My husband is addicted to an emotional affair

[awest1217]

It is annoying and I would normally advice to just kind of act like you would a child, but since you don't have children think of how you would treat your dog. If you don't want your dog to do something, but he whines until you give in, then he will do that every time so that he gets his way. The same with your H. He whines until he gets his way and it has worked for him. What you want is respectful conversation (not saying he will come home, but he should at least talk to you in a respectful way). I would say just respond to texts or answer calls right away when you know he is respecting you. As soon as he starts to disrespect you, then politely say that you would like to continue the conversation, but only when he will talk to you in a calm respectful manner. Do this every time until he gets the idea.

You deserve respect, and once you show him respect by talking to him nicely and even not allowing the conversation to get to a fight, he will learn to respect you as well. (coming from my teaching career with high schoolers)

It is all about changing how he is treating you, which can be done. You can't control him, but you can stop talking to him or answering his continued calls or texts when he is disrespectful to you because you control that.

Hope things are going well. Remember most importantly is to always do what you feel is best for you.