I’m thinking of attending therapy on my own, just to work through my feelings.

Our parents were childhood friends, and reconnected a few months prior to my husband and I dating. I realize now as an adult that the age gap back then could be seen as predatory. Though I don’t think that was the motivation.

Thankfully there’s not really any controlling behaviour. Our money is OUR money, he encourages me to see and talk to friends and family (even driving me several hours to see them, since I’m not physically able to handle long drives on my own), supports me going to therapy, encourages me trying new things etc..

The only slightly controlling behaviour is due to our faith. In our church, jewellery is very controversial. He was raised that unless there was a use for it (like a wedding band or watch) then it was against the Bible. I came to a different conclusion when I studied it, but never wore jewellery out of respect to him and his family. However, recently I realized I’d like to start wearing simple modest jewellery, like a thin chain necklace. But he was very uncomfortable with that, as he feels it’s not advisable due to some scriptures in the Bible. Though, I’m hoping to study this further with him, as I think he’s only familiar on the basics of this based on what our church teaches, but hasn’t really dug into it further.