This is part one of a two-part narrative with Lucy. This story comes with content warnings about drug taking. Using drugs or misusing alcohol does not cause domestic violence, but it does allow abusive behavior to become more frequent and more destructive. Lucy contacted me wondering if what she experienced years ago was actually abuse. She is a high-energy woman with great ambition, but Lucy admits she was no saint. She made some mistakes and paid dearly for them by losing the career she wanted so badly. She allowed herself to be controlled by two different men who sized her up and took full advantage of her unselfish nature. Time and time again, she gave way to the toxic behavior put upon her. Parts of this story you probably will not relate to – especially the about drug taking – but still there's a lot to be learned. In Lucy's story, you will see how the jealousy became worse. Verbal digs she received grew sharper. The isolation from friends and family became greater. And bizarre behavior was more frequent. Breaking off the second relationship required many attempts in the second part of this story. Her narrative is filled with warning signs we should share with those we care about. Bill Mitchell NOTE: If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com The WHEN DATING HURTS book (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon. HELPFUL RESOURCES: • National Domestic Violence Hotline – The Hotline.org – Call 800-799-SAFE • LoveIsRespect – Call 866-331-9474 • RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – RAINN.org – Call 800-656-4673 • SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988 Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast, Bill Mitchell WhenDatingHurts.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices