Do you think you’ve met the love of your life? Stop. Step back. In this week’s episode, guest Anthea Taeuber tells a cautionary tale of love and manipulation. What began as a fun and exhilarating courtship quickly descended into something unloving and dangerous. She walks us from the moment her ex-boyfriend’s mask slipped and she saw and felt the violence within him, to the day she broke free from the cycle of abuse. Anthea is the co-founder and resident mind guide at We Are Warriors (WAW), an interactive platform for women focusing on personal development and community connection. Her work and walk are a powerful testimony of freedom.

You can also find more information about what love bombing looks like here. If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse or intimate partner violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has trained experts available 24/7 to assist. You can call them at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). The website also has a live chat service.