In this episode, I share the turning point that reshaped my marriage and my sense of safety. What began as yet another financial deception escalated into a late-night confrontation in Tokyo—an event that revealed the depth of my husband’s lies and the extent of the trouble he had pulled our family into.

From that moment, fear became a constant presence in my life. Instead of feeling supported by my partner, I found myself focused on avoiding the next crisis, questioning every decision, and doing whatever I could to keep my family afloat. This experience didn’t just fracture my trust—it changed who I was and how I moved through the world, and it became a key reason I stayed far longer than I should have.

If you’ve ever wondered why someone remains in an abusive relationship, this episode offers a firsthand look at how fear, confusion, and misplaced responsibility can trap even the strongest person in place.

If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing it with someone who might need to hear it. You can leave a comment, rate the podcast, or reach out directly at gettingoutbrenda@gmail.com. Your support helps others feel less alone — and it helps this podcast reach those who need it most.

Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of psychological and financial abuse.

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