She told me she wanted me to stop talking to her mom and sister. She said that I am turning them against her.
Straight from the script.
Of course she wants you to stop talking to them!! Duh!!
I have no such intensions....
Glad you didn't fall for it.
I think tonight I will tell her exactly what you said I am here for you if you need to talk but I am not goping to apologize for exposing her A.
Validate hre pain and make your self available, but don't say, "I am not going to apologize for exposing your A."
Don't say that. Just don't apologize. Saying, "I am not going to apologize for exposing your A" will be a huge love buster. It's rubbing her nose in it.
If she starts ranting and raving about what you told her Mom, the very best response from you is none. Just listen intently. The next very best response is, "I understand that you're upset" - said calmly and sincerely.
A really good universal response to any rancid spew you might hear is "I understand your concern." Again, calmly, sincerely, and softly.
Do not let her lure you into an argument.
She is really worried now that I might take full custody because of what her mom said to her.
Let her worry.
DO NOT say you wouldn't do that - take full custody. Let her worry. Be the very best dad you can be - making her think you're getting ready for full cistody.
But never, never, never threaten to take full custody, thereby using the children as pawns. Let her think you might, but don't threaten this.
Your mantra: I'd prefer our family stay intact. Keeping the family together is the very best outcome for all concerned.
Do you think the exposure and her breakdown becuase of it the past few days is a good sign?
Absolutely!!
To capitalize on this development you have to act as we've described - be compassionate. Be her lighthouse. Be a model Dad. Be available. Just don't pick her up. Lend a hand, but don't lift.
Got it?
WAT