Hi hrm134, I was wondering what it means when you start to find your spouses behavior to be just pitiful and predictable? I went through two days of crying intermittently and then I stumbled on MLC for Dummies. I found it hilarious! And so true! God, I don't know why it took me so long to find that posting. Does this mean I am progressing on detachment? Sure, I know I will feel differently tomorrow or in 5 minutes or whenever he decides to act out again but for now, I am just laughing my a** off. Ok for the funny story I wanted to share with you since you are sharing the toothbrush tales with all of us. I was living in Chicago while I finished grad school at 40 while the cuckoo (46) taught college in another state. When we split, I went down there to get my things from the apartment there. He gave me back a portrait of the two of us. Fine, ok, had a hickey and a new girlfriend 21+ years younger the same day, a student of his. Can you say lame and predictable? Can you say weak and stereotypical? Well, anyhow, we kept talking, nuclear wars, fighting, over the next several weeks including a big blow out where he threatened to kill me. Very mature? Anyhow, we have been talking the whole time he is staying with the child, friendlier talk over time, and now he wants the picture back??? WTF??? His reasoning is that he gave it to me because he did not want it then, but he never said he did not want it permanently... crazy Would someone tell me-am I as stupid and demented as he says I am or is this just f'ing crazy?