I do have to say that I always felt put off when I was really trying to be all that he wanted me to be, but he still found fault with me. Like he was just looking for my shortcomings intead of celebrating my excellence. It gets really cruddy to be really trying (even if in your own mind) then to have the love of your life tell you it just ain't good enough. Nothing kills a love buzz like a critical eye.
Each experience in life has formed me, become part of me, made me stronger.