Hi,

I had just finished a huge project when replying to your post the first time and upon reading what I wrote I realized that I left many of my thoughts out.

I've been thinking of you since this morning and as others have said.

RUN BABY RUN

I will not even pretend that any of this will be easy. I know being "alone" will be difficult, losing a "relationship" will be difficult, change is always hard. Having said all that, in the end I can promise you will be a happier person.

Unfortunately I haven't been able to read all posts, but will do so later this evening. HOWEVER, even without doing so I can give you my very very strong opinion.

Do not go near this man, do not meet him anywhere, do not go over to the house (doing so will make it hard for you to come to the conclusion to get out of this situation - not to mention the safety issue). Frankly at this point unless there are children are involved I see no reason to even accept a phonecall from him. He may have never done anything remotely like this to you in the past, but as you now know, he's violent and you could be hurt or worse.

Get a restraining order.

Check into local divorce laws - IF you are interested in starting a divorce and do not have children involved, I do research for a living and will be more than happy to look for you and give you information on how to proceed. For instance, I know in Texas you can fill out the forms online (my sister just did - doesn't surprise me us Texans can also carry an open container and loaded weapons in the car!). Some states you can get free legal aide should your income be low enough.

Get some counseling. Many people see it as a sign of weakness, it is not, it's a sign of intelligence.

Stay close to true good healthy friends - keep in touch with us on the board. We may not know you in person, but our feelings and concern are very real.

Take care of YOU, I'm glad you have family and am hoping that they are healthy and supportive of you.

Princeton