Karen,

I totally understand about the $$$ thing. I don't have the extra right now either.

Could you say something like, "You know, right now I feel like I'm saying the wrong things when I'm around you. It's not you that's causing it, it is just that I feel so stressed about everything. I feel like if I take a few hours to be by myself and regroup that I'll be a lot more pleasant for you to be around." Would that work? I don't know how sensitive your H is.

I don't think it's selfish to feel like you can't take care of him right now. We have to take care of ourself first in order to have anything to give to those we love.

My H makes jokes sometimes when I'm wanting him to say something romantic, too. He's just really not the romantic type and I think it makes him uncomfortable when I "prompt" him. We usually end up joking and laughing about it though. Try to lighten up and joke around. (I think you gave me that advice one time yourself!! ) You have to stop trying to control H and just control Karen. You'll feel a lot better without the added stress of trying to control everything.

So, take a deep breath, have some chocolate, exercise, have some more chocolate, take another deep breath and feel better.

You can do this. Patience, control, chocolate. It will work!

Loved One