Jeff, Sometimes when we see a little bit of progress our expectations go up. Then when they revert back to the crisis mode we get discouraged. The rollercoaster is up and down w/them because of their emotions all of the time. It's important to step off the coaster and allow her to ride it to the completion of her crisis.
One of the main things is to not be readily available to her all of the time. You have your own life to live, things to do and that even means, not responding to her calls all of the time. It's time to allow her to play and also understand that you are not going to be available to her 24/7....she needs time to be all alone and think about what she's doing and to think about the fact that maybe you are living your life to the fullest.
No one says that you have to accept bad behavior. Do not become a door mat. If the bad behavior is being demonstrated to you, use good judgment and call her on it. She's like a child right now testing the water in both ponds, hers and yours. There is a right and wrong way of calling them on their bad behavior and you will know when and how to deal w/it. Just remember, she's a teenager right now and not the woman you once knew.
I'm very glad to see you went to a party and had a good time.
Hang in there.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
