Is he in a midlife crisis or just cruel

by Misty
(Wauseon, Ohio, USA)

My ex decided after having an online relationship with another married woman to move across the country to be with her. He has self esteem issues and told me he could never meet my standards after 20 years together. He also told me he liked the ego boost, and began mentally and emotionally abusing me to keep both us around until I had served my purpose. Is this midlife as he is 39 or did he just turn cruel over time?

Noel's response

Some of it does sound like what can happen with a man in a midlife transition, but he also sounds like a cruel jerk.

I suspect this new woman will also start receiving cruel treatment from him in time.