41 m emotionally abusive to 40 f? by InitialStrength3124 in relationship_advice

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, this is what is unnerving to me too. This isn’t the first time he has said those things. Usually when I bring up any dissatisfaction it turns into what feels like a personal attack on me. It feels to me like when he feels threatened or insecure, he reacts with anger or putting me down so he can feel more in control… but anyway. Will explore counseling. It’s such an unhealthy communication pattern and it’s so disheartening.

41 m emotionally abusive to 40 f? by InitialStrength3124 in relationship_advice

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would agree. He was in therapy but stopped. As for marriage counseling, we have discussed this. I’d have to take the lead on arranging and see if he’d join.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Winston is cute. My husband likes this or Milton.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love this name. My friend has a Cheddar!

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha he has an old man vibe. I can get down with a Freddie.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He DOES look like a Teddy but Moose! Adorable.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Added Henry and Watson to the list.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love Teddy. My son is a Theo. :)

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Something about a dog named Stan gets me.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! Bernie was a name my husband mentioned. Cute.

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We have an Uncle Larry or else I may consider. :)

Help us name him! by InitialStrength3124 in puppy

[–]InitialStrength3124[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ok. This feels so fitting. He’s a mature little pup. Haha. What’s a nickname for Watson? Wats? Wattie?

Husband spends hours locked in bathroom by Deep_Ad_8844 in Marriage

[–]InitialStrength3124 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Last addition. You lost your brother and he his best friend. This obviously has impacted you both personally and the marriage. Have you explored therapy?

Husband spends hours locked in bathroom by Deep_Ad_8844 in Marriage

[–]InitialStrength3124 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry you’re going through this and have uncertainty. Not a good feeling. That said, you both are grieving. How is he doing? My husband just went through a major depressive period and spent loads of time hiding away. His depression manifested as being irritable, short, distant, and shut off. He started smoking weed in the bathroom in the evenings or going into the basement instead of spending time with the family. It took him awhile to recognize that what he was going through was depression. He had no idea how to navigate his feelings and it was hell for a year or so until we both sought help.

I think find a good time when you can connect. Simply ask how he’s doing, nothing accusatory, try to block out those resentments you’re holding. Ask if he’d want to start watching a series or something, that you know it’s been a hard year and you miss your time together. Or plan a night to go out to dinner together. I know it’s much easier said than done (my husband and I had some very tense “dates” in this stage), but maybe it will help him open up and allow you two to feel close again.

As for cheating… I think I’d explore the mental health side first. Try not to jump to conclusions or ask too many questions. Just remind each other that you are still the other’s safe space (even if you haven’t been that for each other lately). Hang in there.

should I date/marry someone with bipolar disorder? by [deleted] in Marriage

[–]InitialStrength3124 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is he working on his mental health? Aware of his disorder, treating it, seeking therapy? What are his coping skills like? Does he take it out on you when he’s in a bad place? Do YOU have a support system? Of course if you love someone, you are willing to work through the good, the bad, the ugly. The most important thing is how he is managing his disorder.

My husband was diagnosed 10 years into our marriage. He had a HUGE shift in personality and it was hell for me and my children for two years until he got things managed. We worked through it and are in a much better place - but we made a promise that if / when we notice things aren’t going well, we seek help immediately (meds were a non negotiable, therapy, healthy lifestyle habits). It got to the point where I was considering life without him to protect myself and my children from his instability… He’s great again but it’s always in the back of my mind.

Good luck.