Why do some people fall in love with people who treat them badly?
I have a friend who keeps going back to a boyfriend who treats her terribly. From the outside it makes no sense. Why do people stay with or fall for partners who mistreat them?
2 answers
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This is often trauma bonding. The cycle of abuse followed by affection creates a powerful emotional bond similar to addiction. The relief of the 'good times' becomes addictive.
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It can also be related to childhood experiences. If love was always mixed with pain growing up, that combination can feel familiar and even feel like love.