Every once in a while I think about dating. Actually, I think about being in a relationship - not dating. I've never been a dater. I'm a relationship girl. I had 2 long term relationships before my marriage. Before, and in between those relationship I went on as few dates as possible. The only … Continue reading Dating After Divorce
anxiety
Dinner With The Covert Narc
The 1st time I had dinner at my ex's home I was surprised. My ex bragged about his father constantly. According to him, his father was his idol. He was a perfect father, husband, employee and Deacon. He was always on the go, leaving at 7AM for work, stopping home for a 15 minute dinner … Continue reading Dinner With The Covert Narc
Instead of Breaking
The glassblower knows: while in the heat of beginning, any shape is possible. Once hardened, the only way to change is to break. The Book of Awakening, Mark Nepo That is the opening passage for February 19. I am much further along in the book (started reading it daily last April) so I'm not even sure … Continue reading Instead of Breaking
Deal Breakers = Boundaries
I've always thought that people who claim certain characteristics/beliefs/habits are "deal breakers" are excessively picky. I've stood firm in this judgement. One friend in particular has a ton of deal breakers: he's shorter then I, he's not successful professionally, he's an engineer, he has no sense of humor, he doesn't like Bruce Springsteen, etc. etc. … Continue reading Deal Breakers = Boundaries
The Unaccountable Accountant
Getting divorced is complicated, especially when you are in a situation like mine. My ex and I own a restaurant together. Over the years, as my health worsened, my role decreased and his increased. In the 4 or 5 years before our separation I had little to do with the business, leaving decisions, management and … Continue reading The Unaccountable Accountant
Sidestepping the Pain
I don't want to write about pain anymore. Yes, I am in pain. Every time I think it's gone, it resurfaces, and I wallow. And I'm so, so tired of it! If the only way out is through it, I guess I won't get out, because I'm not going through it anymore. I'm going to … Continue reading Sidestepping the Pain
My Brain on Trauma
This is hard for me to write, hard for me to say, hard for me to admit. I am a perpetual victim. Of my own making. I knew I didn't handle stressful situations well, but I had no idea that I respond to situations like a victim. Before I tell you what happened, I … Continue reading My Brain on Trauma
Are You Saying It’s My Fault?
One of the major issues I had raising children with my narc was his inability to look at himself critically. As the Chosen One of a Narc, I am excessively good at looking at myself critically. Ask me, at any random point in any random day, and I will come up with 20 Major Flaws … Continue reading Are You Saying It’s My Fault?
I’m Just So Hurt
It has been 1 year, 8 months & 10 days since my ex asked for a divorce, swearing there wasn't another woman. It's been 1 year, 8 months & 15 days since I found proof of the other woman. It's been 1 year, 9 months and 12 days since he admitted, in writing, that there … Continue reading I’m Just So Hurt
Fear Of Flying
What creates a fear of flying? I was never afraid to fly, until the day I suddenly was. For years I've required copious amounts of Valium and alcohol to fly. One flight, years ago, was due to leave around 7AM. By 6:30 I had taken 2 Xanax and had a drink; yes, at … Continue reading Fear Of Flying
Groomed but Escaped 