Good Morning JL!<P>Interesting evening. I continued to be in the positive part of my mind. I noticed that I had renewed interest in chatting and sharing with my friends. I saw this woman, and treated her normally. On the way home in the car, my BF, who has begun a physically difficult job, thanked me for making an obvious effort to support him at this time (preparing food, helping him start his day, asking about his new co-workers and the new techniques at work, helping him buy correct job equipment). I felt so appreciated.<P>Notes on comments:<P>1) Living together: Despite the warnings accompanying it, living together has become the prevailing trend among my peer group. I did read with keen interest the Harleys' articles<BR>on living together before marriage ("renting" vs. "buying"). We have been living together since November, close friendship has been for 7 years, relationship began Sept. 1999.<BR>The articles gave me alot to think about. I found the engagement 3 months after moving in to be a positive sign that my BF viewed living together as transitory, not a permanent lifestyle. We'll see.<P>2) Last night was interesting as well. I learned of 2 couples (one is close, one are acquaintances) who are having very serious troubles of their own: <BR>Set of friends "A"- the female is my closest female friend. She is leaving her H after 10 difficult married years. <BR>Set of friends "B" - (I know them less well). He has betrayed wife of 5 years, they have 1 small child & she is pregnant. D-day was this weekend. W. kicked him out. The next day, OW broke off with him, after 7 hour conversation on the phone with wife. And wife gave birth this same weekend!<BR>Boy, was I able to listen with compassion!! I could see how all 4 of these people were hurting in different ways. <P>3. Robyn is not crazy. Thank you.<P>4. Yes, sometimes it is harder to be helped than to help, but very enriching to the person who can help. I am going to stay positive today as well. Wednesdays are key days, as per last string, the Tuesday night group can upset me if I let it.<P>I know that to encourage honesty, one has to provide a safe environment for the partner, who may have news which is difficult to hear. How will I know if I have done everyting I can to create such an environment?<P>Hope your day goes well.<P>Robyn<BR>
