Most of my growth has been emotional. When I moved out from my parents place, I was pretty emotionally stunted, equivalent to a 13 year old. I was repeating th

Most of my growth has been emotional. When I moved out from my parents place, I was pretty emotionally stunted, equivalent to a 13 year old. I was repeating the cycle of violence that I had experienced at home, displaying anger in the same abusive ways that I had known. At the same time, I was on the receiving end of a physically abusive relationship; not liking it, but not thinking I could do anything. It was just a continuation. I had pretty awful views on women and minorities as well, despite thinking of myself as progressive. I wish I could say that I realized this and worked on it. I didn't. It took my ex-boyfriend to stand up to me. It took us seeking couple's therapy together. Only then did I start to open my eyes, and pro-actively work on my own shit. I've seen multiple therapists since. I've recognized how past trauma lives in my everyday, and how to manage it. I've grown tremendously and past what my parents will ever be capable of. So what influenced my personal growth the most? That boyfriend who said no, what you're doing is wrong, and I won't let you do it. And the many times he had to say it to make it stick.