I think it’s worse, personally

to feel guilt in an abusive relationship because it’s gotten better and you’re still so traumatized and broken, than feeling the fear of things staying the same forever. Fear is simple, fear warrants strong reactions and cutting ties. Breaking through fear makes you strong. But guilt is complicated, and you’re either expected to apologize or swallow it down. If you leave after it’s calmed then you don’t look or feel strong, no matter how much fear lingers in your mind. It’s not fair.