Escaping Abuse Part 10 : Dinner date

The ongoing incidents relentlessly chipped away at the bond and trust I once held for my husband. To him, they were mere inconveniences, but for me, each one inflicted deep psychological wounds and emotional scars that left lasting imprints on my mind.

Abuse has a way of rewiring the brain, leaving invisible but profound marks. While outwardly unseen, the internal agony and turmoil are immense.

One such incident that stands out was our dinner at the famous Tayyabs. I had longed to visit this place since my university days, but the experience turned into a nightmare. Before we even got into the car, he fetched his whisky bottle from the trunk and took several swigs before starting to drive. My agitation and irritation grew — I had pleaded with him countless times to stop this habit, especially now that we were expecting a baby. But as I would come to realize over the next 12 years, narcissists don’t entertain opinions, concerns, or needs, no matter how valid.

He reacted aggressively to my plea, creating a scene out of my genuine worry. We went to dinner anyway, a decision I soon regretted. He walked ahead of me, passive-aggressive, as we entered the restaurant. The waiter seated us and handed us menus. Hoping for a turnaround, I asked what he would like to order, but he replied icily, “Just order.”