I think he's lucky that you weren't living near your father because that's the kind of story that will drive a father to violence.
I'm sure that kind of thing is more common than we realize, especially with young couples. At least, I was more aware of it when I was younger and spent more time with younger couples. I can’t think of any violent relationships that lasted, though.
I know that every good relationship has to have some aspects of dependency, but I guess there needs to be some sort of balance to the arrangement such that each person can at least visualize the possibility of living without the other should the other become physically or emotionally untrustworthy or abusive. Maybe it's just harder for us to see that when we're younger. Maybe our earliest experiences with love are more awkward and uncertain. Like you say, “it’s complicated.”
Anyway, a post like yours should be required reading for young folks. Thanks for sharing.
You’re very special. ;-)
That would be the healthy thing, I agree.