Hey! Thanks so much for sharing this update. I’m really sorry to hear that it went so badly towards the end, that all our internet-stranger suspicions were correct, and that things escalated so badly. My sister is going through something similar with her ex, she kept his worst behaviour hidden from us during their relationship… now they have a 3-yr old daughter, split up about 9 months ago and his behaviour has been shocking… violent threats, harassment, culminating in him knocking my dads tooth out (while my dad was holding his daughter) a few weeks ago. Like you my dad has cancer and had started radiotherapy that day, wtf. Who punches a pensioner with cancer who’s holding a toddler?!

I think people like you, my dad and I desperately want to see the best in everyone but as I said to my dad… life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, there are very nasty people lurking amongst us, and often the only way to get them to move on is to stand up to them or actively separate.

Whenever you feel a bit weak or lonely, feeling your resolve softening, please remind yourself of these last few weeks in particular. And I know I’m just an internet stranger, but you are always welcome to drop me (and I’m sure all the other people who gave you feedback) a message if you want to talk, vent or seek advice.