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A partner absorbs years of emotional exploitation and neglect at the whim of a callous spouse. When at the very edge of their capacity to cope, the spouse declares, through an intermediary, that they have learned the error of their ways, will do better, will buy a variety of peace-making gifts, and will ‘make amends’.1 The partner is confused and distressed; they want to believe but the promises seem hollow, none of the offers consistently match the problems experienced, and, more conspicuous than anything else, there is no direct apology and no convincing demonstration that there is an assumption of responsibility for the abuse. The partner confides in their trusted GP and asks if they should forgive and forget?
- © British Journal of General Practice 2016
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