I spent 8 empty years with a man who couldn't put me first ahead of his monther. During all that time He continued to show up for weekly 'family' dinners that neither included me nor their grandchildren. As for the grandchildren while she was constantly quick to offer advice and complain about my parenting choices (ie. nursing was disgusting) not once did she ever offer to babysit or spent time alone with them. We never moved into a house because he needed to stay near his parents so he could run over at every beck and call.

Rarely did he stand up for me. I should have put my foot down from the beginning. I should have realised his behaviour would never have changed. While I did end up with two beautiful children I stayed with him far too long in the false name of love.