melissa - getting stronger!!

[melissag]

I can choose whether to interpret it and respond to it as though it's neutral, yes.

I thought about it, and decided that whether it was neutral or not, it didn't require a response.

I'm definitely still trying to find the balance. For a long while, I gave my H the benefit of the doubt when interpreting his words and actions. Then, over time, the evidence built up and it became clear that I had given him too much credit, and that doing so hurt me.

He has shown me that, at the moment, he is extremely self-serving, with no regard to the consequences to others. (Well, at least, the consequences to me, and potentially my children.) So I have to keep that in mind when dealing with him.