Diana was our society's warning to women (on the 20th anniversary of her death (murder?))

[Coventina]

4. So true. Every word. I had just left an abusive relationship when Diana died.

I was laying in bed with my new boyfriend (now my husband).

He was asleep, I was watching the late night news.

I began shaking like a leaf. I was in an "illicit" relationship. Nobody knew, not even my abuser (he only knew that I'd left him).

I flashed back to Diana's wedding. I was a pre-teen, but I stayed up late to watch it, fantasizing about my own fairy-tale coming true one day.

I had the same rude awakening that she had. A "loving prince" can hid a secret, harmful side. He can woo your friends and family into thinking you are the luckiest girl in the world. He can make you feel that way too.

I thought I had made my break for freedom. To be honest, I'd kind of forgotten about Diana, although I was aware of her troubles.

And then came the tragedy. And I felt it in my own body, my flesh and bones.

This is what happens to "bad girls" who leave their partners.

RIP, sweet Diana. I'll never forget crying for you, crying for me, crying for all the emotionally and / or physically abused women throughout history.