One month down, zero casualties

[Raine]

Hey life support team, I'm hanging, still hanging

You know, fathers and sons sometimes have this dynamic that seems to involve a huge "head butt" at some point to get each one to realize that they are both NOW men, with their own paths, and male way of doing things.

I have had this with my dad too. He likes to be in control. For sure where I got that trait from...YIKES! We had it out when I was pregnant with S#1. I was no longer his little girl that he wasn't going to tell what to do and we've been great ever since. In fact, I think I communicate with him better than anyone, including my mom. I can get him to turn his head in the "right" direction with family matters and dealing with my brothers.

Last night we had quite the discussion where he kept saying, "Don't you think if H could just get in front of a counselor and start talking he would be fine?" I said, yes of course, if he wanted to and instigated it. Doesn't do any good until he wants it.

Everyone in my life seems to think they have the quick fix solution. My Dad kept saying, maybe you should talk to my Uncle who is a PHd. I agree he would be really good at this, but I'm not involving family. The whole reason of going to therapy is so you can talk and never see that person again or have them involved in your actual life. I told my Dad that I try to not even talk to him and my mom about stuff for that reason.

Your H's description of his new crowd of friends is pretty interesting. They probably show him a lot of respect and make him feel important, like a bunch of 9th graders looking up to a senior at MLC High.

Yes for sure they do. He talks it up really big when he is out with them. He is in a completely different stage of life, success, career, etc. To them he probably looks like he has it all made, and being able to go out whenever he wants. How can it get better than that? He has recounted stories to me where he has blown up at people because he "knows" and they don't. I do think this group of friends feeds his ego something sever. And it is interesting he has negative things to say about all of them.

They don't want the true friends who might question them or hold that mirror up to show them how they're really acting. Only those that are willing to take the trip to la la land with them will do!

So true! I feel like my H has been doing this for a long time. He doesn't go to lunch with other managers or work in to higher groups. He hangs around with the entry level women, old and young. Kind of plays into his insecurities I would think. Although at other times he acts like big man on campus and talks about interacting with the VPs. It's just not where he seeks his friendship pool from. I love your sense of humor too. Good thing they can't take that away!

T, an MLC binky - hmmmm. I am going to add it to my new MLC line - along with the MLC patience shovel, OW phone and webcam clothes and caskets.

Let me know when you get your etsy site going! I want to be your first customer! Thanks uR for everything. You have been there at some dark times this last week.