided. A family of this size was a huge responsibility, he had to be careful, not frivolous. I listened to his reasoning and felt my anger turn to guilt and embarrassment. He explained that his brother’s salary for many months would be equal to the cost of a new stove, couches or any one of the things on my list. I sat and thought and although I had heard this same speech many times, I felt a certain connection to it more now than ever. I dropped my complaints and felt a new surge of energy to “make do” and try harder. The following days brought several changes, talk of moving to a new place with a better location and the arrival of a t.v., cooking pot and a new blanket. He also said that the trip to my sister’s house was back on and we would leave in a matter of days.
We boarded the train and sat on bench seats in the family section. Children climbed over seats, ran through the aisle and stopped to stare until maids pulled them away and back to their place. Sand changed from tan to red and then to shrubs as we approached Al-Khobar. The big boys looked out the window at camels and tents while See See and Foof counted the remnants of old cars dumped out in the dunes of sand. Sandwiches and snacks were offered in another car, wrappers and food were left littering the seats and walkways. Finally four hours had passed and we approached the Eastern province. My brother in law met us at the station and took us back to the house in Al-Khobar.
We arrived to a large cement house full of furniture that my sister had purchased in America and had shipped over to her rented home in Saudi. The children played outside and ran around while we laughed, talked and watched t.v. He boarded the train the next day and would return to retrieve us at the end of the break. This was the future I had envisioned when I agreed to move to Saudi Arabia. Al-Khobar was more open and Western than Riyadh, women walked outside and Westerners crowded the corniche and local Safeway. My sister told me that life in Saudi needed adjustments and certainly things were never easy in the beginning. I realized she was right and the long term benefits would far out weigh any inconvenience at this point. Two glorious weeks came and went quickly as most pleasurable things do. He came back on the train to take us home and we said our goodbyes. My sister promised to visit and we made our way back to the train station.
I didn’t know your sister also lived in Saudi …
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Yes she married a saudi, i met him at their apartment one summer visit after sophmore year of college in pullman wa
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I see…
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A huge huge coincidence!! Two daughters both married to arabs!!
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That is, kind of, isn’t it? Her marriage worked out differently?
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It really is! She is happy and seems to call the shots!!! She has insisted her girls marry men from over there and they are all there living near her!
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Oh, I’m glad she’s doing well! It is nice when your kids live close. I have 2 stepdaughters but both live out of state so it’s just so much harder to keep in touch, what with jobs and all. At least my boys are here!
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Thats nice
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Yes wait did your son move out?
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Yes, just this week! But I’ll babysit Tuesdays and Thursdays.
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wow oh yea that is awesome!
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Amazing writing Lynz, I am living through this with you. Bravo to you!
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Thanks so much Holly!!
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I’m glad you finally got to go visit your sister. It seems to me you had to live a sad, lonely existence. You should write a book about all these memories.
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I am trying,thanks!
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These posts are always very interesting Lynn, I very much look forward to reading these. 🙂
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Thanks so much
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I’m pleased that you had two weeks away from your normal life and brought you some pleasure along with the pleasure that was had by your children also. I am surmising but he seemed nice this once.
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Yes he was many times but always tinged with control
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Yes I can see that.
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I guess those times carried me through
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As I reread this Lynn, I think that the past is a foreign country best not revisited. I am glad you moved on and happy that I was not taken in by my very handsome Egyptian fiance years ago. They prey on the weak and the weak minded. Good riddance.
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Yes so very true!
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Thanks for listening Lynz. Enjoy the day.
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I’m so glad you got to go to visit your sister with the kids and had a wonderful time.
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Thanks so much for reading
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I’m glad you were actually able to make the trip!
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Yes!
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I’m glad he at least let you have that two weeks with your sister, Lynne! Did you ever get to visit her again?
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I saw her a couple times a year she came to the compound
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If I can give you a teeny bit of advice vis a vis writing your book. It will come – don’t force it. Some days you will write nothing. Some days you will want to rip it all up and start again but it will come and it will be your voice which is the voice that people want to hear. In the meantime – keep doing what you are doing because it is netting an audience hungry for more. Including me 🙂
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Thanks so much Fiona! I am glad you told me this! I have gotten a bit agitated and honestly feel like giving up most days! It is really hard for me to write and not sure how to explain his control, the insidious nature of everything that happened. It is then depressing and the words do not come! I will just relax thanks so much! xxx
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My husband is away all week in Hawaii – we need a catch up by phone …. what about early tomorrow morning – say 04:00 your time? xx
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Yes we need to catch up! Call any time and we can see. I am getting ready to leave for Seattle yeah! But just call and lets see xxx
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OK – I’ll call in a little while 😀 xx
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ok sure! xxx
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Those two weeks must have been like an oasis! Does your sister still live there?
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She does live there! she likes it and even had her kids marry people from there. So, she has a nice lifestyle. moving here like I did, is not easy. No credit, no money and lots of responsibility! So, I think she likes that life.
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I guess I was wondering if the way you were treated by your husband was the norm. It must not be if she is still there and happy. It sounds like she married a guy very much the opposite of your husband. 💓
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I thought it was arab culture!!! Everyone I met he ended up saying was not good! So we were isolated. The kids learned religion at school and said this was not the right way!!!For arabs they are really into providing, everything is a shame! So, if you do not do things you should do as a man, you are in big trouble, people talk! It is not the way things are I have now seen. Women over there are pretty strong! His ex wife, was an architect and divorced her first husband, then married him, left her son behind in Syria, now is marrying again!!! So, I guess he locked me in, told me his mom was perfect, she never asked for anything or wanted anything! That was a total LIE!!! I feel it was a case of changing to a religion that I studied, but he then told me I was wrong, he dictated everything and kept us all isolated. He tried to isolate us from each other. My son would come to speak to me and he would get mad, tell him to go away!
His cousin was a teacher made little money, his wife insisted he bring her fresh fruit found about 2 hours away when she was pregnant, insisted he send chocolate on a bus to syria from saudi when she went on vacation! So, ladies have their way and are strong. They used to mock me for being weak and told me”DONT LISTEN!!!
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Such psychological mind games! All to hide his own inadequacies! I’m glad your sister is happy. 😘
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Yes!!
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Huge hugs to you!!! 💓💓💓
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Thanks so much Jean hugs back xxx
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Is your sister still there, Lynn?
Leslie
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yes!
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I hope she is happy.
Leslie
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she likes it there and is the one who told me to go! her husband is around all the time and she is kind of more of a diva, getting what she wants! He bought two huge houses and she decorated them as she wanted. She also has persian cats which she has bred and raises, she has a “cat” room hahaha. She seems to love that lifestyle. maids and drivers and people waiting on you etc.
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As long as she is happy, Lynn.
Leslie
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She calls the shots and used to tell me to “buck up” so just different!
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Pity that your sister didn’t/couldn’t fully recognise and acknowledge your plight. ‘Bucking up’ wasn’t going to get you anywhere. That said, the break would have been most welcome.
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Yes it was a wonderful break and one we all needed! Thanks so much Peggy!
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It must have been such a relieving time at your sister’s. Being with her and finally talking to someone close.
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It was nice to be able to be away and just have a bed!!
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I think no one can imagine the appreciation for the most “normal” things when not experienced to not having it.
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Yes it is true, I just wanted adult human interaction and answers, a stove, a way to look outside etc.
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… just a normal life… 💖
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yes! xx
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Sounds like your sister was an oasis!
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Yes it was nice at that time
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It seems he had a heart at times. I would have been reluctant to share my inner thoughts out of fear. I’m glad it worked out for you.
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No it didnt work out but was insisted on! He was furious if i held anything back
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Just so sad….xo
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Xoxo thanks
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xoxoxo you know how I feel about this All!!! Bestie 2
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Yes haha rusty nails
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Crooked hammer head, strong new piece of board!!! Yes Bestie xoxoxo
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hahaha, I guess my thoughts were never my own, very strange looking back, no way to hide anything from him not even what I thought!
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I think you were reluctant to open up for ridicule but did so to try and placate him! I wish you had not done that it made you more vulnerable to his monsterous acts! xoxo
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I constantly did it, gave in or big trouble, he could see there was something wrong and so he pressed, and when that door was locked big trouble then year later.
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Yes I get it. xoxoxo
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🙂 thanks for understanding, as you know it’s hard to explain
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Yes it is hard to explain to others I know…xoxoxo
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xoxoxo
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xoxo
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xxx
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placate is the perfect word!
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Yes – I know Lynz…xoxoxo
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thanks for the insight as always xoxo
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Sure any time Lynn! xoxoxo Bestie 2
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🙂
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That’s so nice that you had a good time with your sister , Lynn 🙂 I didn’t know she lives in Saudi too !
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Yes she knew her husband and introduced me to him on a visit during college!
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Oh ! Didn’t know that
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🙂
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I was wondering if your sister’s situation was similar to yours and am glad that things seem to be working out well for her. It must have been incredibly hard to leave after spending two weeks in luxury and just being with family. The fact that you got out demonstrates that are a strong woman and a role model for others in abusive relationships and feel there is no way out.
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Thanks so much Steph!
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You’re very welcome!
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🙂
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It’s amazing to me that your sister also married a Saudi and her life is so much different than yours was. It’s good you got to see her, it seems that your ex sometimes had a heart. two weeks with your sister had to be wonderful for your and kids.
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He was nice and things were happy many times, but it was always under a cloud of control and worry. So, yes there were good times. Thanks for reading Suzanne!
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How wonderful you were able to visit your sister and have a bit of sanity!
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Yes it was great! how are things going over your way with the dancing and everything Marci?
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Long and tiring! But, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. My daughter loves it so much. Posting a video tomorrow of them dancing. Hope you get to see it!
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Oh that will be so cool! I can’t wait to see! I want to see that, a wonderful idea!
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I get so frustrated when he turns everything around and dumps it on your shoulders. This is not strictly an middle eastern thing. I know husbands of friends right here that try to get away with the same thing. Some do, others don’t get away with it but can’t seem to break the habit of trying. Grrrrr.
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Yes you are right, it is not a middle eastern thing! It is universal! Thanks for reading!
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I am glad you got to see your sister but abusers tend to know when their spouse is feeling very confined and shows signs of defiance. They know instinctively how to keep their significant others captive and compliant. I know you know this. It is sad you went through this and to me, it may be horrible reliving this or it can be therapeutic. 🙂
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You do know what it means!! Hard to explain, but yes they know when to be easier and then they tighten things up!! It’s part of the cycle!
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So glad you were able to make the trip after all. Must have been so nice to spend time with your sister.
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It was a welcome break!
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He had to have complete control over you didn’t he? You weren’t even allowed your own thoughts?! Our thoughts are the only thing that are truly ever our own, and you weren’t even allowed that 😦 what a weak little man.
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Thanks I am so glad you got that! It is hard to explain, but I think the control of your mind is the hardest thing and you feel totally violated and unable to even think what you want! He would be furious if he found out later I had been upset or even thinking “wrong” things! xoxoxoxo I then needed to be some how “reprogrammed”
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Oh my God!!!! That man!!!! makes me angry to the core, how dare he??
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When you leave, it is far from over. You feel guilty and still worried about speaking your mind. I have written things, never published, fear and worry. People say, It’s over, move on, forget it. 33 years so far and so your mind is not easily changed over night! I met him at age 20 and am now 53! I spent most of my life under his thumb!
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I completely understand that, just because you left him behind physically does not mean that you suddenly became a different person. That damage is deep rooted and takes a long time to undo. He stripped you of yourself, that takes a long time to rebuild.
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it does! you don’t even know who that is.
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But you are finding her, and you are discovering that people love and want her. There are gifts everywhere and you deserve every one of them xxx
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Thanks! I am trying my best! Thanks so much Elaine! xxxxxxx
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You’ll get there, I know you will xx
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I hope so Elaine, some days I feel it’s one step forward ten back haha
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That’s called life!!!!
Have you ever considered yoga or meditation? It’s what fixed my brain x
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I have thought about it many times! I now lack motivation for most things after that visit in May. But I do feel I am getting more into life and getting myself back up again, so I really would like to try both! thanks for that idea!
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I would definitely recommend it. If you could find a mindfulness course it would be perfect x
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I will look into it! x
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One of my best friends is a mindfulness teacher – if you wanted to understand what mindfulness is and how it could be good for you, I’m sure she’d be happy to swap some emails x
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Wow that would be cool! xx thanks Elaine!
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Okay – let me ask her x
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Thanks xxx
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It was good to read that your sisters marriage is very different, she definitely fits the bill of a typical Arabs wife very well. I watch the ladies in the UAE and they hold so much power, people will never understand unless they are actually in their world, but just because women cover themselves in Lublin, does not make them repressed (usually, that is. You’re living proof that that is not always the case sadly 😦 but you know what I mean?)
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I understand xxxx thank you for telling me xx
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Thanks for caring, it means the world!
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I do! I really do, and I understand, so much more than you might realise xxx
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I feel that you do! In your comments and insights it is evident for sure!
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Sadly yes 😦
I listened to my parents argue from a very young age, I saw the damage my father did to my mother, mentally and physically. He was a small, weak, insecure man, and she was a bright beautiful star, and rather than celebrate that, he strove to knock her down and diminished her over years and years of abuse. It took her so much courage to finally leave him, just like you. And just like your kids probably do, I wish she’d left him a lot sooner, but she needed to be strong enough to do it and have support to be able to do it.
I know the story sadly 😦
I then stupidly married a version of my own father in my late 20’s but luckily I realised a lot quicker what I’d done and who he really was, and I got out after 4 years, but it still left its mark. I’m fine now, but it takes a long time to find yourself again and be confident in yourself x
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thanks for sharing Elaine! You shared a little bit before, just the idea but not the whole story and so it now makes total sense. My girls unfortunately are like NO WAY! Never! and so I feel bad. But they are becoming more open to the idea of marriage. They are super guarded. You don’t realize at the time the lasting effects on your beautiful children!!! I am so glad you have found a man who treasures you and a happy life! I hope this will happen for all of my kids! thanks again for sharing with me! xxxxx
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Well, I have to say, my parents marriage left me with a very skewed idea of marriage, hence my very poor choice the first time round. But now I’ve got it right, I have the most wonderful husband, a man so comfortable in himself that he allows, and enables, me to be me. He wouldn’t have it any other way x
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Yes that is the key, comfortable with himself! xx So happy for you! xx
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Thank you, I’m so lucky xx
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You deserve everything! xxx
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Thank you so much xxxx
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xoxoxoxo
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Lynn,
For some reasons in my workplace, I gave up my job three years ago. It was a job of sorts related to my qualifications and I sometimes did feel happy reviewing research proposals and learning new things but wasn’t actually the practice of medicine. Three years ago, I resigned because when I weighed the options of being bullied and tortured mentally every day and the peace of sitting at home( without an income), I chose the latter.
My point is, my husband was dead against my resigning- he cautioned me against it and said you are making a mountain out of a molehill and exaggerating things that happen in every work place. And perhaps I was extra sensitive and didn’t like the place. The point is, working there hurt me and was affecting my general health, sleep and peace of mind. And the day I resigned I felt plain relief, like a bird in the sky, as though I had suddenly been released from a cage.
For a year and a half after that I searched for jobs- but to no avail. There was none available and no one called me for a single interview. During those days of unemployment, I faced a different type of harassment- from my husband and my family- who felt I was wasting my time and a lot of other things. No one understood my frustrations.
Even the best of husbands( people) can turn around and be very harsh with you, when things are not going well for you. You expect support when you are down and out but most of the time you are left to face life’ s problems alone.
And now when I have a job, all issues are over- all is sweet and nice and no one has any complaints.
It is when things are bad, you know the hearts of people who are dear to you.
Susie
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This is so very true Susie! I love that you said this! I tell my kids all the time- I admire people who are nice and kind even when noone knows and they don’t have to be!
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This is such an important, educational, record
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Thanks derrick. Some days I think it is silly and a waste of time, others I feel compelled to keep writing. I was not allowed to ever discuss the tiniest thing, a total secret life, so writing seems to unravel what happened and gives me strength for whatever he might throw at me next! Thanks for reading and commenting!
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Another amazing post. I enjoy reading your stories about Saudi; and I enjoy them even more knowing that you are no longer there.
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Thanks so much!
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Interesting. I’m always so interested in your sister’s experience there too. It seems like it was very different from your own, and even though she was in Saudi she was not able to be much support to you.
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She is different
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i’m so glad you got to spend the two weeks with your sister after all. 🙂
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Thanks so much!
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I’m surprised he allowed you to go and even more surprised he was comfortable leaving you there. Most abusers like to keep their victims under their thumb so that they don’t “confide” the secrets of what’s really going on behind closed doors. It’s really good to know you got to visit your sister though.
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Oh he must have been very familiar with your sister’s attitude then. Its hard to imagine a loved one siding with an abuser in a case like this and sadly it happens often. It amazes me how much turmoil you went through and the dark cloud that was literally your life for so many years.
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What a lonely place to be in life…how in the world did you ever turn out to be so positive? Yes, you made a bad choice in relationship (dont we all at some point) but you didnt know any better. How fortunate that you are able to show your kids the love and acceptance you weren’t given on a reg. basis. You are truly an amazing woman. I think of you sometimes when life gets rough….if Lynz can go through what she did…then so can I. ☺ Oh…and I know your name is Lynn but I like calling ya Lynz….you dont seem to mind lol
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hahaha I don’t mind at all and thanks dear Tasha, that is so sweet and made my day! xxxxx
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What a complete control freak. You are physically free from him now, and one day you will be emotionally free. One day at a time.
What did your sister think when she saw your horrible living conditions??
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She really didn’t see it and told me to buck up
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Oh, no. But she had to see you had almost no furniture or any of the comforts of home!
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She came once to the villa and did see that there was nothing.
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This is so interesting Lynn…he almost seems understanding and loving in this post. Except for the mind control…lol! I wonder if you felt a backlash after this trip? I am glad that you were able to visit your sister. It sounds like a wonderful visit.
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He was “loving and kind” many times, there were lots of good times but they were full of control and any moment a huge eruption, even in public. It was hard to know when and where that would occur and so hard for me to write about, difficult to portray and explain. He would be kind, a honeymoon period where all was right for even a month, I was the smartest and best, most talented, wonderful, a big build up, but during that time period I had to be “perfect” follow all rules and nothing could go wrong, not even a word spoken that was off. Then anything he didn’t like and booom, things were a mess again, I was an ungrateful, cheating, lying nasty lady! So hard to explain. he would sit and be kind and offer help, advice, support but it was all under his control and very carefully followed.If he was mean all the time it would have been easier to just leave but for abusers or at least many I have heard of, they offer a beautiful soft loving side that you are drawn in by, then back to business. You are confused and feel like you must have a problem? The kids saw right through this!!!
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Wow, Lynn. So, he controlled when you were happy. I am sorry you went through this and glad you were able to get a way and you had your children. You have some smart children!
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I do have smart kids, my older kids are the ones who really turned me around! They said no no no. They gave me gifts, he was furious and warned them DO not give her things!! so, they got older and broke out and then broke me out, so to speak!
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That is so wonderful! I bet it has made you all so much closer!
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yes it has!
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Oh Lynz, I feel as though there are subtle manipulations occurring even when things are going well. It’s almost as if there’s just enough tenderness or kindness to keep you in line when the situation becomes intolerable. I’m glad you had those weeks of joy with your sister.
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You totally said it and wrapped it perfectly! Everything you said is exactly correct! Even in good times total control and fear! Thanks for putting it into words xx
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Well, I only got it right because you are a fabulous writer and you conveyed it perfectly 😀
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Awwwe your so sweet, so hard to explain it xxx
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How you came out of this at all with your sanity dear Lynz is remarkable.. The manipulation and mental abuse is disturbing to read.. How calculating he was to offer in one hand the trip then take it away.. then to coax you with his tenderness to reveal your thoughts so he could strip yet more away .
Sigh!…
You write your story so well.. I can easily visualise you with hair in hand and on the bathroom floor..I keep on saying this.. but I am so pleased you escaped this situation with your children.. 🙂 xxx
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Thanks Sue so very much! It makes me feel so happy to hear you say that I escaped with my sanity!I am the “rock” but somedays I feel worried and anxious so to hear that maybe that is normal, that means allot! Thanks for the help and love!
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(( Hugs my friend ))
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Thanks Sue!! xx
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all your stories keep me so engrossed and wanting to read more and more….
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Thanks Gloria! So sweet of you
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🙂 🙂
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🙂
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