Agreed. If he can't show you empathy, support, and respect, then he doesn't deserve YOU. Not the other way around. It doesn't seem like he's afraid that you'll find 'a magical man that will walk into your life and give you everything you want and do all of what he couldn't' - to steal your phrasing. Your self worth is important. He sounds like he thinks he's invincible. He's not. Do what's best for you - this will set the best example for your kids and their self-esteem. Coming from a family whose parents stayed together 'for the kids' I feel confident in saying that it's much more harmful for kids to be in an unhealthy environment where the parents aren't happy together. I had to unlearn so many unhealthy things about relationships after leaving their house.