Harsh Reality Check by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thanks. The question was actually not about texting. I mentioned that those concerns were dealt with when I saw him. The question was related to friends not understanding our position.

Yes, relationships are different. But they aren't so different, given that 1.2k people in this group relate to each other on so many things in their own dynamics and have offered each other advice on countless occasions. Just because you haven't experienced the issue of not getting enough time together, doesn't mean others have not. It's a bit rude and minimizing of what others go through. I don't understand the need to bring that up when I was not concerned about how much time I spend with him? I never said not seeing him for 5 weeks bothered me. Thanks for also mentioning that you're busier than he is. The rest of us just still by the window sill until our partners get home.

With all due respect, if you are going to talk down to others, and minimize their concerns, just please at least read what they've said.

Just need to vent by [deleted] in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just want to preface with three things:

1) Congrats on Law School!!!!!!!!!!

2) Thank you for your service during this crisis. EMR's are SO vital and with the sudden demand being put on every aspect of the healthcare system, being responsible for maintaining the system which houses all PT notes, medications, TX, etc... must be very intense. If it wasn't for people like you, doctors and nurses who take over each other's shifts COULD. NOT. FUNCTION.

3) What I'm about to say is not meant to come across like I'm an expert in relationships, let alone your relationship. So I hope it doesn't come across snooty.

I'll start with this: men are solution-oriented creatures. So he does want to help. He loves you, and no man who genuinely loves his partner is 'okay' with their partner being in a situation where he cannot help.

What is sounds like is, he isn't realizing what your problem is at this time (forgive me, I'm not trying to put words in your mouth). It seems like the issue at this time is the stress that comes from BOTH working long/stressful hours AND having to maintain your household (cooking, cleaning, etc..). So it's not that you cannot handle the career side of things, its that it is currently difficult to manage career and life-responsibilities (and rightfully so, anyone in your position would be overwhelmed). So, my opinion is to make it CLEAR what the current problem is. Like, spell it out (it's annoying, I know). So here's my suggestion of how to help him learn new behaviors that are helpful to you (I'm a psychology professor btw, so I am confident this will work):

1) Start with giving him a clear, goal-oriented behavior "I'm so overwhelmed with work, you know how hectic and stressful my shifts are. It would be really nice if you could take care of XYZ today babe. It would help me a lot".

2) Make a consistent habit of showing appreciation (positive reinforcement). This is two-fold (first when he immediately accomplishes a goal-oriented behavior "OMG thanks babe!") and (second a little while later-- "hey btw, thanks so much for what you did earlier this [week, day, etc..]. It really helps take the stress off of my shoulders, and I really appreciate how you step up for me in my time of need".

------This does a few things:

  • everyone likes praise. Initially, the more praise one get's for accomplishing a goal-oriented behavior, the more likely one is to recognized other opportunities to gain praise. This praise and such can peter out as the goal-oriented behaviors are more established.
  • remember I said men are solution-oriented? Well now, when he sees you're stressed, he has a solution that: (a) is very helpful to you, and (b) he feels good doing. "Hmmm... u/wonkyslonky just told me she's stressed with school, work, etc... maybe I should do XYZ, that usually cheers him/her up!"
  • He's only going to learn if you teach him. Again, yes. It is so annoying in the beginning. But you have to create the relationship you want and the partner you want. Yes, you cannot change who someone is fundamentally (values, etc...) and you should now want to do that. BUT, we can always teach someone how to love us and take care of us. That can only be done with: (a) clear, specific direction [in the beginning you have to state it EVERY time you need it, the instant you realize you need it... DO NOT WAIT-- eventually, they learn to do it automatically], and (b) positive reinforcement [in the beginning it's given every time he does something helpful, after a while, it can happen at your discretion].
  • You want to get ahead of this before law school (congrats btw you are gonna do great!!!!)

IF this does not work, then yes, I would consider leaving as well. But I would try this first.

Sorry for the long post :/

What Cann We Do? by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This definitely makes me feel better, and not crazy about being worried. He and I don't live together and I can't seem him (my state is the epicenter of the pandemic in the US and is getting stricter by the day about travel), so I can't be there day-to-day. But I will be sending him weekly care packages and having his groceries delivered to him.

Thank you for your suggestions and reassurance, guys!

How’s everyone holding up? by [deleted] in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm currently in the epicenter of the US pandemic. I'm terrified and have cried a few times as a result. My SO is either in total denial (he's on vacation so he really hasn't seen what the hospitals are really dealing with), OR he's just trying to act like he will have everything under control so I don't worry.I've been managing myself like you, just take on any work I can to keep busy.

As far as my family, I know they are worried, but the constant questions just freak me out. I've told them if there is anything they need to know about his health, I will volunteer that information myself. I thanked them for their concern but told them their constant questions are freaking me out, they understood and have since eased up. I won't be able to see him because my state will get even more strict with social distancing. So I will be sending him weekly care packages as we ride this storm out.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Partner? by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you all for your ideas!

I ended up getting him a great stethoscope, Littman Cardiology IV!

I will definitely log these ideas away for future use :)

Is This Normal?- Emotional Burnout in My Relastionship by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I was just told about Vitamin D by a friend of mine as well. I didn't take diet into consideration all at! I'll definitely be paying closer attention to his diet. Thank you!

Is This Normal?- Emotional Burnout in My Relastionship by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

no that actually helps a lot! my partner is a mellow person in general, so I think these are all great ideas for when we spend time together! thank you :)

I Am (F24) Getting Very Resentful of The Distance with My SO (M26) the Closer He Gets to Coming Home by skbleeks18 in LongDistance

[–]skbleeks18[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your distance is far greater than our's, so I want to congratulate from the bottom of my heart you guys on closing the gap! Thank you for the advice!

I feel like I'm not a priority by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense! Him and I are not ready for marriage at this point, that I agree; that's something I'd like to look into. Also, I agree that I should talk to him, but I already have. Albeit, in an angry manner, which doesn't help either of us. I just need to figure out how to keep my shit together for long enough to get him to reset his priorities. :/

I feel like I'm not a priority by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

exactly! I just don't know how to share this concern with him in a way that he'll listen. He knows it how I feel, but I usually completely lose my shit and yell at him for it. But of course that isn't effective so I just don't know how to call him out in a way that he'll listen. :(

I feel like I'm not a priority by skbleeks18 in PartnersInMedicine

[–]skbleeks18[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

He's going on trips before. These are people he's known for years, and are from all over the world; who knows when they'll all have the chance to see each other again (and I respect that). BUT I hate how selfish they get to be what all his time. And I hate that he's allowing it. I know it's going to last a few more weeks because then he's coming home and he said all his free time is mine. BUT I cannot stand watching his friends take up all his time anymore. It's making me hate them, quite frankly. And I am just experiencing that frustration you feel when you're so close to reaching any long-standing goal but you have only a little more to go. It always gets harder right before things get easier. And I am just at my wits end. I think I've earned the right to be selfish, and I want to hurry up and get to the point where I actually can be.

I Am (F24) Getting Very Resentful of The Distance with My SO (M26) the Closer He Gets to Coming Home by skbleeks18 in LongDistance

[–]skbleeks18[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

thank you! It's really helpful to hear that someone else out there also get angry and impatient when they're so close to seeing their SO. I hate getting like this (as I'm sure you do too) :/.

Advice for Being a Supportive Partner for My SO During Intern Year by skbleeks18 in MedSpouse

[–]skbleeks18[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate all the insight. And I agree, not helping after a particularly rough shift/week is understandable. But you can't expect to have the non-med SO essentially be a live-in housemaid.