This same friend was at my house that afternoon when my ex had stopped by between shifts and gotten pissed about housework I’d apparently mishandled. Why would I do something so foolish? No explanation was good enough. Ever. He walked out, ignoring my request for a good-bye kiss—withholding affection was a common punishment from him — and I sprang from the couch to go beg for one on the front steps. I can’t remember if he obliged; that’s not the important part. The important part was, my friend witnessed this all. And was horrified.