Michelle, I could have written this…not as well as you, but this story is mine as well. It makes me sad to read. I’m in the stage if trying to force myself to wrote a list for my boyfriend as well. He actually wants to help and I have yet to be able to write down things. For 26 years I let things go for as long as I could, then would call my dad, desperate for help. I have a lot of growing to do as I get this out of my system…the feeling that anything I ask is going to be too much. Thanks for writing this. Once again, I know I have not been alone. Can you tell me about what you do, other than the Virago, to advocate for women? I’m curious.