GG, sorry you needed to go through so much abuse and pain. I remember seeing my mom enduring so much. I never understood why my mom wouldn't just say enough and react against my father.
And maybe that is what happen, these cowards they induce fear and paralyze their victims. I by other hand, confronted my father once I was very young, about 15y old. He started his old accusation and fear mode and I just lost it. I jumped on him, took all the bottoms of his shirt, had my nails in his face and neck.
Well, he left to cool down and I stayed awake until he got back home, just to make sure he understood that I would not put up with that any longer. Since then, I never back down for anyone. I guess I found out that the more fear we develop, the more abusive the other person becomes.
But GG has other plans, and BF on her pocket. Along with the adventures in her farm, gossips in her neighborhood and boots, hills, and fancy lingerie. You are so much fun and amazing. Would love to visit you and ride some of those wonderful horses alongside with you.
Meeting BF's family is never very easy. Hope they are cool and things go smooth. Remember do not get to anxious and eat too much, be careful with those pounds because it is hard work to get rid of them.
Glad the situation with L and the D are getting resolved, it is time humm ! Money is always welcome and much more when it belongs to you in the first place.
Keep being GG, you are an amazing person. Next time you see your IC, try to talk about this feelings of inferiority that you develop during an abusive marriage, he may have some techniques you can use to get rid of these nasty feelings.
Remember that non one is less or more in this earth, we are all worthy. We know about a thing or two and we lack knowledge about a thing or two. No one is perfect. All what it is are people that want to be right, then they start ruling other people's life.
Be you GG, and do not care about anyone else. Whoever likes you will love you for what you are.