what does Belle *not* being abusive look like? While still protecting her from Rumple’s abuse, and protecting her safety, personal agency, and basic-dignity?
I think not waffling as much as she does is a good start–I mean one week Rumple’s not allowed any contact, any communication, any say in raising the child; the next she’s giving him ultrasound pictures. It’s not so much boundaries as unfair bargaining but not hearing what the other person is saying.
Communication is a REAL real real real problem with these two. Belle doesn’t want to hear what Rumple is telling (I can be better, but not different) and she does have a tendency (lately) to say truly nasty things to him (I no longer see the man, only the beast).
It’s an ugly relationship.
She can’t fix him, he needs to fix himself.
I agree.