I've come to realize that he started swaying people against me long before this started, and he is by far the most manipulative person I have ever known. I thought my FIL was good at it, but he had nothing on this guy. You're right, it is as natural as breathing to him, as is lying. You know how most people have a tell when they lie? Not this guy. He lies like you and I would talk about the weather.

I'm sorry about your experience with your DH (I know you didn't tell it for sympathy, but I'm an empath so I can't help it). A friend of ours went through something very similar with her ex.

I'm glad to hear the book is not about repairing relationships. I guess I got confused by one of the lines in the Amazon description. It talked about forging a genuine connection and I thought that meant repairing the relationship. There's no going back and I won't let people like that around me or my family. So thank you for clarifying.

I'll check out Dr. Carter's videos, thanks. I'm trying to let go of the bitterness, and it's starting to work. But I still have a ways to go. Maybe these videos will help.

And thank you for being concerned for Katie. Yes, it sucks that I have lost her, but my biggest concern has always been how it has affected her. Nothing about our relationship was ever about me, it was always about giving her a better life and making sure she had the things she needed to succeed. I know I need to let her go and I'll have to hope that she will be ok. I just don't want her to turn into them. She's an amazing person and she has so much potential for good things and I would hate to see them drag her down into becoming a mean girl like them. She's been through so much and yet she's always smiling and she's always kind. If anyone has reason to be bitter for her lot in life, it's her. And I know that she is to an extent, but she never takes it out on other people. I've seen too many kids in her position become sullen and withdrawn, but she's not.

Again, thank you for all the advice. I really appreciate it.