When the inevitable discussion about what I am thinking comes up, my response will likely be as follows (at least this is what I am thinking):
"WW, I have said from the start that I do not want to be out of this M or this familiy. I do not want D. I cannot control what you do - I know that, so although I ask you to stay, you are obviously free to choose what you would like to do. My decision is to stay - I am not going anywhere."
I think that's excellent, LIS. Honest, and hits all the points.
Quote:
This will again be met with the "so, it is your way or the highway", or "but I am not happy", etc., but I am used to this.
She says "So, it is your way or the highway, huh?"
You say: "No, that's not what I said. I said, 'I have said from the start that I do not want to be out of this M or this familiy. I do not want D. I cannot control what you do - I know that, so although I ask you to stay, you are obviously free to choose what you would like to do. My decision is to stay - I am not going anywhere.'"
She says, "But I'm not happy."
You say: "I'm sorry that you're in pain; I hate to see you this way. I would like to work with you, together, on how we can both be happy without sacrificing any of our personal integrity. I have said from the start that I do not want to be out of this M or this familiy. I do not want D. I cannot control what you do - I know that, so although I ask you to stay, you are obviously free to choose what you would like to do. My decision is to stay - I am not going anywhere."
