Great work w/ interacting w/ your W. I think you're right that all of this is difficult for her. I'd like to think that my W is having the same feelings, sometimes I wonder though. I just have to keep remembering tha they, the WAW, are just as hurt, confused and troubled as we are. Hard to remember though.
I think like you about the self-esteem thing. I just wonder how to better validate my W, especially when it is unsolicited, and build her self-esteem so that she can see how I love her w/o it coming across as syrupy or that I seem like a sycophant. (Didn't know a cowboy knew such big words, did ya?)
I'm going to take the occasion to send a Mother's Day card to my W and I intend to include a note that tells her how much I value her as the mother of my children and what a good job she's doing, especially in light of her recent doubts.
Quote: I appreciate the advice about boundary setting. It is true that I need to maintain my self-respect and keep our interactions so that mutual respect is built, not one-way. And I won't be trying to buy her love back.
I worry about my ability to recognize when I need to put my foot down and stand up for myself, or if I need to at the moment. If you gain any insight in this regard, let me know.
