What’s up? You seem frustrated, but is it the board or is something else going on? Have these “spouse bashing” posts somehow pushed an ex-H hot button? I recall your ex was very critical of you. I’m just wondering if you aren’t somehow identifying with the spouse who is being bashed. No big deal, I know you are so far above that. But every now and then you let show your frailty. That’s ok too.
As far as the negativity of the board lately…well, maybe a little bit, but I haven’t noticed it being rampant. I wasn’t here a year ago, so maybe things were more pleasant and supportive then. Was that better? Who knows. All things go in cycles, including social psychology. Euphoria and pessimism can be contagious. That is why people run with the pack. Lemmings can feel so safe, until they go over the cliff, that is. But that is ok too. As the board cycles back and forth in its collective emotion, different aspects of relationships come up for discussion. A static board would not be so interesting to me.
So right now there are some in a pity pot mode. Maybe they need to process that emotion in order to build up the anger and strength necessary to rise to the next level. Maybe the futility of sitting on the pity pot needs to become evident before they can make whatever confrontations are necessary (all except for CeMar that is). So I see this stage as a necessary part of the cycle.
I do not think being in a continual positive state is always good either. Sure we need to generate positive thinking, which helps our spouse become positive, which in turn helps to foster a cooperative team spirit, but some people can even use that to blind them to the truth. I’ve known those who are always happy, always optimistic, and therefore refuse to face the negative problems and remain stuck in their denial. This is one recipe for passive aggression, either in themselves or their family members.
So I say let the board flow. Maybe things were going too far in one direction. Now let’s see where they swing to next.
