My stbx was very selfish. It made me a more giving person in a way bc he always had to have what he wanted when he wanted it. In the end, I couldn't give anymore. He took all I had. I am still a giver, just now I recieve too:)

i turned into quite the social butterfly

he always told me we only had friends because of him, they tolerated me.

right now i'm getting ready to walk out the door to go to a TOGA party with 50 of my closest friends

pfffffffffffffffffft fucktard

I was constantly stressed and unhappy. Now, normal stress and very happy.

Lynne

Good for you msde! Toga party, hmmmm!

msde - if I bring a toga, can I come too? I'm housebroken!

Lynne

Yep now laid back and less stressful.

I think I'm starting to get back to my old self- but I'm definitely still a bit bitter which has never been a personality trait of mine until just recently. Working on changing that- totally not how I want to live my life! :)

msde not going to drink right.

Not divorced yet, just separated, but...

with him: self doubting, angry, sad, anxious, miserable

without him: seeing myself again, happier, content, less anxiety

He made me less trusting and hurt me to no end. But I am trying to gain trust back...

I communicate better
I can focus on my partner better
I am stronger and smarter mentally

I am not a shy person, well not extramly shy anyway.
More out going etc.

My ex actually admitted the other day that the grass is not greener and that every issue she had with me is gone.
So I learned and grew because of it and I am happy for that.

I cannot throw the blame onto him for how I chose to react to his actions. Did I approve of his actions? No. But how I react is all up to me.

One thing that living in an abusive situation for any length of time does to us, is make us as crazy as the situation we are in. I lived with a controlling, abusive alcoholic, and it had a huge impact on me as a person.
Since the separation and subsequent divorce, I no longer walk around on egg shells.
I have a voice.
My spirit is as light as a feather.
I am excited about living now, and content in my life.
It was a long 4 year journey for me, but I am so very thankful that I am where I am today.. Great Question.. Thank you, Kimmee

Feelings aren't chosen. They just are.

I tried to get back the old me. I tried to be there for my friends, loving, caring. Now they are avoiding me. I give up. You know it's bad when you go on a site and they check out. I'm ready to check out on me myself

Well, I have my own friend. I don't feel so bad about myself. I am less afraid of everything.
Am I back to the old me 100% to that I would say no. I feel I am heading in the right direction though.