Had another pleasant conversation at dinner tonight with W about her work today. Must have lasted all of 10 minutes. Progress, I guess, in that she is able to speak to me rationally for that duration. I notice that I have to choose my words carefully, because she is slightly tense and ready to pounce if she interprets anything as even slightly critical.
I am learning not to challenge. Personally, I have always enjoyed having my ideas challenged -- defending your position helps you to hone in on what you really believe and why. My wife does NOT like challenge, and takes it as invalidation. 18 years later, I'm figuring this out.
Then after dinner, she disappeared off to our bedroom and closed the door (the new normal), so I guess all is well.
