I was in an abusive relationship many years ago. I can identify with what you are saying. And you're right. When I explain things to others, they don't understand.

But I have found a silver lining in my life from all the H*ll that I went through: Whenever I find another person who has also "been run through the mill," I am in a position to identify and sympathize with them on their level, and offer compassionate understanding. This is because I REALLY DO understand. The amount of kindness and hope that I can help instill in wounded souls is of incalculable worth when they know that I've been through what they are currently experiencing. This compassionate gift that I now have could only have come after having been dragged through H*ll, first. Before my bad experiences, I didn't "get it," any more than any of the other "normal" people now do.

I believe you'll be a super-star in the lives of many other people because of your desire to do good and to help others. You will be able to help turn around the lives of some people whose lives would have otherwise been ruined.