So, I'm now 3 months into a separation between me and my husband. We've been married for 19 years and, during that time, he's become more controlling, bullying and manipulative every year. He's also behaved in that disgusting way towards our 2 teenage kids.
Finally, I drew a line in the sand at the beginning of May and told him it was over. He's moved out and I'm seeking legal advice. I'm starting a divorce petition and have booked a mediator in the hope that we can reach a financial settlement.
I know there's a long way to go. He's been here this morning, giving me every bullying tactic up his sleeve because he hates that I'm now taking control. Over the last few weeks, he's cried, grovelled, sulked and we've now reached anger. I'm a little scared of this but won't let it stop me. Me and the kids can do better without him.
Anyway, if anyone else out there is on the precipice and wondering whether or not to take the plunge and finally escape someone else's control, all I can say is go for it. Just telling friends and family all the things that he's done over the years was so freeing and made me realise that I'm not mad (he used to say I'd misunderstood or got it wrong). Once the bully's "dirty little secret" is out, they lose all their power because bullies are cowards.