I feel like such an idiot. There were some red flags before I married him, but I saw vulnerability and a real need to be loved, so I accepted them and him. I have learned though, over time, what an adept liar he is, it comes as natural to him as breathing. He also has a hair-trigger temper. I'd heard stories about it, but had never seen it until last year when he blew up at a neighbor, and then again a couple of days ago. Both times I hid in the bedroom. He got irritated with me for being upset and not backing him up. I told him when he gets angry like that I don't feel safe around him. That really threw him for a loop.

My first marriage was difficult, but I tried to make it work and hung in there for 26 years. I told myself I would make a better choice if I ever married again, but I seem to be drawn to broken men. It brings out my compassion and desire to nurture. But, I also think that maybe I feel I don't deserve any better then that, that maybe I don't think an emotionally healthy man would want me.