I'll keep an eye on your thread bj. Keep us posted if you have time. But hopefully you won't have time.
I realized something yesterday.
I've always known how reactive I was to W's mood but now I realize she is even more reactive to mine.
I had to deal with a business associate who I swear is bipolar. He's all over the place emotionally and under a great deal of stress right now.
I've learned really well how to deal with the negative mood swings and to help a person out of them. Of course we all know where I have learned these skills.
However it still brings me down a bit and I come home and vent with my wife. If I didn't she'd know I was lying. she expects it when I deal with him.
I was really paying attention to her mood and I realize that it really swings dramatically from my venting. We talked a little bit about it and there isn't much of a way around it other than me Acknowledging and validating her feelings when this occurs. This I need to work on.
Of course I've known this for a long time but it really hit me yesterday.
I need to work on how to A & V and bring her out of it quickly when this occurs.
I also need to make sure I am up more since she is certain to react off of this also.