Dear Annie: I was in an abusive, controlling marriage when my children were small, and I couldn’t leave until they created their own lives. I finally got out of this marriage, after 37 years, thank God!

While I found my way out, my problem is in how best to move on — to create my own life away from him. Sometimes, I feel lonely and scared, and at times, I question whether I will be able to make it on my own.

I know that’s how he made me feel — like I couldn’t do anything for myself — and he has destroyed so many relationships in my life. He has turned so many people against me. He did this with lies and by making people believe him.

I finally realized that he was a narcissist who was very cunning and always fooling me. Please see if you can give me some support and advice not to let this person ever fool me again with his lies. Thank you. — Married to a Narcissist

Dear Married: Congratulations on leaving what was a terrible situation for you.

There are support groups you could join that would help you recover from the abuse that you suffered from your husband. Look up https://narcissistabusesupport.com/narcissist-abuse-support-groups/.

The best thing is that you are away from his toxicity, which can only leave you feeling drained and hollowed out.

It’s time to rebuild the pieces of your self-esteem that he spent years destroying. Allow other people, such as a good therapist or members of a support group, to help you put back those pieces.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].