Hey tootsweeties I am still working through posters on page 7 ATM so I have a while till I get this far in, if I even manage it. But I felt I should reply to you.
I'm sure every woman on here will tell you to never ever give a bully full control over your finances. The relationships section on here is a good place to go for advice in your situation. I think it might help you to speak with women's aid too.
You ask if your life could be happier?
I ask you - how could it not be?
Surely the only way is up, don't you think?
Also worth noting that bullies make all kinds of false promises when they are trying to convince you to stay as bad continue being a victim or, when they have ulterior motives (is the move to control all finances new?).
Now I thought, 'shall I look at the cards, because she probably needs some nice advice and reassurance that everything will be ok if and when she leaves'.
But here's the thing, if I do that then you are getting permission from something else to leave. When actually what you really need to do, is give yourself permission.
I suspect that for far too long you have been made to feel like your wants, needs, feelings and dreams are not important, that they are silly or selfish or uninspired. That you don't deserve to chase your own happiness or peace.
If you choose to leave then you are about to do something hard, very hard. So you need to do it because you believe you deserve it. You need to be your own champion now because you are going to have to be from now on.
You deserve a happy life free from abuse. Everyone does!
I hope that you give yourself permission to do right by yourself. Your dreams, needs and feelings are valid. I hope you choose you.