I honestly don't know what I can handle. I'm more stable now than I've ever been, but I don't know how far that gets me. So far, I've been able to handle everything but I haven't dealt with her directly. I know she has a temper, but from everything my boyfriend has told me, she's much more neglectful than physically abusive. However, I'd be amazed if she doesn't emotionally abuse her kids, because of the way she talks to my boyfriend and all the stupid manipulative games she plays. Amusingly, I don't believe she's all that smart cause he and I can see through her bs every time.

I'm not sure what the future holds or if this relationship will work but my boyfriend is amazing so I have to give it a chance. We're both living paycheck to paycheck and he's been saving for a lawyer for months, so it's never really been about money for us. We always find a way to have a great time without needing a ton of money (ex: I'm joining his judo class tonight, $20 a month). Someday I'd like to be a bit more financially secure, especially before I start having kids. But I've got years of college to finish before I even think of having my own children.

I didn't recognize the feeling right away, but when you were describing your boyfriend's ex-wife, all I could think of is 'I have to protect my boyfriend. I can't let him go through all that alone (and I can't let her drive him to murder, cause orange is not his color)'. Apparently I've reached the protective stage in my relationship.