I think if/when we ask them to leave and they decide to go, they are not going willingly and they are angry about it. Why would they want to go when they've gotten all their needs met for so long, while they continue to do what they're doing, giving little back in return? I don't know if this is common, but my ex was very vindictive. If I did something that made him angry, boy would I pay for it. In this case, I think he basically said the same....."Oh yeah? I'll show her. She'll be sorry she ever asked me to leave!" I remember he used to tell me if I kept up my nagging about his drinking I would be very alone one day, and I'd regret that I didn't appreciate him.