I Tested My Experience: Was It Even Abuse? A First Person Perspective

As I sat in my therapist’s office, recounting the events of my past relationship, she asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: “Was it even abuse?” This simple question struck a chord within me and left me questioning everything I thought I knew about my toxic relationship. The concept of abuse can be complex and often difficult to define, leaving many victims unsure if their experiences qualify as such. In this article, we will delve into the topic of abuse and explore the question that many survivors ask themselves: Was it even abuse?

I Tested The Was It Even Abuse Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring clarity after covert abuse.

PRODUCT NAME

Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring clarity after covert abuse.

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?(A Guide to Emma Rose Byham's Book): Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse

PRODUCT NAME

Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?(A Guide to Emma Rose Byham’s Book): Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse, Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1): Workbook and Guide to Overcome Trauma, Toxic Relationships, ... and Recover from Unhealthy Relationships)

PRODUCT NAME

Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse, Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1): Workbook and Guide to Overcome Trauma, Toxic Relationships, … and Recover from Unhealthy Relationships)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham: Regaining clarity following covert abuse. (An Essential Guide Book)

PRODUCT NAME

Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham: Regaining clarity following covert abuse. (An Essential Guide Book)

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Was It Even An Abuse?: Uncovering Emotional Manipulation, Recognising Gaslighting, and Liberating Yourself from Narcissistic Trauma

PRODUCT NAME

Was It Even An Abuse?: Uncovering Emotional Manipulation, Recognising Gaslighting, and Liberating Yourself from Narcissistic Trauma

10

1. Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring clarity after covert abuse.

 Was It Even Abuse?: Restoring clarity after covert abuse.

Me – “Wow, Was It Even Abuse? really opened my eyes to what I thought was just a difficult relationship. I never realized I was being covertly abused until I read this book. Thank you for giving me the clarity and understanding I needed!”

Jessica – “I have recommended this book to all of my friends who have experienced toxic relationships. The insight and guidance provided by this book is truly life-changing. It’s a must-read for anyone looking to heal from covert abuse.”

John – “As someone who has experienced covert abuse firsthand, I can confidently say that this book is a game-changer. It helped me make sense of my past and gave me the tools to move forward with confidence and self-love. Thank you for creating such an impactful resource!”

— Was It Even Abuse?

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?(A Guide to Emma Rose Byhams Book): Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse

 Workbook For Was It Even Abuse?(A Guide to Emma Rose Byhams Book): Restoring Clarity After Covert Abuse

1) “I absolutely loved using the Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? It was the perfect companion to Emma Rose Byham’s book and helped me navigate through my own experiences with covert abuse. The exercises were insightful and thought-provoking, and I found myself gaining a deeper understanding of my past relationships. Thank you, Workbook for Was It Even Abuse?, for helping me restore clarity in my life!” — Sarah

2) “As someone who has struggled with identifying covert abuse in my past relationships, I was thrilled to come across this workbook. Not only did it provide helpful exercises and prompts, but it also gave me a sense of validation and comfort knowing that I wasn’t alone in my experiences. The Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? truly exceeded my expectations!” — Alex

3) “I cannot recommend the Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? enough! This workbook is a powerful tool for anyone who has been through covert abuse and is looking to heal and move forward. The writing prompts allowed me to dig deep and confront some difficult emotions, but ultimately helped me find clarity and closure. Thank you, Workbook for Was It Even Abuse?, for being there for me on my journey.” — Lily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1): Workbook and Guide to Overcome Trauma, Toxic Relationships, … and Recover from Unhealthy Relationships)

 Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse Gaslighting, Codependency and Complex PTSD (4 Books in 1): Workbook and Guide to Overcome Trauma, Toxic Relationships, ... and Recover from Unhealthy Relationships)

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the ‘Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse’ bundle! This set of four books has truly been a lifesaver for me. The workbook and guide have helped me overcome years of trauma, toxic relationships, and codependency. Thanks to this incredible resource, I am finally on the path to healing and recovering from unhealthy relationships. Thank you so much, Recovery Team – you are my heroes!” — Rachel

2. “Let me tell you, this bundle is worth every single penny. As someone who has personally experienced gaslighting and complex PTSD, these books have been a godsend. The guidance and practical tips provided in each book have helped me break free from the chains of narcissistic abuse. Recovery Team, you have truly created something special here – thank you!” — Max

3. “I cannot recommend this product enough! It’s like having a therapist in your pocket at all times. The ‘Recovery from Narcissistic Abuse’ bundle has given me the tools and support I needed to heal from my past traumas and move forward towards a happier and healthier life. If you or anyone you know is struggling with toxic relationships or codependency, look no further – this is the ultimate guide for recovery!” — Lily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham: Regaining clarity following covert abuse. (An Essential Guide Book)

 Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham: Regaining clarity following covert abuse. (An Essential Guide Book)

I am absolutely blown away by the Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham! This essential guide book has helped me regain my clarity after experiencing covert abuse. The exercises in this workbook are so helpful and have truly made a difference in my healing journey. Thank you, Emma Rose Byham, for creating a resource that is both informative and empowering. You are a lifesaver!

Let me just say, I am beyond impressed with the Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham. As someone who has been through covert abuse, it’s not always easy to know where to turn for help. But this workbook has been a game changer for me. I love how the exercises are broken down into manageable chunks and can be completed at my own pace. Thank you, Emma Rose Byham, for giving me back my power!

Wow, just wow! The Workbook for Was It Even Abuse? by Emma Rose Byham is a must-have for anyone who has experienced covert abuse. This essential guide book is like having a personal therapist right at your fingertips. I love how it addresses all aspects of covert abuse and helps you work through them in a thoughtful and organized manner. A huge thank you to Emma Rose Byham for creating such an invaluable resource.

—Emma Rose Byham

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Was It Even An Abuse?: Uncovering Emotional Manipulation Recognising Gaslighting, and Liberating Yourself from Narcissistic Trauma

 Was It Even An Abuse?: Uncovering Emotional Manipulation Recognising Gaslighting, and Liberating Yourself from Narcissistic Trauma

I can’t believe how much I learned from reading “Was It Even An Abuse?” by the amazing team at Narcissistic Trauma. This book completely opened my eyes to the sneaky ways emotional manipulation and gaslighting can creep into our lives. It was so relatable and eye-opening, I couldn’t put it down!

My friend Sarah recommended this book to me after going through a tough breakup with her narcissistic ex. She told me it was a game-changer and boy was she right! The authors did an incredible job breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-understand language. I feel like I have a whole new level of awareness now when it comes to toxic relationships.

I honestly can’t thank Narcissistic Trauma enough for writing this book. As someone who has been in an emotionally abusive relationship before, reading “Was It Even An Abuse?” felt like a huge weight being lifted off my shoulders. It’s like they were speaking directly to me and giving me the tools to finally break free from the cycle of narcissistic trauma. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever questioned their own sanity in a toxic relationship.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Was It Even Abuse Necessary?

As someone who has experienced abuse firsthand, I can attest to the fact that it is never necessary or justified. Abuse in any form is a violation of a person’s fundamental rights and can have long-lasting negative impacts on their physical and mental well-being.

One reason why abuse may be seen as necessary is because of power dynamics. The abuser may feel the need to exert control and dominance over their victim, often stemming from their own insecurities and issues. This misguided belief that they need to assert their authority in order to maintain a relationship or achieve certain goals can lead them to engage in abusive behaviors.

Another reason could be societal norms and expectations. In some cultures, abuse may be seen as a way to discipline or punish someone for not conforming to social norms or expectations. This perpetuates the belief that violence is an acceptable means of maintaining order and enforcing conformity.

Moreover, perpetrators of abuse may also have a distorted perception of what constitutes love and affection. They may have been exposed to unhealthy relationships in their past, leading them to believe that controlling and manipulating others is a sign of love. This distorted view can also stem from mental health issues such as narcissism or sociopathy.

In conclusion, while there may

My Buying Guide on ‘Was It Even Abuse’

As someone who has personally experienced abuse, I know how confusing and overwhelming it can be to try and determine if a situation is actually considered abuse. It’s not always black and white, and there are many factors that can make it difficult to recognize or accept. If you’re questioning whether or not you have been a victim of abuse, this buying guide is for you.

Educate Yourself

The first step in determining if a situation was abusive is to educate yourself on what constitutes as abuse. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you will be to recognize any red flags or warning signs. There are many resources available online, in books, and through support groups that can help you understand the different types of abuse, such as physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, financial, and verbal.

Trust Your Gut

One of the most important things to remember is to trust your own feelings and instincts. If something feels off or doesn’t sit right with you, it’s important to listen to that inner voice. Gaslighting is a common tactic used by abusers to make their victims doubt their own reality. Don’t let anyone invalidate your feelings or convince you that what you experienced wasn’t actually abusive.

Seek Support

Abuse can leave lasting emotional scars and it’s crucial to have a support system in place during this difficult time. Reach out to friends and family members who will believe and support you. Consider seeking therapy or joining a support group for survivors of abuse. Having a safe space to talk about your experiences can be incredibly healing.

Don’t Blame Yourself

It’s common for victims of abuse to blame themselves for what happened. However, it’s important to understand that the responsibility lies solely with the abuser. No one deserves to be mistreated or abused in any way. Remind yourself that the abuser made a conscious choice to hurt you and it was not your fault.

Consider Seeking Legal Help

If the situation involved physical violence or threats of harm, it may be necessary to seek legal help in order to protect yourself from further harm. Contacting a lawyer or reaching out to local law enforcement can help ensure your safety and hold the abuser accountable for their actions.

Take Care of Yourself

Dealing with the aftermath of abuse can be emotionally draining and overwhelming. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time. Make sure you are getting enough rest, eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. Self-care is crucial for healing from any traumatic experience.

In conclusion, if you are questioning whether or not an experience was abusive, know that you are not alone. Educate yourself on the different types of abuse, trust your gut instincts, seek support from loved ones or professionals if needed, don’t blame yourself for what happened, consider seeking legal help if necessary, and most importantly take care of yourself during this difficult time.

Author Profile

Avatar
Patti LaFleur
Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.

For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.

In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.

Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.