First, thanks for your posts and advice. The advice was spot on! I've been away a little while, working things out and reading all those books you suggested. Thankfully, many are e-books. The days are up and down, but at least I think I am pointed in the right direction, working on myself, and seeing a little progress.
I learned something about having "conversations" with my W. Since I always get this sinking, deflated feeling and start to shut down when we talk I tried another strategy lately. It's similar to the tip in the NUTS book you all suggested. When I need to express an opinion I preface it by saying how I feel in about a minute, then end the conversation. So I don't try to justify why I feel a certain way. No one gets upset. It's not a OR talk - often it has little to do with OR. I keep it light and to the point. Smile and find something that needs to be done. It's been GREAT - a big help! I don't leave every conversation apologizing for how I felt.
