I came here 2 R after my divorce. My exH was a Catholic seminarian, I worked for the order when we met. And like you, my H's family was pretty much my family. And since I didn't tell my church friends about stuff that was going on, they dropped me when I divorced him.
You are most likely in for a really long haul. You're right...he can play a therapist game that you can't win.
This does not mean it's hopeless.....and I usually say there's a lot more you can do with real giving than just GAL.
But for you.....LRT....GAL.
It's time for the self care for you.
So how do you do it..........Do you have any girlfriends?
What I found was .... my NEIGHBORS were awesome. These were not my friends at the time.....but one gal taught me how to take care of myself again.
We started walking together. I had already lost weight and started growing my hair again. And she told me about some clothes styles she thought would look good on me. Mostly, she was a good example.
Find someone...just grab onto them, or go get a haircut or talk to a makeup counter lady..........or heck with it ... get a whole spa day and socialize with those women --- see what they do.
I learned that taking care of yourself really well, DOES take away all that crappy anxiety.
It will work for you.
(I was just in the Indy mini-half marathon...of course, I did a lot of walking......I love Indy.....I'll do it again)
I'll keep checking in.
It will be ok.
sg Love is PATIENT, love is KIND, LOVE never fails / DB since 2001
