If your bipolar partner threatens to kill you

Everything you've mentioned he's done is normal for someone bipolar. If you read these posts the women have the same complaints...cheating / joblessness / gambling-spending / drugs-alcohol / dilusions of grandour / inability to see reality / blaming. He's been this way his whole life and to him it's normal. He isn't going to change until he decides to.

I too dealt with physical abuse and death threats, in this case it is always best to separate yourself from him. You have children to protect too.

All you can do is make it very clear why you left and what he needs to do for him to be allowed in your life in any way. Good Luck.

Also, many times those leaving a relationship like this are suffering from PTSD. Get treatment as soon as you feel safe. I waited too many years and it affected my decisions after. I convinced my daughter to go to counseling right away ( a few months after she got him out) and she is doing much better than I did. Two years later she is in a good relationship with a supportive person who is a great father to her son.

I feel badly for DAve and Aaron, but sometimes you just have to do whats best for you.