but I also know that I can't allow him to fall into an abyss of self-pity and self-destruction.
Be careful here...."YOU can't".....
IB, at the end of the day he is his own person and although you can show in the way you "can't" make him follow it.
Actions....not words...actions.
Show him love even when it is hard. Show him compassion. Do not let his walk over you. Anger is an acceptable emotion. It is what we do with it that really matter. It is not acceptable to do whatever you want to treat people how ever you want when you are angry. Show him this...not by words rather how you interact with him.
Peace, Eric
"The difficulties of Life are intended to make us BETTER,not bitter". "Fear is a prison, where you are the jailer. FREE YOURSELF!" "Life is usually all about how you handle Plan B." - Jack3Beans
