Nice progress with the artwork and positive outlook at work!!!
The mammogram incident tells me you simply did not "communicate" to H what you wanted - his fear was real - you understood it and had the opportunity to be "compassionate".
No, I don't believe women are the 'weaker sex' or that men should be the ones to 'lead' or that women are always 'more nurturing' or that 'communication' and 'compassion' are the answer. I believe all these are just societal stereotypes. And these popular psychology books like "Dieda" and "Patricia Evans"? I believe they are essentially garbage. With all due respect I absolutely do not believe in Astrology, except as entertainment value. I believe in the "scientific approach" to understanding things. What book(s) would I recommend for you then? One such book that's quite readable is "Why Marriages Succeed or Fail" by John Gottman which is based on many years of scientific research in modern society.
That said I do believe in the sanctity of marriage and the associated life-long commitment and I do not believe in "casual sex". And I am a practicing Roman Catholic, not just for Easter and Christmas and not ashamed of it. Am I perfect - NO WAY! Why did I let go of my "thread"? Because, I took a "pointed position" and lost - I felt the thread would cause me to want to indulge in self-pity. I am close to the "official D" - I still feel very hurt and afraid at times - and you all will too from time to time - but I know my W's true character now which I still find hard to believe. For now its like "I'm married", "W's single" ;-) And I'm very busy with my work and looking after my 2 kids.
Have I learned a lot here? Yes and no. One guy's advice I do like a lot is 'coach' - it seems to be based on very solid principles. But I mainly want to see some of my friends thru' this ordeal and you are one of them.
More later ... Got to give the kids dinner now ;-)
