Stealth
Practiced by women married to abusers.
My home was hostile territory. I operated in a form of stealth avoidance mode. Constantly monitoring my husband’s movements, when I heard him heading my way, that was my cue to MOVE! NOW! QUICKLY!
…quietly.
Avoidance Was Key
If I needed to go from one room to the other, I would do so much like a spy navigating hostile territory; treading softly while listening acutely, carefully planning my steps and a fast retreat if needed.
Wall Hugging
The walls offer a sense of security. He can’t come at you from behind; anger and rage that can erupt at any given moment over any given thing cannot take you by surprise. It can still take you, especially if he’s on the hunt. But if you’re watchful, sometimes you can escape…
Centered
It wasn’t until years after I had kicked him out that I began to realize I was no longer living up against, nor along, the walls.
I had come out from them and was living in and enjoying the center of my home; experiencing the peace and comfort a home is meant to afford.
He was gone… so was the threat.
Stealth was no longer needed.
Twitter
