W re-initiated a discussion tonight. Taking a cue from Ready2Change, I STFU and gave her undivided attention, setting feelings aside. She said she's not looking forward to spending the holidays with my mother (given some ongoing conflict between them). I said that I could see how hard it has been for her, acknowledged it is tough to shoulder that kind of weight, and kept listening. When she finished, I kept my responses to a minimum (a must-do with someone with severe anxiety and social phobia), told her I appreciated her clearly communicating her main concern, and said W is my first priority over my mother. I reassured W that I have her back when it comes to any other person. She fell silent and, after feeling confident I could safely disengage, said I needed to hit the restroom. No additional discussion tonight.
