H & OW have been around for a week, subborning (subbourning? I can't remember anything today) our mutual friends. Doing a great PR campaign. They are actually looking content, for a change.

I'm sensitive to the co-opting (there, a synonym) of friends. One couple, who were deep in the mess last year, seem to have made a rapprochement with the new couple last night that really got me down. I was talking with them, and H & OW were swanning around us, like sharks. (There is a possible explanation...but the coopting is part of it...)

This positions me in the role of "Poor A.M. Martin." I DO have a lot of bitterness about all this. And I DO try to avoid them. No, I'm NOT over all of this. But I am in my own life. I'm doing my own thing. My stepsons were over for dinner Friday night and spent the night -- we had breakfast together. It was really fun -- I'm a bit surprised, because my D wasn't here, and I didn't think they'd want to spend time with just me. I'm working on some really fun projects -- but that's outside our circle of friends.

Sometimes I feel a little like a Vietnam veteran. Every time I refer to Saigon, everyone gets weird and says, "Don't think about that!" But hey, what happened last year is part of my life. You don't "get over" Vietnam. But you do continue your life.

I'm not a shallow person. I do feel this stuff. And I do have H and OW -- and the public acceptance of them -- in my face constantly in a small town. (H is the alpha male here.)

I guess these are just the Memorial Day blues. I'm feeling a little down about all this. The PR campaign feels very aggressive to me -- and successful, though OW is weird and perceived as weird, people are just trying their best to fold that into the mix.

Any thoughts?

Thanks, Cello. A little reflection, and a convo with a friend today, convinced me that this really is a campaign for OW's acceptance.

He's trying to use his considerable clout to hack out aocial place for her. Or perhaps he's trying to placate her, since she's really an oddball and must feel it. Don't think it will work -- there's a reason she doesn't fit in; she really is weird. People are trying to rationalize their reactions, but...we'll see.

Too bad this couple may have defected -- but then, they were always closer to him than me anyway. I suspect it was just a matter of time. I'll go out to dinner with them and not make a fuss. It hurts, but it was to be expected.

Society has changed. There was a time where the OW would never find acceptance, especially with family and friends.

I was home today because of the holiday, channel surfing and I was surprise how many soap operas have infidelity, in fact promote it in their previews. A must watch, so and so finally gets together. Its okay to cheat, if you are truly meant to be together. The H or W is trying to save their marriage and they are made out to be the bad guys, keeping the lovers separated. It made me sick.

I started to expose the A two weeks ago, I have been blessed with family and friends who are supporting me. They are all praying for the two of us and our marriage. Many know they OW, and believe me, she will not be popular if she ever shows her face around them again. Some of my friends are ready to destroy her.

I'm a firm believer that she will eventually get whats coming to her. I must have faith that God will get me though this.

AAM,

Well, I guess sometimes you find out who your friends are. I know I have. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="images/icons/wink.gif" />

However, they might have just been being polite and checking the situation out.

I have no idea why, but why is it that you are somehow in these situations with WS and ow showing up at the same functions you are?

My guess is perhaps you have run in the same circles, or are involved in some events for a long time with WS, and you have not given that up for some reason. (Not that you should.) <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> I understand if you feel you should not have to change your life.

Do you live in a small town?

Is there any way you can avoid these hurtful situations?

I think you are so strong and worthy. You have done a great job of being so nice, and I have to say I just want to give you a hug.

(((((((hugs!))))))) AAM.

You are the best. Praying for your situation.

Hope you recover, even if it is just for you. You deserve the best, because your you have shown so much CLASS and dignity. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

Love in Christ,
Miss M

Yes, Miss M, small community. I can't avoid him without cutting off my own social life, which I've kind of done for the last week.