I said a while ago I would share my initial goals & objectives. I wrote these back in December, after I received the DR book and started going through it.
First pass: 1. To have more relaxed conversations with me taking a more active and proactive role 2. To be able to have conflict and resolve it without feeling extreme discomfort or resorting to belittling each other 3. To be able to relax around each other and spend more time enjoying each other's company
Second pass: 1. I will start conversations more often I will listen attentively when W speaks W will show interest in what I say W will explain better what she has been listening to or learning so that I feel part of it
2. W will not call me insulting names or insult my personality or upbringing when we have an argument I will not feel the need to escape the conflict to cool down I will feel happy that we can argue and resolve issues with out insults I will not patronise W or act morally superior
3. We will sit on the sofa together, watching a movie or talking We will share the same bed We will go out together occasionally (once per month)
Other things I wrote down trying to be more specific: We will build trust I will not snoop or spy on her communications W will make me feel good enough for her, by use of small words and actions I will not portray W in a bad light when talking about her W will not belittle me in front of children or family I will not condescend, patronise or talk over W in front of children or family/friends We will be supportive of each other's decisions in front of others and keep our disagreements private
Anyway, these were my thoughts back then. I'd appreciate your feedback on them.
-- Me: 47 WW: 35 SS: 17 D: 5 T: 7 yrs Engaged: 2 yrs OEA confirmed: August 17 2016 ongoing since April 2016. OEA continues (with occasional breaks) BD2 - W says will visit OM in Jan 18