DEAR ABBY: I've been living with someone for nearly two years. When we first met we both expected it to last forever. We work together and were together nearly all the time. This took its toll on our relationship. I did everything for her, Abby, including buying us a house I honestly didn't think we were ready for with my life savings.
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Six months later she told me she wanted to separate. This wasn't the first time she's done this. After a week of lethargy, I got angry and frustrated and threw her out in a rage!
Abby, I admit I'm not easy to live with. She just thought I regretted our relationship and didn't love her anymore. I loved and still love her and her young son. I've humiliated myself trying to win her back. Despite the advice of my friends, I still want to share my life with her, but she's stubborn and fiercely proud and says she just wants to be "friends."
Abby, I'm a great-looking guy and know I'd make a terrific husband, and while I'm not a vain man, I wouldn't have a hard time finding someone else. Problem is, for some crazy reason, I want HER. What do I do? -- HEARTBROKEN AND ABANDONED IN CANADA
DEAR HEARTBROKEN AND ABANDONED: Since you were the one who threw this woman and her child out, I fail to see why you are now taking the stance of having been abandoned.
You describe yourself as "not easy to live with" and have demonstrated a volatile temper. You describe your efforts to win this woman back as "humiliating." Has it occurred to you that she may have felt humiliated when she found herself and her child without a roof over their heads?
Whether it's possible to patch up this rift remains to be seen. A giant step in the right direction would be for you to seek counseling in anger management techniques. That way she would have some assurance that your apology is sincere and that you are taking steps to change.