Clarissa, I posted earlier, but wanted to add that if you are thinking of leaving, even though it is a big step, when you are ready, you will just know it and you will be so much happier. My ex was so sweet, gentle, kind, and tons of fun. We had a great relationship until something changed and to this day, I do not know what it was. He started drinking, not coming home, lying through his teeth - blatant lies - and to add to it, I was pregnant. Things just got worse throughout the pregnancy and he was soon gone and has since given up his rights, but I digress. My point is, it took a lot to make me see that I needed out and when I was finished, that was it - I was DONE. I had no regrets, knew I had done everything humanly possible, and then some, to make it work. And you know what?? When he was gone, I was so much happier. I no longer felt lonely or down. I was free, and happy, and proud of myself, and even though I was a single mom to an infant, I was stronger. Being with people like that can make you feel worse than being alone. Just be sure that you keep yourself and your kids safe. Hold your head up high, grip your strength with those muscles of yours and don't let go. Emotional abuse is wrong, and probably causes deeper scars than physical abuse. Do not allow yourself to be put down my him - like somebody here said about her dad - make the decision now that you will not let him do that to you anymore. You are your own person - put a smile on even if you don't feel it. And remember, your kids have incredible abilities to feed off of what you feel, and to see what you think they don't. If nothing else, don't put them through that - get out for them, if that is what you need to do. Hugs to you...Shana