It makes me sad to hear your pain, Desirae...I don't think you are a phony for trying to maintain your composure in the face of adversity...that's maturity. And you don't need to feel bad about venting here, either...it's why all of us are here...to vent and be vented on.

I sort of know what you are going through...I'll be moving from this house on Friday, and I don't know where to...at least my kids are OK with my ex, she got a great job. I really miss them, I don't know what I am going to do.

And so we get together here to help each other through these times. I hope that you find your way...perhaps you could take the kids and you all go to a women's shelter. Go ahead, get help...you're so young, and you have the best years of your life ahead of you. Go for it!

DJ