Why Can't I Just Leave? A Guide to Waking Up and Walking Out of a Pathological Love Relationship

by Kristen Milstead

"Kristen Milstead provides a social psychological analysis of narcissistic abuse using the empathetic voice of a survivor. Survivors who read this book will be able to trust the "lightbulb" moments this rare perspective offers." -Bree Bonchay, LCSW, founder of World Narcissistic Abuse Awareness Day (WNAAD) Book More than 60 million people have been in a pathological love relationship with someone who has an impaired conscience. Are you one of them? Do you feel fiercely loyal toward your partner although your partner has put you through unspeakable acts of cruelty and betrayal? Has your partner lied so much that sometimes you aren't sure you know what's real or who your partner really is? Have you tried to break off the relationship yet feel powerless to stop your partner from walking in and out of your life? Do you alternate between believing that your partner is the love of your life and questioning your sanity or even feeling your life may be in danger? Using the stories of survivors and social psychological research on compliance, cognitive dissonance, and thought control, Why Can't I Just Leave? explains how relationships with pathological partners can create impossible dilemmas that trap you in a distorted dream-state and hijack your thoughts and emotions. Learn what those who are conscience-impaired don't want you to know and find out how to wake up and walk out of your partner's invisible prison forever. Foreword by Sandra L. Brown, M.A., author of Women Who Love Psychopaths Advance "Kristen has a straightforward way of explaining the complex topic of narcissistic abuse. Her book shares both insights from her personal experiences and a clear and compassionate framework for understanding the complex ways that ostensibly loving relationships can morph into something utterly corrosive and dangerous." -Dan Partland, Emmy-award winning director of The Psychology of Donald Trump "In Why Can't I Just Leave? author Kristen Milstead provides you with the answers you need to understand why you're stuck in a relationship with a narcissist, sociopath, or other exploiter so you can finally make your escape." - Donna Andersen, author of Lovefraud.com and Red Flags of Love 10 Signs You're Dating a Sociopath "The truth is often hard to face. Getting free from an emotionally abusive relationship and facing that truth will be the hardest thing you ever do. This book is packed with been-in-the-trenches wisdom and the key to your freedom." -Tracy A. Malone, founder of Narcissist Abuse Support, Author, and Coach "With the courageous use of her own intimate relationship, Kristen Milstead provides both an exploration and explanation of every aspect of "pathological love relationships." . . . Every aspect is covered in both practical and theoretical detail, as well as by example." -David M. Reiss, M.D., Psychiatrist (Private Practice-San Diego, Boston, NYC) and Co-Author, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump

432 pages, Hardcover

Published October 19, 2021

Reviews

[Joni Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shook my world and all-to-relatable. Would recommend to anyone who feels psychologically turned around in their relationship but can't quite put their finger on why.

[Spencer Fojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling narrative about an all too commonly tolerated toxic relationship pattern. Supported by research and suggested interventions.