The Truth Comes Out.

A week ago today, I left what I believed to be an emotionally abusive relationship to live with family. I felt as though I could't go on, and that I was in a situation that was detramental beyond my control.
This past week I've been trying to begin my recovery. This healing has been hampered, however, by the fact that my abuser insisted on contacting me by leaving messages on my new phone, sending me emails promising a "fresh start" and begging for reconsiliation, and sending emails to my family urging them to sympathize with her and convince me to "come back" to her.
I made the mistake of thinking she was not evil, only sick, and tried my best to convince everyone that she just needed help. I even sent emails to her trying to get her to move on with her life. I tried to keep them neutral and supportive; tried to take the high ground, but nothing seemed to work. So, I wound up sending her a subjective laundry-list style "why I left" letter. What I did was type what I wanted to scream at her. Well, it worked!
Today I got a reaction email from her, and I don't think she wants me back anymore. This email, which she sent to my mother and sister as well, went on to insult my integrity, my masculinity, my genitals, my relationships with my family, my family directly, and it also admitted in a nice, documented way that she had been cheating on me for the past 3 months, which I suspected and confronted her about. She, of course, denied it.
I guess my whole point in this is that I should have trusted my instincts in the first place. I felt things were wrong and, rather than end it like I should have, I stayed in that toxic (one of my new buzz-words) relationship for more than 3 years! What a dumb-ass!
So, kiddies, here are my words of wisdom for you all.
Love yourself first, then second, then third. If you are in a relationship that is the least bit uncomfortable, give it a go. Confront your partner and, if he or she is not completely receptive to the idea that a change needs to take place AND willing to take immediate steps to make things right, GET OUT OF THAT RELATIONSHIP. I am reminded of Paul Simon "just get out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan."
Life is too short to waste on emotional vampires. If someone needs help, you have two choices; help them by directing them to someone qualified to help them (unless you have a degree in psychology, probably not you), or run like hell. There are plenty of people out there who can influence your life in a positive manner. Avoid the ones who bring you down.
Get yourself free.