In 1991, the psychological thriller Sleeping With the Enemy was released, showcasing the hidden horrors of living with an abusive partner behind the facade of a “perfect” relationship. Watching it during my college years, I vowed never to allow a man to treat me poorly. I considered myself too resilient for that.
Yet, just two years later, I found myself in a relationship that, in many respects, mirrored the emotionally charged dynamics depicted in the film. It began with charm and charisma, but soon escalated into a cycle of verbal and physical mistreatment as I became more emotionally invested. A decade later—after four years of marriage, just like the film’s characters—I broke free. Fortunately, he had moved on to someone else and no longer sought me out.
Today, America appears to be enamored with a similarly toxic figure vying for the presidency. Many of his supporters are drawn to his bravado, feeling empowered by his rhetoric that channels their frustration. Others, unwilling to acknowledge the troubling signs, cling to their disdain for his opponent, convincing themselves that he is the lesser evil.
Is Donald Trump the man your mother warned you about? A few reflective questions might help clarify.
1. Is He Overbearing?
Initially, your new partner dazzles you with his charm, leaving you feeling special as he captivates those around you. But soon, you notice his domineering tendencies—dictating your appearance and social circle. When he belittles you in public, you feel shame, spiraling into self-doubt. You start to excuse his harsh words because he insists he’s simply being honest, disregarding the pain he inflicts.
2. Does He Exploit Fear and Anger?
His presence is overwhelming, and some friends express concern about how he dominates your life. One close friend gathers the courage to confront you, urging you to recognize the toxicity of the situation. Yet, when he lashes out, you’re left reeling, concealing your wounds and dismissing his cruelty as mere passion. My past partner gradually eroded my self-esteem with cutting remarks, leaving me bruised but unwilling to leave.
The repercussions of such relationships extend beyond us. Our children often reflect these toxic dynamics, exhibiting behaviors that are, at best, unkind and, at worst, prejudiced. The underlying emotional bruises are becoming alarmingly visible.
3. Does He Love You—with Conditions?
We once laughed at his infamous catchphrase, “You’re fired!” on reality TV, but now, we’re confronted with the implications of his promises to “make America great again” without clarity on who this benefits. You find yourself accommodating him, recalling his earlier charm. He claims to love you deeply, suggesting he’s the only one who can elevate your life.
When you voice concerns, he dismisses you as overly sensitive or politically correct. You begin to internalize his views, feeling inadequate and foolish. My ex initially made me feel cherished, blinding me to the reality that love alone cannot mend a broken relationship.
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to reassess this relationship. The current political climate has preyed upon fear and anger, mobilizing resentful sentiments that tear at the very fabric of our society. Trump’s speeches are rife with hostility, distracting us from constructive dialogue and encouraging the worst aspects of our nature.
He champions free speech—but only for himself, while excluding various media outlets from his events. He downplays political correctness, emboldening white supremacists. He’s been unfaithful in his marriages and publicly mocks others for their personal choices.
Just because he’s not directly attacking you at this moment doesn’t mean he won’t. In recent months, he has made disparaging comments about various groups, from immigrants to the disabled. It’s high time for America to break free from this toxic relationship. This is not the nation we cherish; we deserve better.
Once I liberated myself from my ex-husband, I recognized the emotional damage I had endured. I saw clearly that he was detrimental to my well-being—and likewise, Donald Trump is not a leader who serves our interests. He’s leaving us with visible marks of distress.
In conclusion, take a moment to reflect on your situation. Just as there are resources available for home insemination, such as the informative guide at MedlinePlus, it’s essential to seek support and clarity in your personal journey.