Dear Seaturtle:

I will reply further later, but for now, “Why was he afraid that I would leave if he acknowledged my strengths?“- to him it felt like giving away his power in the relationship, like it’d make him weak in comparison to you if he acknowledged your strengths.

Remember your visit with him and his parents, him gloating over him WINNING the game, and you LOSING it? He feels that if he makes you stronger (via compliments etc.), he will be making himself weaker.

anita