Last night W went out for dinner with GF. Afterwards they went to the airport to pick up GF's long time man friend, (not lover) who just flew in on one of his regular routes. (he's a pilot) Then all three went to a country music night club together. Today was one of the few Saturdays I had to work, so I was in bed by about 11pm.

I wake up at 3am to make one of my night time old guy potty treks, (hay, I did have a beer before bed!) notice she is not home yet, and my mind begins to wander. She only goes out to "party" once, sometimes twice a month, and is seldom out this late. A year ago it used to really bother me... not so much any more.

I quickly fell back asleep, but then woke up when I heard her come in a little after 4am. I got up at 5:30 for work.

When I got home after work she was back in bed. About a half hour later she comes out and says sheepishly with a grin, "I'm up". I make some coffee and without a word from me, she starts telling me all about their night out, even shows me some pictures they took. I know from the past, that this behavior is somewhat common. She was very happy and excited, and didn't seem to have a thing to hide.

She told me about the young guys who tried to hit on them, and how the girls laughed when the boys couldn't even keep their stories straight regarding how old they were. GF and man friend were dancing, when W decided it would be funny to tell one of the boys "I think it would be fine for you to go out there and cut in on GF". He did, but that dance didn't last long! More laughing from both of us.

Eventually, the girls tired of having the boys hanging around, gave manfriend the eye, and he shooed them away. Wife also showed me a pic of HER dancing! Getting my wife to dance was always like pulling teeth. She was way too self conscious to get out there in front of others who she felt would be judging her. Maybe this time on her own is really what she needs to finally become comfortable with herself.

I listened, laughed, asked a few questions and made a few comments. I like that she feels comfortable opening up to me like this.

I get the feeling she wants me to know she is not cheating on me. I don't think she could fake all this in the manner she is doing it. After 35 years together I could tell if it was fake. If she ever clams up after a night out I'll know something is up.

Any thoughts on this behavior, or how I should handle it? Am I on track? Thanks!

M: A really long time.
Crisis: 5 years.
She's still worth it.

Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. -Viktor Frankl