You don't see it while you're in it.
You probably don't see it when they leave.
It's sick and twisted how well they hide it.
The way it changes you from strong and confident,
to meek and totally reliant.

The relationship starts seemingly perfect, too perfect.
Until you're fully conditioned to need their false validation.
Before you never needed it, now dependent on external validation.

This is when the verbal abuse and belittling starts.
Psychological conditioning to believe you're always wrong.
That despite the the excessive praise only weeks before,
Now you're worthless unless it's them you adore.

They plan it carefully and...