|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13 |
I have to talk somewhere to someone...so here goes...
I have two men in love with me. One is my husband and the other is our business partner/friend we’ve known for 4 years. I have not cheated on my husband and I will not have an affair. The relationship with the OM is very special to me. I have not kissed the OM and will not do that...I know that would be wrong, but my heart aches for him at times. It is not sexual desire with him, it seems we have a more soulful connection and a feeling I have a hard time putting into words. It’s like we can read each others mind and we enjoy each other’s company so very much. He is very close to my husband and we are all in a business together where we depend on each other quite a bit. My husband is like a child in many ways and is difficult to work with and be with at times. The OM sees first hand the difficult times I go through. However, I know my husband loves me and will do anything for me...so will the OM. I have been married for 6 years...my husband has hurt me a lot in the past and my feelings for him have waned, but are not gone. My husband is a good man and I love him. I do not want to leave him, but the OM has a very special place in my heart as well. So, here I stand in the middle. Last night the OM gave me a beautiful diamond necklace with my initial on it…a very personal and lovely gift. I was very surprised. I know the OM is waiting for me to make a move toward him, but there is too much at stake for us all for me to make that kind of move.
I know this sounds terrible, but the truth is I love them both in different ways. I spent a wonderful day here at home with my husband and the OM called me to tell me he loved me. My husband knows the OM and I are very close friends...he's even heard the OM tell me that he loves me! I haven't crossed a line with the OM, but the necklace was a shocker - especially since it wasn't for any ocasion. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with such strange feelings because I know I’m not giving either one of them 100%. I don’t know what else to say right now...I hope you folks won't be too rough with me.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,457
Member
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,457 |
Hello,
Just a quick question: How would you feel if your husband was doing to you what you are doing to him? How would you feel if another woman was giving him presents and telling him that she loves him. You are still disrespecting your husband and your marriage. How can you not see this? How would you feel if your husband told you that he loves you and the OW as well. I wish you luck. Why not be honest with your husband about what is going on? Don't you feel he deserves the truth and honesty from you that his wife is not only in love with him but this OM as well? Wouldn't you want to know the truth?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 27,069
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 27,069 |
What you are describing is an emotional affair, which usually leads to a physical affair, and the death of your marriage.
No matter how wonderful and understanding the OM is, he is not respecting you, your husband, or your marriage.
If you want to remain married, better quit this right now. No more talks with OM, give back the necklace, and let him know that you are going to work on your marriage.
By the way, welcome to marriagebuilders.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 480
Member
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 480 |
DHDW You're in it bad ... an EA (Emotional Affair)that is. What hasn't your H "given" you that this OM (Other Man) could? He "loves" you - and yet he is disrespecting you - your H - your marriage ?????
You really need to re-evaluate your EN's (Emotional Needs) and the EN's of your H - before you find yourself in a PA (Physical Affair) w/ the OM.
I wish I could show you my H's 1st post on MBer's (I mean, I could find it and show you - but it would cause me, the FBS (Former Betrayed Spouse) alot of pain). You sound alot like he did when he was trying to justify his "friendship" w/ the OW. I had to listen to alot about how much of a "great friendship" they had and how "understanding" she was. I was right here, and alls he had to do is ask me to "listen" to him and his problems and understand his "pain". He had to remember I truly loved him and I wasn't here to hurt him. He had to trust that I would still be here, even at his worst. Lucky for him - I was having the same marital problem (that's b/c it was our M - not his and the OW's). And honestly, she was not his "friend" at all - b/c she did not really care if her "friend's" M was in terrible and she certainly did not care about me and his children.
Don't sell your H short - he may have a few of his EN's that need to be met and he may understand you have yours that need to be met. He may not understand that you may be letting an OM into his M. (Trust me he probably won't understand that last one at all)
Brown
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13 |
Thanks for all of the replies. Maybe I am in an "EA", but for the last two years I've had my emotional bank account pretty much emptied out for reasons that I'd rather not go into now.
I have thought about how I'd feel if the shoe were on the other foot so to speak...I don't know. I'm the type to move on. I have been married 3 times now and with my other two marriages, it was around this same time periods (around 7 to 9 years) that things fell apart for me emotionally and I filed divorce. Sometimes I think a pattern is developing for me. Does that make sense? I'm just being honest here. (FYI I have no children so that is not a factor in my relationships.) As I grew up I watched my dad go from girlfriend to girlfriend while my mom repeatedly took him back. I could never understand that. Even on his death bed, she found out affairs she had not known about before.
Getting back to the topic though...I enjoy the company of the OM very much and we work extremely well together. My H is a very jealous and smothering person and for the last 5 years I have put myself on the back burner to placate to his moods and wims just to keep peace and make him happy. I told my H that I will no longer do this and if he wanted to pout about something, that was up to him, but I'm not going to be part of it anymore (this was told months before the OM started showing his feelings toward me). I have had to cover for my H so many times in our business that it was embarassing (because of his mood and attitude around our customers, etc.) Of course, the OM (and business partner), has watched is play out for 4 years. He has been very supportive of me and I appreciate that. As a result of my refusal to give up, our business has become extremely successful...especially in the last several months. Partly due to the fact that the OM has become more involved in the business and has become my right hand person in aspects of the business that has freed me to do other projects.
SO...I guess it's all a matter of choice...right now, things can go along as they are indefinitely I guess...the OM is not pushing me...my H is acting more attentive lately since he's seen me enjoying the company of the OM (who travels with us as well)...we're all 3 together most all of the time.
I want to keep the necklace because it was a special gift from his heart to me...he is a precious person and has never made a pass at me. I won't go to the physical level with the OM or anyone else for that matter as long as I'm married. I won't do that. The emotional part is harder for me to deal with I guess...how do you just cut off feelings you have for people? I can't.
Thanks again for your postings.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 27,069
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 27,069 |
Well, you have been married 3 times. So if you continue on this path, you can make it 4 times. You might want to think about staying married is not so much about finding the right partner, but more about being the right partner.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,091
Member
|
Member
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 1,091 |
IMHO......
You're trying to justify the way you are feeling by telling us that your H has hurt you in the past.....and you are going on and on about your H's faults......but what about your own faults...other than having feelings for someone other than your H? You've done nothing but build yourself up by telling us how you've told your H that you won't be a part of his pouting and that you've had to cover for him so many times.....etc.
3rd time around for you huh?
Did you ever consider NOT being married to someone?
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with such strange feelings because I know I’m not giving either one of them 100% </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Um...the only person that is supposed to get any percentage is your H.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial"> the OM is not pushing me</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">He is in subtle ways....and I'm sure that it won't be too long before he gets tired of waiting. In the end...he will either give you an ultimatum....or just move on.
You say he's never made a pass at you?
I'm not sure where your from.......but most men don't usually buy a dimaond necklace for a woman friend like that around here.....unless of course they think they might get something out of it.....and I'm not talking about a thank you.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,747
Member
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,747 |
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I haven't crossed a line with the OM </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes you have.
GENTLE 2X4 COMING YOUR WAY.....if I am offending anyone please don't read any further.
DHDW...
Listen..... I don't know the reasons your other relationships ended...or your feelings "waned" enough for you to divorce.
You seem to have a great deal of love in your heart for your H.
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ?
I personally...had frequent changes of heart. I wasn't good for more than a year or two...after my divorce ...many many moons ago.
I fleed from relationship to relationship...my Mom always told me I was fickle.
No what I really was ...was CONFUSED !! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Confused]" src="images/icons/confused.gif" />
Then I met my H.
We're 7 years into this..... and he is the very first person EVER that made me want to work at a relationship... affair and all.
Let me tell you how I came to this revelation...
I WAS ROBBING MYSELF !!!!!
If my M...goes south...it will NOT be because of something I've done..or lack there of. I'm going to make this work.....and with that committment... it's working for me. And I'll also tell you that I am more in love with my H TODAY....then I've EVER felt for anyone in my entire life.....and I've never been the victim of an affair before.
PLEASE....see someone...talk to someone...cut off all ties with the OM.
Your cycle will keep repeating if YOU don't stop it.
Don't you want the happily ever after ?
The pride of celebrating your 25th wedding anniversary ?
Something is missing...IN YOU....and it's not going to be found or validated someplace else.
I THINK you're crying out for help...or else you wouldn't be here.
Give the necklace back....it was inappropriate.
If you don't want to continue being married...that's an entirely different situation...you don't want it to be for someone else.
Please post back.... let's talk about this.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551
Member
|
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 551 |
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by DHDW: <strong> I haven't crossed a line with the OM, but the necklace was a shocker - especially since it wasn't for any ocasion. Sometimes I’m overwhelmed with such strange feelings because I know I’m not giving either one of them 100%. I don’t know what else to say right now...I hope you folks won't be too rough with me. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">My dear- you have crossed a line. You are rationalizing to yourself that this isn't wrong b/c it isn't physical (yet.) Please understand that this IS an affair- albeit an emotional one at the moment. How would you feel if your H was doing this with another woman? You KNOW this is wrong- or you wouldn't be here.
For your own sake- and the sake of your H AND the sake of your marriage, pull back, give back the necklace and let the OM know - in NO uncertain terms - that you are committed to working on your marriage.
I'm not saying that your marriage is perfect right now- but PLEASE believe me that an A won't solve any problems. Read up on this website and see if you can interest your H in working together on your marriage.
You won't be sorry.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13 |
Thank you "betrayedinn.j"...you and I are nearly the same age...I guess that's what's bothering me a little too...at this point in life, I see things a lot differently...my first divorce was in my late 20's...the second one in the late 30's ...now in the 40's here I go again. Now, I have been told I look 10 years younger than I am (which is good!) but, time marches on. I am a big fan of Johnny Cash and he recorded a song that was on an album that has really been haunting me lately...the lyrics went, "Go on girl, that your chances, see how long you can go on from man to man..." I wonder if that is describing me. I've never been a "loose" woman...the only men I've ever slept with were my "husbands" after we were married. So I know I won't go to bed with anyone I'm not married to...never will. BUT...nonetheless, I know in my heart there is something wrong with me. Although this time around, I'm beginning to recognize it a little better I guess. I joke around and tell people I have been married nearly all my life. My second husband is still in love with me...so much so that when he remarried, he moved 600 miles from where he was living to live within 20 miles of me now! He and my husband are friends (no reason not to be)...in fact my husband refers to him (in a joking way) as his "husband-in-law". #2 calls me on a semi-regular basis and has provided for me very nicely for the future...his current wife knows about it too. It's hard for me to understand.
So you know a little more about me...I have been told I have a personalty and favor Dolly Parton...NOT in the endowed physical attribute she has!!! but picture Dolly as a brunette without those huge ???? and that's pretty much me in a softer, more real version. I've always had men falling in love with me and I have loads and loads of friends. BUT...none of my friends know the troubles I have...I keep a smile all the time. I always listen to their problems and are there for them, but I don't lay my burdens on anyone (except today in this annonymous forum). That's why when the OM (who has been around me 4 years) saw first hand what I have been through, it was so nice for me to have someone who understood without me having to say a word about it. No one else (even family) has been so close to my personal life than this OM.
I went to a counselor about 7 years ago when my Dad passed away. At the time, I was in a similar situation I'm in today. Married (#2) and was having an EA with another man in a town 150 miles from where we live...he and I talked on the phone a lot. The counselor told me I would go to bed with this OM and a whole list of other things that was going to happen to me - she was rather cruel and none of those things she was so sure about happened. I have yet to have someone connect with me on what is really going on. Am I just bored?? Don't think so...is it the challenge of a new relationship...don't think that either. When the OM gave me the diamond necklace, instead of feeling closer to him, for an instance, I felt something pull away from him inside of me. Does that make sense? I thought it was very sweet of him to take the time and effort to get this...it has my initial on it and is very pretty. He blushed and was very vunerable to me at that time. I could tell it took a great deal of effort for him to do this. Since he knows I'm married and have not given him an indication that I want to divorce my H., to me, this was a very risky thing for him to do emotionally. I don't want to hurt him...he is very sweet, but even if I were free now, I would not want to marry the OM at this time. It's hard to explain my feelings.
For the most part, I have my life together...finances, business, etc., but it seems men have always had facination with me. I don't dress trashy or flirt..people have always gravitated toward me all of my life. As you might guess, I am very good in sales and have an air of confidence at all times. I do public speaking and have no problem meeting people and making friends. But, deep down inside, I am very insecure and there never seems to be enough that I can do...does that make sense? I always wonder if I'm good enough, but the truth is I'm an over-achiever and have been successful at nearly everything I've tried. I'm in negotations now with a very big corporation for a major ad campaign that could generate a lot of money. When I finish one project, I'm looking for the next...bigger everytime. Now our business is nearly all consuming and that's where the OM has come in to help me in ways that I appreciate so very much.
I've rattled on long enough. It's good to get these thoughts out...maybe I'll hear from someone again.
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,747
Member
|
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,747 |
This is a great start.
Keep talking it out.
I can relate to you on a bunch of different levels here. So I'll throw some stuff out there.
I am a VERY together person. I excel easily.... I frequently meet and/or exceed even my OWN expectations... pretty high IQ, work hard, great sense of humor. So what was my problem ?
Well I didn't trust anyone but ME.
I was never able to be vulnerable to anyone. I was in complete control. So I really wasn't giving my HEART to anyone....I was loaning it to them.
Then...it became a burden...how tiring life got when I realized...the very second I put this ball down.... there isn't anyone I trust to PICK IT UP for me.
And THAT was my turning point. I don't want to be in control all the time. I want to be able to put that damn ball down.
This "habit" of mine...nearly cost me my marriage this time...to a wonderful, kind, funny, loving, and very sexy man. (to me <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" /> )
I developed some health problems around September of last year. ME...and my INABILITY to let someone HELP ME...pushed my husband SO far away....I had convinced him I hated him.
I was hospitalized.... while out of town visiting family...well..ok...my sister had a baby. While at the hospital with my sister...bang... something goes terribly wrong..and I'm in a hospital....3 hours from home, for a week !
I FORBID MY HUSBAND TO COME THERE. He's crying on the phone, can't understand for the life of me why I don't want him there. (It may help to add at this point..that I didn't know why I didn't want him there at the time either)...but I distinctively remember telling him...you serve no purpose here.... you have things to take care of down there.
How awful was THAT ?
In one fail swoop of my words.....I managed to FIRE my husband from his JOB as my husband. Nice work huh ?
To this DAY...I regret this. I didn't want to burden him...felt unworthy...because I had failed. I failed miserably. There is a lot of stuff that comes with me thinking I failed...but just know to ME...I failed terrible that day.
Well you know what...I'll take the chance at being wrong...I'll take the chance that maybe he WON'T pick up the ball when I put it down...but I won't DRIVE him away anymore.
AND THAT MY DEAR...was my problem. Your H isn't pulling away from you....YOU are pushing him away...and you don't know it.
think about this for a bit....and let me know what you think.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255
Member
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255 |
'puter acting freaky! <small>[ November 05, 2004, 11:00 PM: Message edited by: LINY ]</small>
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255
Member
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255 |
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by DHDW: Thanks for all of the replies. Maybe I am in an "EA", but for the last two years I've had my emotional bank account pretty much emptied out for reasons that I'd rather not go into now. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">You don't have to with us. It would probably help, but you don't have to with us. IT'S WITH *YOU* YOU HAVE TO.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">...the OM is not pushing me...I want to keep the necklace.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">{whack} That was my nerf 2x4, adjustable to the level of pain you need to wake up!
He just gave you a diamond necklace "for no ocassion" yet he's not pushing you. Sorry. "Just friends" don't do that.
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">SO...I guess it's all a matter of choice...right now, things can go along as they are indefinitely I guess.my H is acting more attentive lately since he's seen me enjoying the company of the OM (who travels with us as well)...we're all 3 together most all of the time.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Real honest question, here...how much of this R do you think your H doesn't know?
The other thing...you're absolutley right: it's a matter of choice and free will. Decisions we make who help determine who we are. Gonna be completely honest with you: don't have the ba11s to ask/state what believer did. BUT, it's a rather good question to ask yourself. You're obviously reaching out for some kind of help--cause if it's sympathy you are looking for here, it's just not going to happen while you keep two men on your arms. Who wouldn't enjoy that kind of attention?
I could dissect the rest of your post, but I'm not gonna. What I will do, is do my best imitation of "^ark". (She was one (if not the) first person to post to me. And yes, I am the FWS--and brown's H.) Surprised she's not around. Would really like her to post to you.
What do you want? Do you want to be married? Or do you want the falsified glory leading to husband #4?
If it's the latter, leave. This is a marriage building site. We can and *will* help you. But what do *you* want?
Do you want to continue on this cycle you have going? It's understood here.
Sometimes lessons learned, learned behavior so far outweighs instinct. And it's instinct that we need to feel loved, and our emotional needs fulfilled. And when the two meet? Well, I'm assuming you're finding out for the fourth time now.
We can be of some help here. We can support you in rebuilding your marriage and pointing you n the right direction. And show you the pain of an A--yes, even an EA.
IMHO, don't let that one counselour let you have an excuse for escaping. It's the avoidance factor. Know all about it. Then again, how many of those things she said did happen?
Get yourself a counselour and find out about *you.* But don't leave your H flapping in the wind, either. Honesty. You really should tell him of what's been going on.
Best wishes to you. Sincerely. But, what are you wishing for?
[edited for the quote factor--somehow it said I was quoting myself!] <small>[ November 05, 2004, 10:57 PM: Message edited by: LINY ]</small>
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13 |
Yes!!...you're right...I'm like that too...TRUST...that's a BIGGY for me!! No one can do it better than I can because I KNOW I'll get the job done...trusting someone else to do it is too risky. Carrying the "ball" all the time like you were saying...I can relate with you on MANY levels too!! Gosh, you're opening my eyes.
My H and I have a trust thing that happened about 3 years ago that I have not gotten over. We were dealing with a lot of cash at this period of time and I asked him how much money we had in a particular fund...he told me a number I thought was lower than it should be, but I didn't think anything at the time...just thought I had miscounted or something. Long story short, one day I had to go into his wallet (the FIRST time I had done this) to get a check that was given to him so I could deposit it in the bank the next day...neatly folded near the check was a large sum of cash - all $100 bills. He had lied to me on more than one ocassion about the cash. This hurt me more than you can imagine...I felt something die inside of me...I cried for hours because of the lies I had been told. I confronted him with this and he never would admit he was hording this money away from me. He hemed and hawed and gave some of the weakest excuses I've ever heard. I took the money and bought new living room furniture with it. A few weeks later I overheard him and his cousin talking about it saying, "Yeah, she found it...I should find a better hiding place next time, etc."...SOOOOOO...as you might already know...that will NEVER happen again to me!!! I have complete control of all the money now and the trust has never been the same. This causes a great deal of stress for me...even today. He will constantly ask me about the finances and I tell him it's all there anytime he wants to look at it. BUT, I watch the money like a hawk. He has told me he'd never do anything like that again...but then I heard him and the cousin talking. So, since I don't know which one to believe, I will protect myself and my interest first. We are not a team - but I'm smarter than he is and he'll never pull something like this again - believe me. He has drawn lines from day one of "this is mine" and "this is yours"...I said what happened to "ours"?? This rears it's ugly head from time to time, but I've learned to live with it. I don't know if I could ever trust him (or anyone) completely. I understand exactly what you were saying...the hospital story...everything. I told my husband the other night that if I got sick to put me away somewhere and just forget about me...to go on with his life. I meant it.
I get tired of carrying the ball all the time too. I know that is one of the reason the OM has captured my attnetion. He wants to help me...he has never critized me...there has never been any trust broken with him...he is easy for me to be with and talk to and he tells me he loves me. All nice stuff. With my H it's a power war going on most all of the time. I win 90% of the time, but it's still a fight for even the simpliest things.
The friendship with the OM is wonderful...all good and sweet and nice, nice...BUT...as I've heard it said before...if the grass looks greener on the other side, you need to water your own grass. So I know, if I were to divorce my H. and run to the arms of the OM...I feel it would just be a matter of time before reality would hit hard again...and I blame myself, not him.
How did you get over your trust and control issues? Didn't it drive you crazy!?! I hope your health issues are ok now. You are a very sweet person to write on this forum to me.
Take care & Thanks.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255
Member
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255 |
See, DH? Lots of similarities. And I'm sure BIJ cna help ya--alot of us can--bottom line--depends on what *you* want.
{{bij}} <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="images/icons/grin.gif" />
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13
Junior Member
|
OP
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 13 |
You all are wonderful...one question keeps popping up..."What do I want"...I want to be able to give my heart freely and know real love. I would like to rebuild the first feelings I had for my H., but with the harsh things that have gone down in the past and the trust issues, I don't know if I can get that back. I feel he hates me at times (this goes way beyond the time the OM started working with us). He will give me a cutting look that will send chills up your spine...he is jealous of me and comes from a very messed up home life which I get to pay for. The OM has watched this first hand for 4 years. Even my mother noticed his hard looks toward me several years ago and, again, I had to calm her concerns saying it was nothing.
I asked my H. to go to counseling with me and he flat turned me down several times. I feel so far away from him now that I have to make myself put on the front that everything is ok. This Sunday (November 7th) is our 6th anniversary. I told him we should go out to dinner somewhere nice. Right now, my heart is not into it and I could probably just ignore the day. I hate to say that, but I'm just numb right now.
Thanks everyone.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,514
Member
|
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,514 |
After reading your last post, I had to reply. I, like you, am a control freak! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> There, I said it... we need to start our own 12 step program or something! I read about the money handling issues and the alarms started going off. I see that you have done this as a self-protection mechanism, but I wonder if your ealize the destructive properties this mechanism brings with it.
I am just starting on the journey of self-discovery and realizing there is alot I do that is automatic and reflex as a result of an abusive and sad childhood. I also know so many of those reflexes do not serve a real and necessary purpose in my adult life today and I need to discard what is no longer useful or it will continue to eat at me and hurt me.
I could make you a list with several rolls of toilet paper, but I won't bore you with the details. Money is still a big one. I want to know where it is, where it is coming from, etc. I pay the bills and control the flow. I also maintained a great deal of power as the hand that holds the purse rules the world!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Razz]" src="images/icons/tongue.gif" /> In the process I helped create this man who was helpless and hapless in paying a bill, making an appointment, balancing a checkbook or taking any real responsibility for the adult matters in our M life. And you know what, I resent it, he resents it... sounds pretty stupid, huh?! Undoing these patterns are a whole nother ballgame, work, work, work. Especially giving up the control, let alone making him take the reigns, make the mistakes and learn to smile nicely at the sidelines while he figures it out. A man is often devalued when he is freed of these responsibilities.
All that control, the absolute finger on it all to ensure it all goes right, it almost cost me my M. A great guy who just needs more encouragement and freedom to make these mistakes too. Following my mothers horrible example (which I hate admitting) I treated my husband like a child, and as children eventually do, he ought to pull away and move on. Duh!
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255
Member
|
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,255 |
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Originally posted by DHDW: ...I don't know if I can get that back.</font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">OK, admittedly, I'm going to play with your words... DH, you can NEVER go back, but it's the decisions NOW who make you who you are. You can only learn from the past. Don't live there. Don't harp on it. It's gone. Some good things, some bad. But what you do now...
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I asked my H. to go to counseling with me and he flat turned me down several times. </font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Did you explain the "why's" you want to go? Did you express how you feel and where you would like your M? If so, go yourself. Better yourself.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 27,069
Member
|
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 27,069 |
Is there anything that you like about your husband? Think back to before you were married.
I think we would all like to stay in the courting stage. After marriage, things change. But it isn't a good life to keep getting married over and over.
Hope you will keep posting and reading here.
|
|
|
0 members (),
324
guests, and
72
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums67
Topics133,621
Posts2,323,490
Members71,959
|
Most Online3,185 Jan 27th, 2020
|
|
|
|