Wayward Wife and the Way of LRT

[Defacto]

W just called me three times the last hour. I let the first two go to vm. I finally answered the third call.

W was crying, said she was afraid of taking D4 to a birthday party on Saturday. W said all the friends who hated her would be at the party. And that all these friends think she's a bad person because they only know half the story.

Based on GB's advice, I decided to change my approach a bit.

I told W that I know how the fear can be paralyzing. I told W that I thought she was a good person, I was proud of her career accomplishments, and happy she found a strong voice. W responded by saying, "Why couldn't you have said that when were together?"

I replied by saying that I have had the privilege the last few months to reflect on the ways I failed in our M. W thanked me for saying that and acknowledged how hard it must be for me to say that.

W then said she was afraid of her own thoughts. (She has alluded to suicidal thoughts multiple times before). I told W that I think she should talk to IC. I told W that the kids need her and I want her to be happy. I ttold W that I knew how she felt and how scary those thoughts are. W said she wished these friends could see how they treated her and what that caused W to do. I told W that these friends love our family.

W then mentioned that she wished I could go to birthday party with her. I didn't respond because I knew that would send the wrong message to W if I agreed to go together.

When W had calmed down a bit, I told her I had to get back to work.
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Obviously, OM's wife hasn't made her move yet. I thought it wise to get in some good PR before the stuff hits the fan with my W.