The Ones Who Stay

One April morning, a long time ago, I woke up with the barrel of a shotgun against my forehead. The man holding it was my husband.

Later that morning, holding my baby, I asked myself one question: how in the hell did I get here?

It took me decades to answer it. This book is that answer.

The Ones Who Stay is for anyone in a relationship that's slowly taking over their life, especially the capable ones. The ones who run departments, manage budgets and handle everyone else's problems, then come home and read the mood before they walk through the door.

It doesn't just tell you to get out. It explains:

• why control is so hard to see from the inside, even for smart people
• why the good days hold you so tightly (there's a name for it: trauma bonding)
• the old rules that made it all feel familiar
• how to see clearly and stay safe, whether you're staying for now, on your way out, or already gone

It's short, direct and written in plain language, with a reflection question at the end of every chapter. Help lines for every Canadian province, plus the US, UK and Australia, are at the front of the book.

If you're not sure whether any of this applies to you, start with my free guide, One Bar at a Time: six quiet signs of control, and the questions that help you see them.

👉 payhip.com/DeborahLarson15

If you know someone who needs this, you don't have to say anything. Just share the post.

If you're in danger right now, call 911.