Dear Poppy:

That is too bad. He had the courage, at work, to air his concerns, that is admirable. I wonder if he did so assertively though. No wonder he is stuck at work, just like he is at home, it is “their workplace, their rules”- his parents are still teaching him submission when what he needs is to be assertive. You definitely witnessed enough to have an understanding of him, of why and how. As you communicate with him, have empathy for him, understand he has been trained to be afraid to assert himself. (Telling him to “man up” would be indeed so unfair, as he was taught, trained to be a submissive boy)

And if you break up with him because it will be for your benefit to do so, please do it kindly. I hope you post again (soon will be away from the computer for 17 hours or  so).

anita