Friends, thanks for the outpouring of concern. I hope you know you give me strength. Vulkan, I too inititally wanted to cave this idiot's head in and damn the consequences. Alas such a response could possibly strengthen his hold. As I'd said earlier, who's to say she wouldn't rush to his side and nurse him back to health so he could resume the abuse? I'm sure the best thing to do is wait it out and try to offer her sound advice and help whenever she's ready.

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As to marriage or celibacy, let a man take which course he will. He will be sure to repent - Socrates

Love is not looking in each other's eyes, but looking together in the same direction - Antoine De Saint-Exupery