Originally Posted by trailmix

J A D E

Don't Justify, Argue, Defend, Explain

You are under no obligation to argue with him. Who defines you and what you are, him, or you?

Well the answer, of course, is you.

I went back and read some of your threads. These are the facts as you have presented them:

- He abuses you and your children
- He is alcoholic
- You fight often
- You find no joy in your marriage
- You believe you cannot leave because you won't be able to protect your children if you are not with them.

The truth is, you aren't protecting them now. They are teenagers now, not little kids, if you divorce and there is a problem when he is with them, they can call you, or walk out the door and call you. They are fighting with him all the time now, saying "vile" things to him. That's not protecting them.

There is no reason for you to stay with him, so the question you might really want to ask yourself is, why do you stay?