Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness  (c)2015  Nancy Virden

Every form of abuse is about power and control. True love is about mutual respect and honor.

PLAYGROUND BULLY: I’ll punch you if you don’t give me your iPhone

PHYSICAL ABUSER: I’ll punch you where no one will see the bruises, act the hero, and tell everyone you’re crazy if you try to talk about it. No need to give me the iPhone.

SEXUAL ABUSER: I’ll hurt you and have fun doing it, then you’ll know who is boss and that I own you and your iPhone.

VERBAL ABUSER: You &%#$! Give me the iPhone you little piece of $%&! Oh, you can’t give me the phone because you’re a nobody. You’re worthless.

EMOTIONAL ABUSER: Give me your iPhone because if you do not I will not love you. If you want it back you have to give me what I want or I won’t love you.

FINANCIAL ABUSER: I will tell you how much of our money you can have and I will withdraw our money from you when I do not like how you are using it. iPhone? You don’t need an iPhone because I want a new bike instead.

SPIRITUAL ABUSER: If you do not follow the spiritual guidelines I set out for you, you will go to hell. Guideline one: Give me your iPhone.

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.