Is this a good sign? What do I do now?

[2Times2Many]

Thank you for stopping by and for your insight, 25. Wow. A lot to think about and some real eye-openers.

You are absolutely correct. He hasn't made any major movement to change things. I hear a lot of promises, a lot of "I'm sorry," but no real follow through. He IS stalling. And deep down, I know why ... he needs me involved in the business here so he can do his thing there.

And, I have been teaching him that's okay. And, I do feel like he has no respect for me.

I think he has mixed feelings b/c he does care for you, but he's also moody, and selfish and deceitful and that's the side in him that is, mostly but not always, winning in his battle.

You are correct and I agree. I have felt for some time that he's just trying to keep me pacified because he can't do what he's doing or keep his business here in good standing unless I participate. He knows full well that if we D, I will leave the business as well. And every time the sitch takes a step in that direction, he throws out a few crumbs and I fall for it. You're right. It's a pattern and I have to break it.

My issue is not so much losing him or my M, it's the business aspect. If we D'd tomorrow, financially, I would be fine (not as fine as I am now, but I'd be ok.) And, I would be ecstatic to shed the burden that the business has become to me. It would free me up to find more fulfilling ways to spend my time.

But, the role I play is an important one when it comes to our employees and leaving without having someone to take my place (which is where it stands now) could be devastating to the business - and especially to them. If not for that, I think - no, I know - the D process would be in full motion.

It's possible that he could scramble well enough to navigate that, but if he can't, I don't know if I could accept my role in hurting innocent people. But, I'm getting close to accepting that any negative fallout is his fault, not mine. (Why am I thinking of the movie "Ruthless People?")

As for hiding money, I used to think he was and my L can explore that, but I don't think so anymore. I don't want to go into details here, but it's pretty obvious to me he needs cash.

Proceeding with D would bring him back. He can't do what he's doing where he is unless the business here can support him and his venture, and he doesn't have the people in place here to make that happen. If he comes back here, the venture there suffers or dies.

If he thinks he has to come back, his resentment of me will be huge. D will be a nasty undertaking. It will be brutal and I will need a thick set of armor!

Thank you so much, 25, for your insight. You are so spot on in so many ways.

Maybelle, thank you for your support. It means a great deal to me.