I really appreciate this post.

My only experience with marriage was a bad one, we were not sexually or financially or intellectually compatible, the latter two were striking to others, and of course people didn't know about our sexual life. The people I ask for help with it (he was sexually abusive within the marriage) told me it was too late, I married him, he was my problem now. The ironic thing is they were there the whole way, and were not looking out for me, but I digress. Today my friends say I married too young, but I had a different set of "friends" back then.

In terms of the intellectual compatibility it is difficult to and does not feel safe to talk about. Perhaps at some point when I'm feeling a little stronger and less vulnerable to other people's criticism and attacks I can talk about that.

Its funny I can't even look at the picture on that article without getting triggered.

My ex husband and I did have a child and he has pretty much abandoned her except for paying court ordered chid support and taking her clothes shopping, which does not make for a relationship. My daughter started having older boyfriends when she was in 8th grade, and they have gotten progressively older. It is obvious to the unaided eye she is searching for a father figure and there is nothing I can do as a mother to meet that need, however I digress again so I'll stop here.

Thank you for your post.