I'm sorry that you're in the situation where you can understand- and sorrier that there was physical violence involved. *hugs*

Believe me, I play 'least-in-sight' as much as possible. Not to the point where I'm obviously avoiding him, because that makes him madder- I used to not say anything to him at all, but then he got into a fit because I never came out of my room to say 'hi' to him at the end of the day. What a surprise that I wouldn't want to be in close proximity if I could avoid it. *eyeroll* But that hurt his feelings, apparently. Enough that he stormed into my room and bellowed his displeasure in the most obnoxious, offensive manner possible. Because that'd just inspire an outpouring of relief and joy at seeing him arrive at home, huh? So just to keep the peace, I make an appearance, some idle chitchat and then disappear again. I feel like I'm running psych experiments sometimes, trying to condition a response in him or something, lol. *shakes head* Definitely need to dig out my text on behavior modification.

being a good provider doesn't make someone a good parent
Word. *nodnod*