When amicable makes you want to scream

[Underdog]

There ya go, Muse.

Now you know that:

1. You can do this, and do it with charm and aplomb
2. He's paying attention.

I know he is now heading back to where he is staying, wondering when I will lose my cool, when I will do something that will justify him pulling away.

You're a quick learner, Muse. You got this right.

I did it. I made a nice meal for my family, H loved his present, and it ended on a good note. If I did it once, maybe it will get easier every time.

Now it's time for the warning. Just to make sure that you keep your good grounding. Sometimes when things are going well, they will pick fights or push buttons just to make sure that they're not confused (which they are). Resist that bait and just keep on keeping on. With practice it really DOES get easier. Then at some point down the road, you wake up and realize that you actually DID change. It's kind of liberating.

People who know and love me - especially family members - always knew me as an impatient Aries girl. I'm very proud to say that I no longer wear that moniker. In fact, one of my aunts commented a few years ago, "Betsey has been impatient all her life" when my mom chirped in, "That was true long ago, but she is one of the most patient people in our family now." I had no idea my mom has been paying attention.

So keep up the good work!

Betsey