Let me know what you think about the books. You can PM me if you want. I don't normally frequent this board any more, but I'll look for your posts. Michelle's principles just don't work for abuse situations, and she states that in the beginning of her DB book. The problem is many people don't KNOW they are in abusive situations. They say, "Well he doesn't hit me and he is good to the kids, etc." That is the scary part. I had two therapists telling me it was emotional abuse, but I just couldn't believe it. I was still in denial. It took about 4 books to confirm it; Lundy's being the biggest eye opener.
I had to read them while he was in the shower or on my lunch break. I hid the books in my sweater drawer. All heck would have broken loose if he found them. I think he knew I was reading something as my attitude was changing, and would claim, "You don't even have an opinion of your own - everything you say it something someone shoves down your throat to believe!"
(regarding the rodeo: I think he was just guilt tripping you. Emotional Blackmail. He may have wanted to go to the rodeo, but once he learned you were already there he used it against you to feel badly for him and think "Aw he does want to do family things! I should take him back!" That's my interpretation.)
