Walking in another's shoes

Trying to bite my tongue on the Ray Rice issue but I can't any longer.  I am sick of hearing everyone blame his wife for staying.  Calling her a gold digger, etc...  Have you ever been 26 and hopelessly in love with a man?  Have you ever been punched in the face by this man?  Have you ever had your new husband do something horrible to you and then apologize the next day after the liquor has worn off ? Have you ever had that man promise that it will never happen again?  Then, when it happens again, reliving the humiliation, anger and deep sadness all over again?  Have you?  Unless you have been through that, I think you need to stop judging.  You cannot say "I would never stay. She is stupid. blah blah blah". You do not know what it feels like until you have been there.  It makes you question everything you have been taught your entire life.  It feels much different when you go through it, I assure you.  You have said vows, you have a life together, you love this man not to mention the joint finances, a house, etc... It is not as easy as you think.   Let's not forget that this woman is young, in love and making choices based on her heart, I believe.  She will live and learn and probably leave eventually. We usually do.  So, before you get on that soapbox and preach that this young woman should leave and that she was stupid for marrying him after he hit her, remember that she is human and she is trying to protect herself and her family.  Hopefully, she will realize that not all men are like that.  Thankful that I have found a man who taught me that.