Hi Rare ~ When I read your post, a red flag went up. I could see my former marriage, and it scared me!

Honey, this man IS controlling. He IS taking advantage of you. He IS taking ALL THE CREDIT for your development and he's patting himself on the back. What an EGO he has!

No wonder your self-esteem is in the pits, with all his criticizing and nit-picking. Where ELSE would your self-esteem be? You can't improve it with him around. You dont' have a chance!

You cannot be the "best YOU" when you're with him. It's just not possible. I'm afraid he isn't the 'right one' for you. And while it might be scary to leave, you will feel so FREE once you do! For once, you'll be able to make your own decisions without someone criticizing you, for once you can come and go as you like, for once you can do whatever you want! You won't have to answer to him! The freedom will be fantastic! You have been controlled MUCH too long!

There is someone else out there who will LOVE you just as you are. There is someone who will love and cherish you and RESPECT you just as you are. They won't criticize you at every turn. I wish you the very best sweetie. God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee