Im new on MN but need some advice. Why do there seem to be so many women who will put up with their partners disrespectful behaviour? My mum dealt with everything from just plain rudeness to physical violence for 20 odd years and some of the stories I read here are totally shocking. I know there must be a good explanation and Im not trying to get anyones gander up, I just don't understand. He has cheated for years yet its YOU who feel guilty. He never comes home when he says he will but its YOU who try to placate him. He tells you he's leaving after 40 years to go play with a new toy he's found and YOU wonder what you did wrong. What's it all about???