<p>In the cycle of verbal abuse, man could be at the stage of being very apologetic and charming. I have no way of knowing if Mel fits this pattern. Hypothetically, he could be at his best with his ex-wife now. She married him young, had 6 kids, and probably a people-pleaser. After trying to be the perfect wife and mother, she could have been devastated when he had affairs or left her for another, younger woman. An abuser excuses his liaisons by saying spouse/girlfriend is inadequate. He plays on insecurities in the woman. When he wants to return to her, he praises her nonstop for her compassion and support. She feels vindicated, like she has won some great prize.</p>
<p>Again, this is hypothetical, suggesting Mel and his ex- are in the abuse pattern. In real life, I’ve seen this pattern occur many times</p>