Yes, I totally agree that his side is lacking. He's not able to take up for himself, and that's why I've been reluctant to ever admit this issue to anyone. Of course, my mother as always known about it, but other than that, no one really knows except you all on this forum. You have to understand, I do love him very much, but I think you hit the nail on the head...I wouldn't be able to live a normal life without him in it. Not after we've been married and together for 6 years. I would worry about my safety and the safety of the new prospects in my life. It would be too scary of a situation, so it's much easier being this way. I've always had to walk on eggshells around him, but I have always attributed that to his "stressful" life....he seems to stress out so easily and like was said before, rant and rave about it, although I haven't ever really been the object of his rage. But I have always been somewhat afraid of his power....his masculinity is what has drawn me to him before, but now it's what makes me wonder what he's capable of. I guess I shouldn't be pouring out my life like this, and what's funny is that I'm a year away from being a social worker....so it's not like I don't know the ramifications of this. But strangely enough, I'm still taking it.