[PSY]

I've been in two relationships. The first lasted for two years, and I didn't begin to see his "abusive" side until one year into the relationship. I kept thinking that it would pass, that it wasn't his "real" side, etc., but in the end, I left him for my current boyfriend. We've been together for three and a half years, and still no signs of abusive behavior. =) I guess what I'm trying to say is that, unfortunately, some boyfriends (and girlfriends!) will end up showing their "abusive" sides, sooner or later. It may present itself before you've even begun to date, or it may not manifest until the "honeymoon" phase has ended. BUT, not all men are like that! All you can really do is use your "street smarts", when dating, and if you see signs of abuse, GET OUT. If all is well, then assume all will CONTINUE to be well, until proven otherwise. "Innocent until proven guilty". =D