K O,
If you re-read your request, I think that you will find that you have answered many of your own questions and anxieties about what to do. Your strongest statement there is that you know that it is a decision only you can make. You are not married to him, but it seems like he is making you wear the uncomfortable shoes of grief day in and day out. It's your feet that is hurting, take those damn shoes off, build a fire and burn them now. Go and by some sexy red shoes and get a pedicure. I know that sounds parable- istic, it only means that this relationship is missing a lot of healthy ingredients and by continuing to accept what he serves, you are ending up with his sickness. The contagen here is that your children are going to be infected.
This man sounds immature and incapable of giving you the love that a good, strong, loving man can give to you. He obviously has deep mental problems and personal issues, liars hurt people with the same tongue they give pleasure with. There is too much confusion there to know if there is love or getting used to the situation so you just continue to play along. This is taking your self esteem and your self-worth from you. Set a high price for yourself today and in bold print write, NON NEGOTIABLE in parenthesis in a neon color.
ARE YOU A GLUTTON FOR PUNISHMENT OR DO YOUR REALLY THINK YOU CANNOT DO BETTER THAN HIM?? GIRL, MAKE UP A LIST, GO OUT AND FIND YOURSELF A NEW PLAYMATE.
Life is too short I fear for you to do this another 14 years and have no love. If you really sit back and look at it, you must be very lonely in this relationship all by yourself. You must change your way of thinking to get anything better. IF GOOD SEX IS KEEPING YOU THERE JUST REMEMBER, ALL MEN ARE TRAINABLE! THERE IS SOME MAN, SOMEWHERE WILLING AND READY TO PLEASE AND LOVE YOU, HE IS JUST WAITING FOR YOU TO TELL HIM WHAT TO DO.
STOP TAKING PEANUTS WHEN YOU DESERVE ALMONDS!
YOU CAN FIX YOURSELF, BUT YOU CANNOT FIX HIM, HE HAS TO DO THAT, THESE PAST YEARS OF NOTHING HAS PROVEN THAT TO YOU. BE HONEST AND REALISTIC WHEN YOU THINK IT ALL OVER.
I hope that you can find happiness either there with him changing, which has not happened in 14 years or as you can garner it. Don't keep your children from a joyful childhood, it would be the biggest mistake you will pay for in the future.
Pray without ceasing. God is a mind changer and a heart regulator. Jesus said the only reason we do not have is because we do not ask. Ask Him what you should do and you cannot go wrong as long as you keep him in the equation.
May God bless you.
Jen