Toxicity!

Toxic relationships can be sustainable over the years. They can adapt and change with time, molding themselves to fit into the core of their new environment. These relationships are skilled actors capable of professionally disguising their true nature. One can only fall into their deceptions as a fly drawn to its demise, allured by the light from a fire trap.

One can feel compelled to return to where they endured years of belittlement during their early life, not because they yearn for those tormenting times, but to assess how effective their inner resilience has become in facing that environment and its inhabitants. Interestingly, people from that place are urging those who left them behind to visit, and those who fled to salvage what remained of their anguished souls may be curious about their reasons.

In these toxic relationships, all the participants may see themselves as victims, yet in reality; there are no actual victims; there are only choices made by these individuals that eventually lead to feelings of harassment. The initial decision to endure the abuse can be shocking, shattering the soul, but ultimately, it's the soul that bears its pain.Subsequently, one can either heal or accept and remain broken.
Even those who feel abandoned are not victims; they may be destined to live in solitude, as when they cannot find someone to break them apart, they begin to consume their souls from within.

If you must return to test your inner resilience, you will likely be in a win-lose situation. Whether you win or lose, the outcome will become evident once you reach your destination.

Is this worth trying?

Dana Obeid