confused26:<P>"he is trying to worm his way into my life. And I have made the mistake of spending some time with him here and there, usually when he says he wants to talk, etc......Of course he is nice one minute (when I am nice back) and nasty the next (when I challenge him on any issues)."<P>You need to draw a line in the sand and stick to it firmly. He does view you as one of his possessions, and even feels he has the right to manhandle you. <P>Did you report what happened to you at the hospital or clinic when you got your finger x-rayed? If you are really serious about breaking off with him, you need to get documentation of his abuse. That would give you the background for a restraining order or a stay away order, whatever it is called in your state. <P>This isn't a matter of hurting him or destroying his reputation by having his violence against you made part of public record or part of a police file. This is a matter of having something handy to back you up in case he continues to harass or stalk you.<P>You are the only thing standing between your little boy and harm, and he is harmed if he is anywhere around where his mommy is being hurt. As a single parent, your obligation to him doubles. There's no daddy to fall back on if you're out of commission. (And don't even THINK of the Boyfriend as a possible Daddy.)<P>You need to give this guy a clear message. That means NO contact. He isn't going to "get better", "change" or "learn to appreciate what a good thing he had". Mentioning that he might get therapy is bait dangled on a hook, to get you to soften up.<P>He WILL understand a promise of involving the authorities and going public about him if he doesn't leave you alone. His image is very important to him. That is because he is empty inside, and all he has is the surface, the outside appearance, and "what people think of him."<P><BR><P>------------------<BR>Belle, Domestic Goddess