"Marry Me" Doesn't Mean "I Love You": How I Escaped An Abusive Relationship And Found My Rhythm Again

Abuse is not about “anger issues.” Abuse is a choice and it is progressive. It has no borders and occurs between intimate partners, adults, and dating teenagers. It is not limited by gender, race, or sexual orientation. The red flags and cycle of violence follow the same patterns. Nine months after her wedding, Christy found her way out of an abusive relationship when her husband loaded a .44 Magnum and tried to murder her. Mayfield lived the abuse that takes place behind closed doors. She knows the deep pain and immense heartache that can result from a relationship that becomes abusive. She also knows the deep joy and immense healing that results when you are able to navigate your way out. Abuse almost never begins with physical violence, but it is always progressive and when the violence does begin, even the first episode can be fatal. She understands the complexities of trying to find your way out when sometimes it feels safer to stay, but she knows there is a way out. This book educates, inspires and empowers those who are experiencing abuse and the family and friends who love them. Through her professional insight, personal stories and shared warmth, she helps the reader recognize the cycle of abuse and understand what is going on in the abuser’s mind when he/she alternates between violence and abuse and then apologies and expressions of love. She will guide you in creating a safety plan for yourself, your children and your pets. She helps you understand your thoughts of going back and she helps family and friends of those being abused know how to help the person they love. Christy also brings awareness to the interplay of domestic violence and pet abuse. In this book, she provides resources for pet shelter options, including state domestic violence shelters know to accept pets. “Marry Me” Doesn’t Mean “I Love You” is a book filled with inspiration and hope that will help guide men and women toward a life of happiness, free of abuse.