I'm going in Thursday with all my stuff and clear thinking. With my lawyer as the general and my friend as an advisor I have a plan which should help me significantly.
It's something I don't want to face. When I do, I'll be forced to accept the guy I married is not someone I'd want to know. He's keeping his financial obligations to the family at least.. so that's a good thing.
Here's a lightbulb moment I had with Purple on another thread when she asked, "I'm interested gypsy....what ways would he manipulate you, and more importantly for me, how do you recognise it in time so that you don't fall for it and don't turn into a bumbling mess?"
The short answer
It starts with a change in perception. If my focus gets lost and/or I get baited/trapped/put on the defensive, I pay attention to what changed.
Below is my sorta list:
talking me in circles, placing all the blame on me telling me how difficult it is for him, how much pain I'm causing him using the children... using anger bullying intimidation threatening ("It will get ugly for you and the kids..) when I feel myself getting emotionally out of control.. not the huge kind, just starting to feed just a little into "He should know this" yelling
Anything that shows a lack of respect on his part is a major red flag.
It's a process. Sometimes I remember, sometimes I forget. But, the BS meter never lies.
During a phone call he started talking about something. I told him I wasn't going there because I knew he would talk circles around me, and it wouldn't go anywhere.
Something clicked a little later that he'd been doing that to me for years. That I'd be focused on one thing, we'd talk and the next thing I knew it was something completely different and I'd be incredibly confused. Realizing that it was intentional woke me up.
I described that interaction to my lawyer who told me he took advantage of the soft spot I felt for him, that he manipulated me and bullied me to get what he wanted. That he would make it so I was the one being blamed for everything. Hmmm. The next time he called about something that was upsetting him, I listened. His swirling conversation thing started, I stopped it. Then it went on to something else and I eventually told him what he wanted to hear.
I stopped talking to him on the phone, keeping it on email for a point since I ended up always feeling pressured and attacked. He then would write something, after we'd had some positive exchanges.. "We need to talk directly to make sure none of the details of the kids are left out." I couldn't imagine any more detail, but since it had been positive, I called. BANG.. he jumped on me about something. As I was battling that, I added "using the children" on the list of don't fall for.
By now I had..
talking me in circles, placing all the blame on me look at how much pain you're causing me using the children...
and as my brother would say.. a pretty good bullshit meter registering things.
As things that came up, I'd pay attention to my voice/BS meter inside while listening or emailing him. If something registered, I'd pay attention to it and add it to the list.
People's responses to my interactions helped. After one conversation where he was screaming at me (amazing!) imp wrote.. Look what good control you had.. as he was out of control yelling.
Aha... added "using anger as intimdation."
So my list which has been in my head is..
talking me in circles, placing all the blame on me look at how much pain you're causing me using the children... using anger as intimidation bullying intimidation threatening ("It will get ugly for you and the kids..) yelling
I've hung up on him a few times, but usually call right back.
Learning the fine art of "click", disconnecting the call when it gets abusive/out of control/hurtful/disrespectful is another skill I'm learning. Not promptly replying to emails, letting his calls go to voice message are other things I work on.
I firmly believed he was honest and straightforward. His consistent evolving actions changed that.
He does what he needs to do to get his way. I'm learning it's not my job to placate, calm, fear, agree or disagree with him.
Now I do what's right for me to be healthy, make good choices. His actions forced a tremendous change. It's my decision now, my choice on how I move forward.
I think it is awesome you are becoming aware of the destructive dynamic between the two of you and are taking steps to change that dynamic into something more constructive. Your insights continue to impress and amaze.
Me45 W35 M6 T8 D16 SD11 D0 Dec 07: Bomb July 08: Busted! Thread
I just caught up on your sitch. I understand how "the calm" feels when spouse is not around. I am at that point, feels good doesn't it! I hope life is getting easier for you as you go through this growth period. I know all my relationships (except with W) have gotten better during this difficult time. Just remember, DO WORK. Set your goals and keep working till you reach them. You are a wonderful person and have been a great inspiration for me.
*BIG HUGS*
"What is best for my kids is best for me" Amor Fati Link to quotes: https://www.divorcebusting.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2879712
I'm off to PA again but glad that you are up. Just letting you know I'm thinking about you. Big day tomorrow? Is it just you and L, or is H there too? Seems like a lot of us have big days within the next week or so. Anyway, take care of yourself.
Me45 W35 M6 T8 D16 SD11 D0 Dec 07: Bomb July 08: Busted! Thread
I am so initial challenged. It will be just me and the lawyer. The thought of when the 4 of us have to sit at a table is unpalatable... probably because of my fear that I'll be helpless.
Note to self... anxiety... tell my lawyer, therapist and family friend tax lawyer about my concerns and go in with a strategy.
Wow.. that wasn't too bad.
The upside. Spouse is still financially taking care of me and the kids... meeting his obligation. I have to accept I am not married to him (rather than he doesn't want to be married to me).
*hugs*
We all have big days because of the July 4th holiday... it's catch up time!
The calm is good. Changing what we can, accepting what we can't.
I don't know about you, but muck from the past is blobbing up with this change in living. Instead of it being overwhelming and guilt producing, I'm seeing it with different eyes.
Shitake happens. How I deal with it determines how I feel. I'm slowly eating that elephant in the living room one bite at a time.
The thought of when the 4 of us have to sit at a table is unpalatable... probably because of my fear that I'll be helpless.
Note to self... anxiety... tell my lawyer, therapist and family friend tax lawyer about my concerns and go in with a strategy.
Gypsy, I'm going to offer something up here since I just experienced this..I like that you are forming a plan. One thing that will help JMHO...if you can do it without emotion then it will be better...mud gets slung in there..just prepare yourself for that..
It sucks a big one..
Just get yourself ready now if you can. YOU can make it easier on YOU. With a good mental attitude and a slippery Duck's Back
