Extremely positive stuff GH! Fantastic, wonderfult and any other adjective that I can think of to describe how well that went. I'm really happy for you because this is a huge break in where things are in regard to your sitch.
Quote: She did tell me that she knew something was up with me and that she wishes I could just be direct and open with her when something like this comes up instead of getting myself all worked up. I told her that IF I had been open and honest with her it would have come out as an angry accusation instead of a question and I didn't want that so I waited until I had calmed down to talk to her. She noted that I didn't seem very calm (I was shaking when I started the convo). I responded that if she could imagine that THAT was calm compared to when I found the receipt. She laughed
Its funny how we can trick ourselves into believing that when we hold things in, that our S's can't tell, even with the fake smile on our face. They instinctively "know" something is amiss. Think about it this way, when something was "amiss" with your W, didn't you pick up on it right away? In your defense GH, I think you did at least do the right thing in NOT immediately going overboard and confronting her with it....confrontation is more akin to accusation and third degree....what you engaged in was a healthy, two way discussion of an issue that was of concern to you. This is a VERY important distinction for anyone to learn, including myself. Now contrast to how you might have reacted in the past.....seems to me that you would have run with the first option, thereby leading to arguing, resentment, anger, etc. A++++ to you my friend.
Based upon the conversation as a whole, i would say that you have come a long way in your journey.
"Achieve success, but without vanity; Achieve success, but without aggression; Achieve success, but without gain; Achieve success, but without force." Lao Tzu
