I can relate so much to: I'm looking into the darkness of the future that I didn't know was mine. It's so different from the life I thought I was living...although--maybe it ISN'T so different, actually. But it's my path, and I've got to walk it."
I too never imagined being married to a person who only has his own best interests in mind.
I loved what you said: "Might as well do it with some fun clothes, bright lipstick!"
I am SO glad to have found Savers, my local thrift shop. They have amazingly beautiful clothes. I can afford to get some beautiful things.
You are awesome! Don't forget that
This strikes a chord with me. I always put my WW needs and wants before mine. Her OM is needy, self centered and I found out that he's known among his peers as a megalomaniac ...oh and I used to try and show my wife that he was exactly like your husband (see underline)
I wish she could hear from you what living with a man like this is really like. good luck, your a real inspiration !