Well that's the kicker, right there. I'm on extended maternity benefits and tutor on the side. I make just enough to pay towards my housing and portion of my bills. To alleviate further financial stress, it is best for me to return to work in the fall, part time, which wasn't easy to get permission for. It'll save us hefty daycare fees, times 2 toddlers, and I'll be able to stay home with them, 4 days a week (and tutor). Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus, I'm unable to tutor right now, as well, until things settle.

I'm in zero position to leave.. and he tells me this about his unforeseen debt. I'm really affected by it. I'm glad he's taking steps to become more transparent and maybe it was safer for him to do so, knowing I'm stuck.

I'm giving him one week to figure out a concrete plan, to find a way to consolidate his debts into one easy payment per month, and to hand over his credit cards, at least temporarily. He's given me 2 out of the three cards (or at least, they're sitting on the counter, cut in halves).

I'm not accepting his, "I'll keep the one card and pay it off" (while ignoring the other two). It's a problem.

I also want him to have a conversation with his mom because she's one of the reasons why he's in hiding. He wants her to believe he's made a turn around in his life (a recovered drug addict, maintaining multiple jobs, long term relationship, and 2 young children) so she can be proud of him.. and she really is. She is not at all aware any of what is happening, and she lives 4 doors away.. but she most definitely hears his campaign smearing in his attempt to hide his darkness and blame me.

He needs to address the root.