Why does the phrase "treats me like a queen" always seem to be used in letters about a guy who is a jackass the woman should have dumped long ago? What is it about that phrase?

Regarding the disappointed parent, there are two sides to every story. You could be my mother ranting about how I treat her like crap and she was a "good" mother, etc. You really need to examine why your kid treats you that way. Were you truly good to your kids but to the point where you were a doormat? Then you share the blame in the outcome. Were you "good" to your kids in your own mind but their memories differ? Beleive me, that's the case with my mother. She put her b/f first...to the point where when I confessed he molested me, she blamed me...that I seduced him...bear in mind I was 9 years old when it started, then she beat the crap out of me. Of course, she doesn't remember this...just has memories of being June Cleaver.

Re: Sad Sandie

How sad! I have four children, all in their 30s. I like their choices in their mates. I dearly love my grandchildren. I would have my children all over again in a heartbeat; and, no, I didn't bother answering that original survey. One of my children was a real handful, too -- but, then, I was his sixth mother. If any of my children treated me as coldly as is described, I would let them know they were out of bounds, then go volunteer someplace where I was appreciated. I do believe my children know this about me. I simply could not ask for nicer children.

Domestic Abuse doesn't start with a physical punch. It's always verbal, then isolation, escalating eventually to physical abuse. Wake up. Don't delay with an invite to counseling. Insist that you will leave the NEXT time you are verbally assaulted. Then if it happens, DO IT.