Our anniversary is coming up soon (we got married on halloween, strange day I know, but it was the day his mother died and was a way for us to include her).

I would love to do something special, make a nice dinner or go out or something, but I'm really not sure that he would be responsive to that. We can still talk and watch movies together and laugh and such, but anything beyond that (me saying I love you, or hugging him) seems to make him uncomfortable, so I've been avoiding any kind of personal stuff like that.

I'm really dreading that day, he has mentioned that they have a halloween party at work, but I don't know if it's actually on halloween, and since his "friend" works at the same place, it just turns my stomach to think he might be with her on a day that is supposed to be about us.

I would love to hear anyone's thoughts on this <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> .

Well if being around her is a problem then don't go to the Halloween party. Your husband included.

Both of you stay home it's just a Halloween Party. Why enter a situation that could be negative to your recovery to date?

As for the anniversary talk to your husband about it. Plan something together. It doesn't have to be extravigent but I do think you should enjoy the day on some level.

I would not make too big a deal of it or make any demands since you said he seems uncomfortable with any declarations of love from you. Pay attention to his "signals" between now and then and don't plan something that he might see as pushing. You could even ask him how he would like to acknowledge the day. I would do something to say the day is special to you but keep it low key.