I have a friend that is stuck in a horrible relationship for the sake of her children. She lives in this delusion that staying in the big house, with the nice things and the new cars is a better example for her children than going without as she did in her childhood. She is a wonderful person who has convinced herself that her duty in life is to take one for the team! Her husband is abusive in all aspects. He has abused her physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually for so long, she's conditioned. She says she doesn't like the way she feels and how he acts towards her and her children, and it is scares me when she says she is afraid! He holds money from her, and gives her an allowance. He dangles affairs in front of her to either get attention for his bad behavior, or to be hurtful. I can't figure out which is worse. I know that it is as wrong for me to encourage this relationship as it is for me to pass judgment and tell her to leave. She has attended therapy to gain strength for herself, which I encouraging to do. He refused to go, claiming that he learned enough in domestic violence class and if she'd just keep her mouth shut and do what she is suppose to he wouldn't lose his temper. It sounds like that therapist should of lost her license, although he is a convincing narcissist! Every time she seems to get the courage to do something positive for herself, whether it is school, a job, personal improvement, or new friends, he always wants to squash her self esteem. It's so difficult to not worry about her, and keep supporting her with her choices. I worry so much about her, and when she doesn't answer the phone or call back within a reasonable amount of time, I secretly panic. If I stop being friends with her because it is too much for me to constantly worry about her, then I would be turning my back on a very good friend. If something ever happened to her, I don't think I would be able to forgive myself for breaking off the friendship.