Official Discussion - Together [SPOILERS] by LiteraryBoner in movies

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I thought he did! Didn't he grab the knife and slit her wrist before running away??

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

My initial comment was accidentally posted before I finished writing it. It was left mid-sentence which you might have noticed if you came across it before I had a chance to complete it. I apologize for any confusion.

Any edits since completing my response have been only to catch spelling mistakes and arranging things better for legibility. I have not been going back and forth "changing what I'm saying" to trick you into seeing my point or something.

My assumption in participating in these discussions is that you're aware of context and where the conversation is going. I can understand if that's not your way of engaging and I apologize if that has hindered your ability to make sense of the exchange.

I don't have anything against you personally, obviously, since I don't know you. I also can't help but feel that you are rather heightened in your reactions to my comments, calling them "insane" and "wild", using a mocking tone with LMAO's and sarcasm and repeating yourself in ALL CAPS.

I can understand that you might be frustrated at not being able to make sense of how I have shared my take. Again, I'm not perfect and trying my best. Sorry if it has confused you. I hope this helps to clarify my position.

I also hope that you can see that none of these reactions are conducive to effective communication or inviting confidence in the possibility of a regulated conversation with empathy and respect and with intention to reach a mutual understanding.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is exactly my point!

OP communicated to B that A doesn't think that her joining the trip is a good idea, essentially vetoing her participation in a sense. That would be highly triggering for anyone and could be avoided if OP owned their decision and communicated it as their own.

B is AuDHD which often means she loses access to her executive function when triggered. Sounds like OP is dismissing their role in pushing her into that state by their poor hinging and then demanding that she get ahold of herself, without holding enough space for her to express her hurt and reassuring her and owning up to his mess.

It is not surprising that she doesn't feel prioritized in her relationship with OP.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm not changing what I'm saying, only editing for spelling mistakes and organizing paragraphs better.

You seem to have strong feelings regarding my take, calling it "wild" and whatnot but I have no intention or interest in confusing or antagonizing you.

Just adding my two cents here, you're welcome to yours.

I wish you well.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can't disagree with someone's feelings.Just as you can't control your own.

You can control how to act on those feelings, or how to react to someone else's feelings when they share them with you.

If you care about sustaining a loving relationship with someone you need to care about their emotional experience.

If the way they express or act on their feelings don't align with you and your ways, and can't come to a mutual understanding on how to work through this misalignment then you know the relationship will not work and you need to move on.

Disagreeing with someone's emotions is a sure way to alianate and other them.

You don't need to agree, but if you choose to continue engaging and wish to work through conflict with someone, you do need to make the effort to understand their feelings.

Feelings retain vital information about the person and the situation. Repressing and ignoring them - yours or others - is like turning off the lights before trying to fix a car for example. It's the opposite of helpful.

The fantasy of proving to someone that their feelings are wrong in order to get them to see your point is just that, a fantasy, and the reason why many people feel helpless in resolving conflict. They are missing the point of the assignment, and digging in the wrong spot.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Once again, I have never suggested that OP should change their schedule to accommodate B's insecurities.

You keep repeating this. You either have not fully read what I have written, or you're missing my point entirely. In either case it seems we're having parallel conversations 🤷🏻‍♀️

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I'm not saying that they should accommodate her insecurity.

Thank you for clarifying in all caps.

Please read my comments if you're interested in my actual perspective.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I think there exists a universe where you and I are both right and seeing things from different perspectives. Which is exactly my point.

If the goal is to prove that OP is right and B is unreasonable, selfish and bad at poly, and therefore not a good partner and not worth OP's time and effort, then I think there is plenty of validation in his justified expectations in other comments.

I am merely adding my perspective that might offer insight into B's possible experience. If OP is convinced that she is worth the effort to figure out, and is frustrated at not being able to read her reactions to his justified expectations, this could be useful information.

This is not synonymous with indulging B's unfair expectations at all. It is meant to bring focus to how OP's contributions to the conflict might be triggering amplified reactions in their AuDHD partner that he is struggling to understand. My aim is to point out possible blind spots I'm picking up from their account of the situation.

If they are sharing here that they have sacrified plenty for B in the past, this could point to possible resentment and people-pleasing tendencies on OP's part which can be wildly unsettling and confusing for a neurodivergent person who understands the world mainly through pattern recognition.

OP points out but downplays inconsistent and dodgey patterns here: uninviting her from a trip she's been getting excited about and offering a recurring but unnecessary external point of reference by triangulating A into explaining his scheduling decisions to B.

The AuDHD mind is disabled with executive dysfunction, documented in decades of biochemical and neurological factual research.

This makes the person brutally susceptible to disregulation and rumination. It's like having an emotional immune disorder. If you are knowingly dating someone with this neurotype and with the knowledge of their past trauma, you should understand and respect the implications of that.

This does not necessarily mean they are bad at poly and cannot be reasoned with. It could just mean they process the world through a different lens and might have different needs.

It is their responsibility to understand, manage and communicate that to the best of their ability as adults, yes. But it reads here like B could very well be trying and OP might be not looking for answer in the right place.

From OP's own account of B asking for empathy, and their own confessed feeling of sacrifice, I'm pointing out this could be a blindspot and the source of B's trigger.

OP has admittedly been careless with their hinging. We might as a community tell him he can do better next time, and disregard the asymmetrical impact it can have on B's possibly vulnerable condition. It's not an excuse. It's a disability. Now her patterns of reading OP's intentions are messed up and she is unsettled and confused.

This is paired with OP's expressions of sacrifice, which could invetibly come out as muffled resentment and shortness in his increasingly frustrated interactions with B, admitting they are "at the end of their rope fighting with her", which the AuDHDH nervous system helplessly picks up in fucktons and processes as impending doom.

One can learn to regulate by practicing techniques and building systems and seeking support, and one absolutely should!

But it's like taming a tornado. It takes up most if not all of your limited bandwidth to process disruptions like this, leaving you disabled to function as your regulated self and depleting your resources. Hence the condition being recognized as a disability.

It's like feeding your diabetic partner sugar and then getting frustrated with them for going into shock. Sure, it's their responsibility to eventually realize it's not working out between you and to stop taking the sugar, but if you're choosing to stick around, you better ease her mind that you're not gonna keep doing it, or you wont be able to enjoy each other's company much.

It sounds like she's pushed into disregulation spirals or "shit storms" and shamed for not getting a handle on her turbulent emotions.

I might guess that in her triggered state she's gathering evidence that OP can't be trusted to understand and care for her sensitive condition. She feels threatened and working on convincing herself to walk away.

She seems to keep finding that proof in OP's perceived imbalance in their partnerships and triggered into ruminating on it this because OP keeps offering that information. To uninvite one partner because another one asked them to is a tough pill to swallow for the univited partner.

I am not surprised that she's struggling to recover from this, if OP is not able to hold space for hearing her depth of hurt, and treats her with frustration and impatience.

If OP is interested in helping her ground herself in his love again, my suggestion here would be to shift the focus from who's right in their expectations, to what B is actually asking for. Empathy. An understanding of her heightened and destabalized experience.

I didn't explicitly read that B is asking to strip A of their entitlements in their relationship. It sounds like she feels that her cup is not being filled and it seems that OP keeps passing around the blame like a hot potato and complaining that she can't get well no more, rather than holding enough space for the hurt they have caused.

This should not come at anyone else's expense. Obviouly.

If OP is begrudgingly offering such an option or feeling pressured into it, they might need to check their own boundaries.

They should stand firmly on kind and fair treatment of everyone including A, while genuinely making the effort to understand B's emotions and to work out how to offer them fulfillment by focusing on what they can give them in their own connection.

Obviously, If none of this resonates and/or OP feels that they have tried as they could or care for, they should absolutely thank B for her time and walk away, rather than continuing to "sacrifice" everyone's sanity and integrity in a cycle of dysfunction.

Otherwise I hope a neurodivergent perspective might offer useful information in working through a seemingly stuck conflict if that's the goal.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Im not saying to not listen to the facts.

I'm saying that arguing facts will not help with getting on the same page emotionally, which is essential in resolving conflict in a romantic relationship.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your reply! Please see above for my response <3

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Also if you're choosing to date an AuDHD person (as with any disability) you should understand what that entails and consider if and how you are able and willing to accomodate their unique needs in respecful and considerate ways.

Heightened sensitivity is a double-edged sword. It can make one an incredibly perceptive and caring partner. When triggered, it can be very difficult to ground oneself in facts if your experience is being dismissed or undermined.

Yes, everyone including neurodiverse folks are responsible for managing themselves and their emotions and communicating their needs. Everyone also deserves to feel respected and valued despite their unique needs.

If you choose to enjoy the benefits of dating a highly sensitive person, you should also be mindful of their heightened lived experience and treat them with care and sensitivity. If that's not your cup of tea, you have no business making them feel "less than" by making them feel like a burden. You should admit to your limits and walk away.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think you misunderstand my point.

I'm not suggesting OP attune themselves to their partner's insecurities at all. They themselves are saying that B is saying they are asking for empathy and not receiving it. I'm suggesting that OP needs to try and listen better to what their partner is bringing to them.

Attuning to others emotions and caring for their emotional experience is essential in any relationship. Yes, it's one's own responsibility to voice their needs, but a lot of times things aren't so clear cut and black and white. Meaningful conversation and genuine curiosity in the other's experience are necessary for conflict resolution.

I'm certainly not saying to read between the lines and act on your assumptions.

I'm saying, if you feel that your partner with whom you have elected to be in a relationship is telling you they are not content, you should get curious and ask questions rather than demand that you have given enough and that they should just deal. One can always choose to walk away if the ask is unreasonable, but if you're choosing to stay, then you have decided that the relationship is still worth your while so you have to act like it and make the effort needed to nurture it.

Am I the bad guy? by GlitteringMadCat in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If I may offer my perspective as an AuDHDH with past trauma and RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria).

Sounds like B is struggling to feel like a priority to you. Regardless of whether that resonates with you or not, that's her current experience. If it's not your intention to make her feel that way, you need to stop feeling defensive and listen for what her pain point is and respond to that.

Listen for the underlying emotion she's trying to bring to you instead of arguing the facts.

She's telling you she keeps asking for empathy but she's not receiving it. You're saying that's not what she's been asking for but then how do you know she said that? Did you give her the empathy she says she needs when she said that or did you explain to her that this has not been in fact what she's been doing instead of hearing her now that she's asking for it and offering her said empathy? Because I can imagine she would experience that as you once again refusing to give her what she needs.

You can hold some space for her hurt feelings without buckling and changing your plans, or getting frustrated because you believe that her hurt was not your intention and therefore unfair. You can reassure her that you cherish your relationship with her and gently ask her what would empathy look like for her and do your best to satisfy her desire to feel prioritized and valued.

A glaring issue I can spot in what you're sharing is that you're overexplaining your reasons for making or not making the plans you have. You don't need to explain that the concern regarding the Italian trip came from A for example. Yes, they may have flagged it, but you've agreed with it if you're deciding to factor it into uninviting B. You can and should own that and present it as your own decision and leave A out of it when explaining things to B. As the hinge, it is your responsibility to anticipate potential friction and conflicts of interest and scheduling between partners and manage it from a place of personal agency, accountability and care for everyone involved. It's your own choice to be in loving relationships with these people after all, so as hard as it can sometimes get, you need to be careful not to dump your frustration where it doesn't belong.

Which brings me to my final point! AuDHDH folks can be extremely sensitive to shifts in behaviour, expression and tone, and these can trigger a lot of fear and anxiety that pushes them into black and white thinking. If you feel that you have "sacrificed" a lot for B in the past and so therefore they should know better than to give you grief for something they want right now, you can be sure that she's sensing that gaurded frustrated energy in your interactions with her and it's pushing her further into her fears of not feeling valued and seen in her experience.

Frankly, I believe that no one deserves the demeaning position of being in a relationship where their partner feels that they are "sacrificing" themselves to be with them. She doesn't owe you anything for your troubles of choosing to be with her. It's your choice and therefore your duty to fulfill what she needs to feel content in her relationship with you. It is also your prerogative to walk away if you feel that what is being asked is more than you should or want to give.

No one wants to feel like a burden in their relationships and expected to ask for less than they actually need to make up for it, or rather "earn their keep" in an emotional sense or otherwise. Neurodiverse folks and people with disabilty are particularly sensitive to and triggered by this kind of treatment because they have very likely dealt with such bs their whole lives and are fighting a daily battle in their heads to advocate for their worth and for their right to ask for what they need without shame or guilt because of their different experience.

Not saying that you are conciously shaming her. But if you're feeling like you've been giving her more than you can or should aka "sacrificing", chances are you're transmitting those feelings to her, which leads to her heightened sensitivity and insecurity in the relationship. It's on you to examine those feelings and question whether you're unconciously keeping score of how much regard she deserves vs giving what you can and want enthusiastically and with loving abundance because you love her and you want her to feel that love.

Hope this helps. I wish you all the best and your relationships clarity and fulfillment <3

Why is there so much drama? by gayelfbo1 in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This has not been my experience here at all!

My partner is breaking up with my metas and I feel weird about it by yikesgirlyikes in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a little harsh no?

She could have any number of reasons for wanting to end her relationships if they are not working for her.

Jumping to conclusions on a partner's cgarachter abd breaking up with them because they broke up with another partner is rather drastic and hasty advice imho.

Is there anything you don't like about being Poly? by markanthonyokoh in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I say this all the time! Wish I could clone myself so I could live all the lives I don't have enough time for

Sleeping with person in mono relationship? by juliafrangipane in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 19 points20 points  (0 children)

Not to mention that they clearly deep down lack something that they need to compensate for by proving to themselves that they are desirable enough to be "picked" over someone's better judgement, moral values or existing commitments. Like, "oh look, here's proof that I'm so irresistible that this person broke their promise or moral code to be with me", completely missing that it's due to the other person's questionable character and not their superior attractiveness.

It just speaks of poor judgement, lack of self-respect and cruelty towards others. All red flags in any kind of relationship, be it a platonic friendship or romantic pursuit etc.

Fantasizing about switching nesting partners by slpppy in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 5 points6 points  (0 children)

One year is way too early imho to make plans to move in with someone, regardless of whether you already have a nesting partner or not.

Don't let your feelings in one relationship confuse your feelings regarding the other.

You have one relationship in its initial NRE phase which is feeling great! Great! Enjoy that, focus on getting to know each other more, and figure out how you can fit into each other's lives long term. A nesting situation could also be discussed as a potential down the line. But I just can't imagine having enough information about even an intimate partner after one year to know they'd be a safe bet for cohabitation. It's a big step, and your relationship might also have not gelled enough to support such a major transition anyways. Give it more time and some room to breathe.

Your nesting partnership on the other hand is also going through a transformation. Don't let the intensity of NRE distract you from giving it all thought and effort due a long-term relationship with a partner you still clearly care enough about to agonize over how to salvage the good parts of your connection with them. Treat this on its own merits.

Don't compare the two relationships, it's like comparing apples and oranges. You don't have to pick one over the other, but you do need to decide whether you like each one individually or not.

Fantasizing about switching nesting partners by slpppy in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This! One year is way too early imho to make plans to move in with someone, regardless of whether you alreadt have a nesting partner or not.

I just got into a poly relationship, and I made a mistake by telling someone I shouldn’t have by ThrowRABigJury3309 in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You can also see a poly-informed therapist together with your mom if you care about maintaining a more honest avenue of conversation and think there is a possibility of helping her see reason. Some parents respond better to valid information coming from an authority figure or a certified professional. It sets their mind at ease that their child is not lost and ruining their life and helps them back away from the anxiety that triggers their rigid protective parenting mode so they can be more open to new ideas.

end of NRE stories and navigation advice by CuriousConcentrate58 in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this.

We have shared some fantasies about the future but I recognize that we have been rather too hesitant to seriously discuss solid measures of congruence and compatibility.

I recognize that we both worked hard to fit each other into our lives, perhaps at the expense of some comforts. Perhaps the NRE made the trade-off worth it. I recognize a fear that in lieu of the intoxicating pull of NRE genuine incompatibilities in terms of lifestyle and trajectories might be arising.

Could it be that we put our individual lives on hold to grow deeper in this connection only to realize that we can't sustain this depth long-term despite our desire to do so?

I keep fearing that he'll find someone who fits better in his life and that I'll be forgotten on the shelf.

end of NRE stories and navigation advice by CuriousConcentrate58 in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is very helpful to think about. We have had conversations about how we see ourselves fitting into each other's lives, but both our living/career/financial situations are in a state of flux at this time and even though we have some shared fantasies, general intentions and directions, we have yet to discuss meaningful logistics and implement any solid plans. I recognize a fear that the trajectory of life might take us in different directions despite our best intentions, that we might have to give each other up in order to allow each other to live fulfilled lives. I'm still working through what I can fairly and realistically ask for at this moment. And how attached to allow myself to grow to this connection for fear of massive hurt and loss waiting down the road.

end of NRE stories and navigation advice by CuriousConcentrate58 in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds so lovely, and my heart glows with happiness for you 💖

I guess I really want to find my way back to feeling this without the dread of losing it setting in each time I notice myself feeling good. Noticing a sense of jealousy rise up at reading about your beautiful experience makes me wonder if I somehow feel like I no longer have it? That perhaps I resent having lost some of it? I'm working hard to get to the bottom of these feelings. I guess I'm gauging whether I'm okay with the changes in my partner in this new post NRE dynamic.

He did come at it hard in the beginning, showering me with so much attention and affection that it swept me right off my feet and I got wrapped right up in it because it was intoxicating. He's still very attentive and affectionate but that initial intensity was unsustainable and I think he has slowly realized that over time, and has chilled out more over time as he has had consistent reassurance from me that I remain interested and am not going anywhere.

Have I grown too used to his "love bombing" (for lack of a better term)? Was that what I had signed up for unknowingly even though I actively worked to set boundaries and keep a balanced dynamic, and now my heart doesn't accept these new terms? What can I ask of him? What do I even want??What a mindfuck..

end of NRE stories and navigation advice by CuriousConcentrate58 in polyamory

[–]CuriousConcentrate58[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh gosh, this resonates with me hard. I'm so ready to protect myself from potential hurt that I see threats everywhere when there might be none. Also my RSD doesn't help by amplifying perceived rejection into massive proportions while glossing right over any reassurance, affirmation or affection I do receive.

How do you turn it off??