helping people help themselves... frustrating!

:grouphug: everyone on this thread :grouphug:

awww... :love:

Melanie, just keep on being supportive like you have been. I was in an abusive situation for almost 4 yrs. Lots of mental as well as physical abuse, but I was in that position for a long time where I kept thinking that things would change, we would have a good day and that would overshadow all of the bad days, things would get real bad then he would be super sweet just for things to get all bad again. When I finally got the guts to kick him out, it hurt real bad for a while and then things finally got really clear in my mind and I realized what I had been putting myself through. Like others have posted, your not going to be able to convince her that she would be better off not being in that situation, the best that you can do is to be supportive towards her, like you have been. It was tough for me to get out of my situation and I wasn't even married or had kids at that point, and I am sure those two factors right there make her decision that much tougher!! From what you have posted, you are doing exactly what you should be doing for her, you are being a supportive and caring friend, giving ideas and helping her out where you can. But it does sound like she is heading in the right direction, for each step forward, just be there for her if she does take those couple of steps back. I will send my prayers out to your friend and her kids, and to you as well. :hug::hug::hug::hug: