Why did Ray Rice marry someone he assaulted and disrespected so much?

[IdaBriggs]

71. If you watched the video, she charged him in an aggressive manner.

He then punched her, and due to his greater strength, knocked her unconscious.

They both spent the night in jail for "mutual combat" or some variant on the theme.

I posted elsewhere that it is a Very Messed Up Relationship. The coping skills -- in this case, "HIT!" -- are learned behaviors.

I believe they probably love each other, although it is not a recognizable form of love to those who have not grown up in dysfunctional households.

Although the victim narrative is currently only being applied to her due to the horrific nature of her injuries because he had superior strength, and again, clearly stating that the violence in the elevator was inappropriate, the norm in their relationship appears to be physical response (see her charge).

As a society, we have deemed this is unacceptable, so if the two of them can't demonstrate healthier behaviors, I foresee another jail term in someone's future, assuming the worst doesn't happen first and someone end up dead before police intervention occurs.

But I am going to stick with "he loves her" and truly wants to work things out with her. It is just not likely he will be able to access tools to do so in a healthy manner, but hope springs eternal.

Life (and our relationships) is usually more complicated than we would like it to be.

My two cents. Your mileage may vary.