Quite a difference between yesterday at 9AM and 5:30PM.
I said nothing and did nothing, but was quiet. W knows I'm not happy. She seems upset about it. It's making preparations for her birthday party awkward.
My W had a great time at her office's birthday party, which was an hour away at a nice and expensive resort, decked out for the holidays, with her boss and 3 coworkers. Boss picked out the place, made the arrangements, drove them out, and picked up the tab. She came home with a small gift and a red flower.
I get it - maybe this isn't a big deal. Maybe she picked the flower from the arrangement. I should just suck it up. I'll soon be on the other side of the world. Why is this getting to me?
Well, first, my W made me promise not to do anything for her birthday, and decided with all the stress of the holidays we wouldn't exchange gifts. I planned a small gathering for ice cream and cake anyway, with friends and kids. So, again, her "office" is the star of the show. ANd I can't help but feel it's a competition.
Second, I don't understand why she doesn't SEE this. Last week he was lavishing the attention on her at the other event to the point where it was awkward and embarrassing. Certainly, she has to undestand that this would get my blood boiling.
I feel like I'm being passive agressive and acting like a 5 year old by giving her the cold shoulder, but my options are pretty limited here. The only reasonable option that saves her birthday and holiday is to suck it up, make nice, and endure it.
I mean she seemed upset this morning - surely at me - and I don't imagine she'll easily forgive messing up her birthday.
Look at the box to the left - it's been a year since I started here. All that progress. And I still haven't figured out this one....
