OK, I'm crawling out of the foxhole now. W returned and is on speaking terms with all of us. Seems a bit down but I think that's understandable. It's so strange, it's like being in an abusive or addicted family situation. You know, know one ever talks about Dad's drinking or Mom's beatings etc. Everyone just carries on "as if". My W came from a family where explosions were not uncommon. Her father was abusive to some degree and carried on a 20 year affair with another woman. MIL knew about it, stayed and worked hard at turning the kids against Dad. W was the adult in the family, looking after Mom and resenting the hell out of it (understandably). So, in reality when I look at where she came from the number of outbursts she has is rather minimal, not to dismiss the impact they have. She can say the most horrible things when in the midst of one of these tantrums. So, I am just going to carry on, knowing that I stood up to her for the sake of our children and also knowing the guilt she now carries. Can it be talked about? Not a chance! Been there, done that. She may bring it up, most likely not. What a bizarre way to live!
