When Abuse Changes the Way You See Yourself: Understanding the Psychology of Control—and Finding Your Way Back

If you have survived an abusive or controlling relationship, you may still be trying to understand what happened. You may ask yourself: Why did I stay?Why did I keep hoping things would change?Why did I start doubting myself?Why do I still feel anxious, even though I’m away from the relationship?Why is it so difficult to… Read More When Abuse Changes the Way You See Yourself: Understanding the Psychology of Control—and Finding Your Way Back

August 31, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Hollywood’s Latest Obsession: Older Women and Younger Men

Age-gap relationships are becoming more common off-screen, too For decades, Hollywood had a very clear idea of what an age-gap relationship was supposed to look like. The man was older. The woman was younger. And nobody seemed particularly surprised. Older male actors could continue playing romantic leads well into their 60s, 70s and beyond, often… Read More Hollywood’s Latest Obsession: Older Women and Younger Men

August 11, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

When Luxury Becomes Something You Are Taught to Feel Guilty For

My first marriage began with very little. We started from nothing and built our life together. And that distinction matters. There is something incredibly satisfying about building a life with someone when you both start with very little. You work, you save, you make decisions together and, slowly, you create something that belongs to both… Read More When Luxury Becomes Something You Are Taught to Feel Guilty For

August 10, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Where Did My Contributions Go?

For a long time, I wondered where all my contributions had gone. Not just the money. My work.My energy.My sacrifices.My time.My ideas.My emotional labour.My contribution to the household and the life we had built together. I was not raised in poverty, and I was certainly not raised to believe that deprivation was a virtue. I… Read More Where Did My Contributions Go?

August 10, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

When She Goes Silent: The Woman Who Finally Stopped Trying

There is a point in some relationships when a woman stops explaining. Not because she suddenly stopped caring. Not because she found someone else. Not because she wants you to chase her. And certainly not because she has become cold. Sometimes, her silence is what happens when she has finally run out of words. She… Read More When She Goes Silent: The Woman Who Finally Stopped Trying

August 10, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Everything Comes to Those Who Wait

Last night, I sat on my roof terrace with a glass of wine, some delicious Belgian chocolates bought for me by two lovely friends, and one of the most beautiful views I could imagine. I looked across at the house where I used to live. And I found myself asking a very simple question: “What… Read More Everything Comes to Those Who Wait

August 10, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Be Easy to Deal With

One of the simplest ways to get ahead in life is to become the person people are glad to deal with. Not because you say yes to everything. Not because you allow people to walk all over you. And certainly not because you abandon your boundaries. Being easy to deal with means being pleasant, respectful, reasonable and… Read More Be Easy to Deal With

August 10, 2026 Linda C J Turner3 Comments

When Affection Once Looked Alien

For years, whenever I went on holiday or out socially, I found myself watching other couples. Not in a judgemental way. I was fascinated. I noticed the softness in their faces when they looked at each other. The laughter. The casual touching. A hand resting gently on an arm. A kiss as they passed each… Read More When Affection Once Looked Alien

August 8, 2026August 8, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Never Believe It Couldn’t Happen in Your Family

Nothing would surprise me anymore. And perhaps that is one of the hardest lessons life can teach you. We like to believe that the terrible things we hear about happen somewhere else. To other families. To other children. To people we don’t know. We tell ourselves: “That would never happen in our family.” But that sentence… Read More Never Believe It Couldn’t Happen in Your Family

August 8, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment

Intimidation: An Abuser’s Favourite Weapon

Sometimes you don’t need someone to shout. You don’t need someone to threaten you. You don’t even need them to be in the same room. Sometimes the knowledge that they are there is enough. That is the power of intimidation. And after experiencing abuse, one of the greatest reliefs can be discovering what life feels like… Read More Intimidation: An Abuser’s Favourite Weapon

August 8, 2026August 8, 2026 Linda C J TurnerLeave a comment