My wife thinks we're piecing (2)

[EDF]

Thanks for the insight Sandi.

I continue to work on calling her out more or following up on when she says things that sound off; definitely a work in progress as I have 17 years of bad habits there. I'm starting to catch more of those opportunities and it's slowly feeling more natural. I'm more used to the initial push-back now and do not tend to be staggered by it anymore. When I am being reasonable and standing firm, she will buck at the reins but eventually comes around.

It reminds me a lot of some leadership training I had years ago, that drew parallels to training young horses to be rode. I mean that in as respectful and non-chauvinist way as possible, but the WW really does seem like a rebellious young horse in need of firm handling. Not in a cruel or domineering sense, but in standing firm on important things and setting/enforcing boundaries and the LBS responding appropriately to por behaviors (i.e. all the stuff the boards recommend). The horse doesn't like the bit, or the feel of the saddle on their back at first, and will fight against them relentlessly and misbehave to the extent allowed. However, once a mutual understanding is established, the horse and rider can do some very impressive things.

I like the "it's not that simple anymore" line.

Journaling.

W could tell I was pulling back a bit after our R talk, and I think it freaked her out - she kept asking me if anything was wrong and I would respond like "Nope, I'm doing fine". She sent a bunch of texts trying to explain her recent funk and ultimately has been putting more effort into things.

We went to a fair and concert together and had a good time. During a couple of songs they were giving the mic to audience members to sing a line - cutting out the band and just having the audience person sing - and I was one of the people they gave the mic to. W was amazed I actually want rather than ducking out.

I went out of town for my first 5k Mud Run/Obstacle Course Race. W stayed home. Frankly I was very tempted to skip the trip to avoid the "apart" time, but made myself go and had a blast. W was being communicative via texts and I verified via phone how that W was a home body. Course was incredibly fun and made me feel like a badass - highly recommended. W could tell I had a great time and really regretted not going. I'm already looking for other mud runs to do - I think I will make that a new thing for me.