He went back to school. He lived downstairs in the basement while I lived upstairs. Through therapy, and my standing my ground, and him getting off the bad meds, we were able to reconcile. I took a sales course that proved as valuable as the training I took in the third year of our marriage. It didn't hurt that my income doubled either - so it would be very easy for me to walk away without the financial hardships some women face.
Money is power.
So I got to be married by choice. The thing is, Kurt can't give me self-worth. You married by choice. Self-worth is yours only if you take it. It is up to you how you allow yourself to be treated.