Everyone is telling my story. It took years for me to leave but I did. Now I do look back and see he was just using me as his disease progressed and he was just a JERK. I have been divorced two years now and Christmas was pleasant. I had no King-Baby to have to tiptoe around. The alcoholic has the core of a child. " Pain stops when longing is replaced by a desire to get away. Is their presence a gift or a curse? Are they causing more heartache than bliss? You deserve more than they offer. You realize love should not be so much work. You look in the mirror and like what you see. The pain stops when the promise of a new tomorrow is just enough to replace the ache in your heart. You say goodbye to whatever never was. When you are ready to start dreaming again.When you stop living with someone who can't give stability because alcohol comes first and you come second." I don't know where I got the "When Pain Stops".........but I wrote it down........rang true for me!