Content Warning & Disclaimer

These stories contain detailed accounts of emotional abuse, psychological abuse, and narcissistic abuse. They include descriptions of alcohol and drug misuse.

Please proceed with caution. This episode may be highly triggering for survivors of abuse and trauma. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

Crystal offered to tell her story to us. The underlying point is, she found herself heading into one abusive relationship after another.

Was it bad luck? Maybe not.

Crystal put a focus in understanding why this was happening to her. And she eventually found the answer deep inside of herself.

This is one of those interviews where you should probably be taking notes. As a highly logical person, Crystal was able to piece together why she was on the receiving end of so much abuse.

You will hear about power imbalances, gaslighting, and the many masks abusive predators wear to disguise what they are all about.

Get your pen and paper read for this one.

Stories like this one highlight critical warning signs of narcissistic abuse and emotional manipulation. Recognizing these red flags early can help you or someone you love avoid years of pain and escape the “conveyor belt of chaos” that toxic relationships often become.

If you’re in an abusive relationship, dealing with trauma from childhood, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers validation, insight, and hope.

Host: Bill Mitchell

If you're experiencing intimate partner abuse, coercive control, or narcissistic abuse—or if you suspect someone you care about is—Riel's story offers critical perspective on spotting red flags early, breaking free, and finding support. You're not alone, and recognizing the patterns can be the first step toward safety and recovery.

Domestic violence resources are available 24/7—reach out if you need help.

Are you a survivor ready to speak out?

Email Bill Mitchell at BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com to share your experience on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast.

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get the WHEN DATING HURTS Book:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore more through the WHEN DATING HURTS book by Bill Mitchell, available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook formats. It's an essential resource for understanding domestic violence and dating safety.

Bill Mitchell

NOTE:

If you are a survivor and want to share your story of abuse on the WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast, please email me: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BillMitchell@WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

The ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WHEN DATING HURTS book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (in paperback, eBook, and audiobook) can be found on Amazon.

HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Hotline.org ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠– Call 800-799-SAFE

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LoveIsRespect⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 866-331-9474

• RAINN (Rape Abuse Incest National Network) – ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RAINN.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ – Call 800-656-4673

• SUICIDE HELPLINE: Call 988

Thank you for listening to our WHEN DATING HURTS podcast,

Bill Mitchell

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WhenDatingHurts.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

DISCLAIMER:

The WHEN DATING HURTS Podcast is providing this platform for information to be shared. We do not state with any certainty that anything is true or untrue. Understand that what you hear is the viewpoint of the people sharing. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only. Any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices