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Author Topic: New Beginnings & Boundaries 5...  (Read 1004 times)
KateCat
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« Reply #30 on: March 29, 2015, 06:04:27 PM »

Maroon, how did the kids' previous dad lose the title of ":)ad?" I know you've said he is seriously delinquent in support payments. Did he also relinquish his parental rights?

If yes, I have no more thoughts about him. If no, what else is there to the story? Have you ever spoken to him privately?

Could any type of pattern of push-pull be repeating itself now with you in his place?

When I worked in my county's "child support enforcement" office, I don't remember seeing too many cases where a man had been married to the mother of his children long enough to produce three children and then willingly walked away. (Unless he walked away a broken man.)

Does he matter to this story at all?
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« Reply #31 on: March 29, 2015, 06:33:20 PM »

I really don't like to think in terms of "tactics", it sounds controlling Laugh out loud (click to insert in post)  

Yeah... .I need to find a different word... .it's so hard to get rid of that thinking

tactics vs strategy

battles vs war

To be clear... .a tactic is how we present ourselves... .the one thing I like is that it denotes a deliberate choice of how to act.  A military guy will analyze the situation... .think about the desired outcome... .think through all his  training... .and "poof" out comes a tactic for the best chance of attaining the desired outcome.

To me... .seems perfect for BPD land... .but... .for non military types out there... .I need to find other ways to connect or express my thoughts... .



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123Phoebe
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« Reply #32 on: March 29, 2015, 06:42:10 PM »

I really don't like to think in terms of "tactics", it sounds controlling Laugh out loud (click to insert in post)  

Yeah... .I need to find a different word... .it's so hard to get rid of that thinking

tactics vs strategy

battles vs war

To be clear... .a tactic is how we present ourselves... .the one thing I like is that it denotes a deliberate choice of how to act.  A military guy will analyze the situation... .think about the desired outcome... .think through all his  training... .and "poof" out comes a tactic for the best chance of attaining the desired outcome.

To me... .seems perfect for BPD land... .but... .for non military types out there... .I need to find other ways to connect or express my thoughts... .

FF   I'm a girl and am going to think things "normal guys" do and say are controlling and out there at times! Laugh out loud (click to insert in post)  Even when they're not, the might strike me as such.  My issue.

Sometimes, strategies aren't the answer.  A boundary isn't a strategy.  Sometimes our boundaries might produce a desired outcome from another, but they aren't designed to do that, they're to protect our values, producing better mental health and safety for our own well being.  Which in turn, enables us to be more clearheaded and present for our loved ones.
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formflier
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« Reply #33 on: March 29, 2015, 07:14:00 PM »

Sometimes, strategies aren't the answer.  A boundary isn't a strategy.  

Exactly!... .a specific boundary would be a tactic!  You've got it... .!  You've passed formflier's basic training and are ready for advanced military training!     

The point of tactics to strategy... .is that strategy is big picture.  So... step back and figure out the big picture... ."I would like to save this marriage"... .then... you figure out "tactics" to support that strategy.

    Doing the right thing (click to insert in post)

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MaroonLiquid
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« Reply #34 on: March 29, 2015, 07:57:13 PM »

Kate, I will answer your question in detail later this evening.

My wife called a few minutes ago and we talked a bunch about finances (hers and what she learned in her class this evening) and I validated those things.  After talking about college for the kids and stuff, she then asked if I could still watch the kids when she goes out of town in three weeks.  I said that was my plan and she said, "Well, in light of where we are, I wanted to make sure and would understand if you didn't want to."  I told her that I made it very clear last night where I stood and that a "piece of paper" doesn't change what I want or how I feel.  She asked if I minded if we could get that "ironed out" to ease her mind and I said sure, I can stop by and we could get that taken care of and then watch a movie if she had time.  She said that she had some things to do to get ready for a "house inspection" later this week and didn't know if she would have time to watch a movie.  I offered to help so that she could get it done faster and then relax.  She said, "You are welcome to come over but you don't have to help.  It isn't your responsibility."  I said, "I know, but I am offering."  She said she really appreciated it and told her I would see her in a few minutes.  She said, "Ok."  I will NOT discuss our r/s!  Lord knows!   Smiling (click to insert in post). Pray for me!
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« Reply #35 on: March 29, 2015, 07:58:16 PM »

Maroon I can so clearly see your vision for your future together or should I say perhaps your strategy in keeping with the current context. It's an admirable vision and I can so feel it's the path you want to take and hope for.

Question? What is her vision of her future? Have you asked and explored it from her thoughts and perspective?

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MaroonLiquid
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« Reply #36 on: March 29, 2015, 08:06:02 PM »

Maroon I can so clearly see your vision for your future together or should I say perhaps your strategy in keeping with the current context. It's an admirable vision and I can so feel it's the path you want to take and hope for.

Question? What is her vision of her future? Have you asked and explored it from her thoughts and perspective?

When she isn't dysregulated, we have the same vision and goals.  Have for over 6 years... .
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« Reply #37 on: March 29, 2015, 08:29:09 PM »

Well, I'll be darned.

Is she able to explain the part that the divorce action plays in this vision?
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MaroonLiquid
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« Reply #38 on: March 29, 2015, 08:41:49 PM »

Well, I'll be darned.

Is she able to explain the part that the divorce action plays in this vision?

Do pigs fly?

I think I need the Magic Borderline Ball to give me the answer... .   Being cool (click to insert in post) Smiling (click to insert in post) Laugh out loud (click to insert in post)
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KateCat
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« Reply #39 on: March 29, 2015, 08:46:16 PM »

 Smiling (click to insert in post)
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« Reply #40 on: March 29, 2015, 09:28:50 PM »

I think I need the Magic Borderline Ball to give me the answer... .   Being cool (click to insert in post) Smiling (click to insert in post) Laugh out loud (click to insert in post)

Doing the right thing (click to insert in post)
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MaroonLiquid
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« Reply #41 on: March 30, 2015, 08:53:42 AM »

So last night, I went over to my wife's and we had a great evening.  I made sure to not bring up our r/s, but instead enjoy the time I had with her and the kids.  When I arrived at her house, my wife and I went out in the backyard and let the dogs run around and we spent time looking at the stars as the sky was clear.  I showed her the different constellations and planets that we could see.  She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a kiss and a few minutes later I put my arms around her and hugged her from behind as she drew close.  It was very romantic.  We then went inside and my oldest son wanted to show me some things on a video game he was playing and a video on youtube he found.  After that, I commented to my wife how good it is that him and I are bonding again.  She agreed and said that she has been waiting for that and that he needs it.  I had fun with my daughters also as we were all laughing and cutting up.  She was folding clothes at this point, and as we always did while living together, I helped her to get them done faster.  She then showed me her new clothes she bought and validated how good they looked on her and that she did a good job picking them out.  She then showed me some of the work she needed to get done on the house and there is a small patch (2" x 2" square) that needs to be done on a wall where a towel rack pulled out of the wall.  I asked if she knew how to do it and she said she wasn't real good at it (she isn't but can do it if she needed to).  I told her I could do that for her and she said I didn't have to.  I told her I knew that I didn't have to, but was offering and she said that would be good if I didn't mind.  I told her I would come over when she was done with work and would get it done for her.  We talked about the week I am staying with the kids and then watched a movie in her room.  :)uring the movie, we started to "make out" and then after a while, we had sex.  I spent the night with her and we cuddled throughout the night.  As I left her house to go back to my apartment this morning and get ready for work, she kissed me and told me to text when I got to work.  I thought it was a good evening and was proud of myself that I didn't approach any subject regarding our r/s as that would have probably ruined the evening.  The weird thing is I'm not sure they know she filed.  :)on't know why, just don't think they know.

Anyway, to answer a question KateCat had... .

Maroon, how did the kids' previous dad lose the title of ":)ad?" I know you've said he is seriously delinquent in support payments. Did he also relinquish his parental rights?

 

Backstory on "sperm donor"... .I knew my wife and her ex for about 7 years before we got married (went to same church).  Because my ex and I had girls that were the same age as their youngest, they spent a lot of time together and we had dinner over at their house a bunch.  He was a recurringly unemployed "home repair man" who rarely worked during their marriage and he always had excuses why he didn't.  In the 7 years I knew them, he did two jobs and neither time did them right.  I think he purposefully sabotaged jobs so that he didn't have to work.  At the end when she kicked him out, he was working as a foreman for a well known home builder.  We had a hurricane come through and it kept most people from work for at least a week.  For weeks after that, he would leave home and go to work but never being paid.  My wife would ask him where his paycheck was and he would say they were making a mistake.  After being two paychecks behind, she called his boss and asked why he wasn't being paid.  He said, "Ms. Ex-husband, I don't know how to tell you this, but we fired him a week before the hurricane because he was stealing materials from us.  He had a truck bed full of mulch delivered to their house and told my wife that it was extra and that they said it was ok because they knew they needed it for their flower beds.  He also stole a sump pump from them and my wife and I found it in their garage (we were dating and helped her pack and go through everything) when she moved out of their house as it was being foreclosed on because he refused to sign the papers for it to be sold (which he agreed to during their divorce).  I know all this about his job (not just from my wife) because he admitted the everything about being fired to all them men at church the night she kicked him out at our men's group meeting.  He said he was going to live at his mom's house.  She filed a few days after that as she had problems with him using drugs among other things.  She was done at that point.  He never relinquished his parental rights, but my wife and I always talked about me adopting them.  He told my wife in front of me about 4 years ago at a chils support hearing, "Your husband works, so he can take care of them, and therefore you don't need me or my money."  Honestly, I wanted to choke the ever living s*it out of him"  I pay $1400 in CS on my biological children and have since the day my ex and I separated.  In 6 years since their divorce, he has seen them for 1 hour and never paid child support.  The ridiculous thing is he pays nothing by choice, but was able to go to court and have his child support reduced.  WTH?  How does that work?  Our system is grand... .The court I'm in, the judge actually sent a guy to jail for "overpaying child support"!

If yes, I have no more thoughts about him. If no, what else is there to the story? Have you ever spoken to him privately?  



He actually followed me to work one morning when my wife and I were dating right before their divorce was final and threatened me.  He isn't scary, but I don't trust the guy.

Could any type of pattern of push-pull be repeating itself now with you in his place?

When I worked in my county's "child support enforcement" office, I don't remember seeing too many cases where a man had been married to the mother of his children long enough to produce three children and then willingly walked away. (Unless he walked away a broken man.)

Does he matter to this story at all?

 

My wife always let him in on the kids schedules and when their "functions" were as she would CC me on emails and show me texts she had with him.  He chose not to attend, call them or contact them.  About two years ago (after not seeing them but for an hour at a fast food restaurant in 4 years), he showed up at one of their events and asked to see them for the weekend.  I actually talked to him that day for about 5 minutes and told him, "they needed their father." and he said he wanted to "do the right thing".  The kids asked us what we thought and we both encouraged them it was their decision.  Our oldest daughter said she wasn't going, she didn't trust him and that her dad lived with her (me).  Her oldest son and youngest daughter decided to go and when they got there, he dropped the bomb on them that he was getting re-married.   They were heart broken and called us to come home.  I was pissed and so was she.  he brought them home later that night when they said they didn't want to be there any longer.  It is sad.  

My wife started to go off the deep end when, about a year and a hlaf ago, it was revealed at the time that our Pastor (we were really close to him and his wife and we were the Associate Pastors) was having an affair.  He was like our dad we never had and we loved him.  His wife was like our mom and it hit us very hard.  She even said that was the first Pastor she began to really trust and then boom.  She said it was another "father" in her life that lied to her.  That's when she changed churches, never gave me a choice and started to really make bad decisions and dysregulate almost all the time.  I hope this makes sense and gives you more insight.
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formflier
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« Reply #42 on: March 30, 2015, 09:05:44 AM »

 

So... .where there "hints" of issues with your wife before the pastor's affair?

Is that really when it started? 

Trying to wrap my head around this.

If you remember my story... .natural disaster... .we were out of our house for months.  That was the major trigger.

Looking back... I can now see "hints"... .

FF
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MaroonLiquid
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« Reply #43 on: March 30, 2015, 09:13:57 AM »

So... .where there "hints" of issues with your wife before the pastor's affair?

Is that really when it started? 

Trying to wrap my head around this.

If you remember my story... .natural disaster... .we were out of our house for months.  That was the major trigger.

Looking back... I can now see "hints"... .

FF

Absolutely there were hints that my wife had issues.  She even admitted to things early on in the r/s such as "being outside of her body" (what I now know is dissociation) and not being able to control her anger at the same time and abuse.  I told her the we would figure out why that happened and that we could see someone and we never did.  My fault there.  She is self aware of her issues at times.  Early on, she told me it feels like she is outside of her body when she gets really angry and she is saying to herself, "ML's wife, STOP DOING THAT!" but said she "can't stop it most of the time".  I believe our Pastor's affair was the major trigger for these last 9 months and the day we had our major blow-up, I told her I was too tired to go to the store and that started WWIII when she got home and ultimately led to her getting the other house. 
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Grey Kitty
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« Reply #44 on: March 30, 2015, 09:58:37 AM »

OK Maroon... .I hate to say "I told you so"... .oh never mind that. Everybody loves to say that, we just pretend that we don't to be polite.   

The pattern I've been pointing out to you seems to be playing out.

You can act like a husband and father to your wife, and she responds positively. Even acts like a wife (to the best of her ability). Last evening and last night was excellent that way!

You can use words to ask for it... .and she will reject you or dysregulate at you.

Keep walking this line--You seem to have figured it out. Yes, she will still have 'moments' even if you get it right... .but you have better tools to manage those now.


If I recall correctly, you have another ~week to sign the waiver of service... .or risk her choosing to have you served instead. Obviously, talk to a lawyer before you do anything... .and start working on your plans. Because this is a roadblock that is going to push you off the 'line' when your respond to it, whatever you do.

Here's one interesting idea--you might ask her if she is willing to put the divorce on hold for a year or two so you can keep her and her kids on your insurance.

Think about what you can say or offer for her.

If you are willing to accept a r/s with her where you don't live together, you spend some time with each other's kids, and occasionally end up having good times together alone... .without any real commitment on her part... .it may work for her too.

Unfortunately even asking for it and/or offering it is risky and potentially triggering. Best for you to think about how you can use the best tools to present it... .(Hmmm... .read up on D.E.A.R.M.A.N.)... .and pick a time when she's receptive.
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KateCat
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« Reply #45 on: March 30, 2015, 10:10:26 AM »

Thank you for filling in the details on the bio-father, Maroon. No wonder you are so dedicated to the kids!

 This is the true "deadbeat" type of child support dodger, it seems. Often, all they have to do is show proof of low reported earnings for a few years to escape most consequences of their selfishness. Sometimes a child support agency will succeed in tracking down and seizing assets, but not often. Usually they will put that new truck or boat in a girlfriend's name. Or their mother covers for them in similar ways. On rare occasions, lottery winnings or inheritance distributions can be intercepted. Not often income tax refunds, though, because they usually report "living on air." Sometimes they receive public assistance themselves. Often, just no consequences.

I'm so sorry the kids and your wife have experienced this.

ADDED, due to cross-posting: Grey Kitty's advice is . . . really . . . extraordinary. And here I will quote Darth Vader, because he doesn't get that many quotes: "You know it to be true."
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« Reply #46 on: March 30, 2015, 10:26:52 AM »

 

I'm seeing next big step as talking to L... .and finding out if there are "consequences" for signing... .or not signing... .the waiver of service.

Then... .also ask.  If you don't sign... .will your wife most likely be involved in the decision to actually have you served... .or will lawyer she has hired... .most likely... .just go on about his business and do it.

Fork in road... .and we are guessing at disorder thinking here... .so... .all should be aware... these are educated guesses.

If she is serious... .it won't matter... .she will get you served.

If it is a trial balloon... .who knows what she will do.  Maybe not signing says... .in her mind... ."he wants me... .now I know".

Trial balloon and push pull I guess fall in same category... .

If it is just "bait" to see if you will get angry... react... do all that... .well... .not responding would seem to be best as well.

ok... .end of speculating for now.

Let's see what L says... .and we all know that if she is serious... she will eventually get him served.

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MaroonLiquid
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« Reply #47 on: March 30, 2015, 10:53:05 AM »

OK Maroon... .I hate to say "I told you so"... .oh never mind that. Everybody loves to say that, we just pretend that we don't to be polite.   

The pattern I've been pointing out to you seems to be playing out.

You can act like a husband and father to your wife, and she responds positively. Even acts like a wife (to the best of her ability). Last evening and last night was excellent that way!

You can use words to ask for it... .and she will reject you or dysregulate at you.

Keep walking this line--You seem to have figured it out. Yes, she will still have 'moments' even if you get it right... .but you have better tools to manage those now.

OK, OK, You were right!   Smiling (click to insert in post)  This is very true.  Don't understand how she justifies that in her own mind and don't need to, but very true nonetheless... .

If I recall correctly, you have another ~week to sign the waiver of service... .or risk her choosing to have you served instead. Obviously, talk to a lawyer before you do anything... .and start working on your plans. Because this is a roadblock that is going to push you off the 'line' when your respond to it, whatever you do.

Here's one interesting idea--you might ask her if she is willing to put the divorce on hold for a year or two so you can keep her and her kids on your insurance.

Think about what you can say or offer for her.

If you are willing to accept a r/s with her where you don't live together, you spend some time with each other's kids, and occasionally end up having good times together alone... .without any real commitment on her part... .it may work for her too.

Unfortunately even asking for it and/or offering it is risky and potentially triggering. Best for you to think about how you can use the best tools to present it... .(Hmmm... .read up on D.E.A.R.M.A.N.)... .and pick a time when she's receptive.

I have made it very clear what I want.  I feel responding back is "telling her" that I am ok with the divorce.  Not being a jerk, but I do believe actions speak louder than words.  I will let this week play out some more.  She knows I have received them, so I'm not playing a "cat and mouse" game so to speak.

Thank you for filling in the details on the bio-father, Maroon. No wonder you are so dedicated to the kids!

No problem, and yes, he is a classic case... .It's disgusting actually.

 This is the true "deadbeat" type of child support dodger, it seems. Often, all they have to do is show proof of low reported earnings for a few years to escape most consequences of their selfishness. Sometimes a child support agency will succeed in tracking down and seizing assets, but not often. Usually they will put that new truck or boat in a girlfriend's name. Or their mother covers for them in similar ways. On rare occasions, lottery winnings or inheritance distributions can be intercepted. Not often income tax refunds, though, because they usually report "living on air." Sometimes they receive public assistance themselves. Often, just no consequences. [/quote]
Yeah, there is too many for the courts to deal with, and again, it's disgusting that they continue to let them get away with it.  There is no consequences except to the fathers who can afford it and do pay.  They make an example of them at times (like the one who overpayed and it was big news here).

I'm so sorry the kids and your wife have experienced this.

Thanks.  It's been a nightmare at times and going to court always was a trigger for my wife and rightfully so!

ADDED, due to cross-posting: Grey Kitty's advice is . . . really . . . extraordinary. And here I will quote Darth Vader, because he doesn't get that many quotes: "You know it to be true."

Yeah, it is and yeah I do... .Smiling (click to insert in post)

I'm seeing next big step as talking to L... .and finding out if there are "consequences" for signing... .or not signing... .the waiver of service.

As I said, I'm going to see how the next couple of days go, but I will see a lawyer.  I feel signing is saying the opposite of what I have told her the last two nights. 

Then... .also ask.  If you don't sign... .will your wife most likely be involved in the decision to actually have you served... .or will lawyer she has hired... .most likely... .just go on about his business and do it.

I'm sure she will have to give the ok.  I'm sure she didn't pay a big retainer down or anything... .

Fork in road... .and we are guessing at disorder thinking here... .so... .all should be aware... these are educated guesses.

If she is serious... .it won't matter... .she will get you served.

If it is a trial balloon... .who knows what she will do.  Maybe not signing says... .in her mind... ."he wants me... .now I know".

I know I don't know this for sure, but I still don't believe she wants a divorce.  I know how crazy she gets when she is dysregulated, especially thinking about her "out of body experience" comment she made years ago.

Let's see what L says... .and we all know that if she is serious... she will eventually get him served.

True... .And frankly, I'm not worried about any of it.  I have peace regarding this whole thing... .
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« Reply #48 on: March 30, 2015, 12:11:19 PM »

Maroon I can so clearly see your vision for your future together or should I say perhaps your strategy in keeping with the current context. It's an admirable vision and I can so feel it's the path you want to take and hope for.

Question? What is her vision of her future? Have you asked and explored it from her thoughts and perspective?

When she isn't dysregulated, we have the same vision and goals.  Have for over 6 years... .

Not so certain I can understand this maroon. She's not living with you, is non-repondant when you talk about the future citing; "You know we are getting a divorce? Appraising and apparently in progress of selling the house (perhaps.) Filing the papers... .

So what is her vision of moving forward without you after the divorce she is apparently 'saying' she is set on having? They all seem to be regulated, systematic and rationally thought-out actions on a plan or set course. Not really actions of a dysregulated person shsooting from the hip.

If this is 'bait' you two should think of taking a partnership in professional tuna fishing, you'd clean up with her on the lines.
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« Reply #49 on: March 30, 2015, 12:21:00 PM »

I know I don't know this for sure, but I still don't believe she wants a divorce.  I know how crazy she gets when she is dysregulated, especially thinking about her "out of body experience" comment she made years ago.

After talking about college for the kids and stuff, she then asked if I could still watch the kids when she goes out of town in three weeks.  I said that was my plan and she said, "Well, in light of where we are, I wanted to make sure and would understand if you didn't want to."  I told her that I made it very clear last night where I stood and that a "piece of paper" doesn't change what I want or how I feel.  She asked if I minded if we could get that "ironed out" to ease her mind and I said sure, I can stop by and we could get that taken care of and then watch a movie if she had time.

Your situation is really confusing to me, almost like a soap opera.  Was your wife dysregulated on the phone when she asked that things get ironed out and all that other stuff?  You said sure, you'd stop by and get that taken care of.

What am I missing here, other than the make-out session?  
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formflier
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« Reply #50 on: March 30, 2015, 01:00:52 PM »

 

"ironed out"

What was your understanding of what would be "ironed out"?
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MaroonLiquid
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« Reply #51 on: March 30, 2015, 01:07:23 PM »

Appraising and apparently in progress of selling the house (perhaps.)

This was the house with her husband that was foreclosed on six years ago... .

Your situation is really confusing to me, almost like a soap opera.  

I hear ya!  Why do you think I'm not worked up or worrying about any of this.  Honestly, I have been less emotionally involved in her "stuff" since I got the papers than before.  Laugh out loud (click to insert in post)

Was your wife dysregulated on the phone when she asked that things get ironed out and all that other stuff?  

Not at all.  In fact, we were talking and laughing and I validated the stuff she was talking about and it was pleasant... . 

You said sure, you'd stop by and get that taken care of.

What am I missing here, other than the make-out session?  

You aren't missing anything.  You have all the same facts I do... .

"ironed out"

What was your understanding of what would be "ironed out"?

The plans/schedule for the kids, what they had going on, getting them where they need to go, and how that coincided with my schedule... .
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« Reply #52 on: March 30, 2015, 01:12:22 PM »

 

Maroon,

This certainly is a curious set of events... .I commend you for how you are handling it.

My last bit of concern is about the L.  Best to meed sooner rather than later.  I would really like you to have several days to process things that the L may tell you before you have the deadline for the waiver of service.

FF
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123Phoebe
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« Reply #53 on: March 30, 2015, 01:26:19 PM »

Your situation is really confusing to me, almost like a soap opera.  

I hear ya!  Why do you think I'm not worked up or worrying about any of this.  Honestly, I have been less emotionally involved in her "stuff" since I got the papers than before.  Laugh out loud (click to insert in post)

Okay, so can you describe your New Beginnings & Boundaries?
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Grey Kitty
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« Reply #54 on: March 30, 2015, 01:34:17 PM »

Maroon, I see your best bet to salvage something of a marriage and take care of yourself to require you work two paths:

1. Find a lawyer and make sure you are protecting yourself properly. [Legal issues sound pretty straightforward, but we aren't the people to assess that]

2. "Negotiate" with your wife.

If I recall correctly, you have another ~week to sign the waiver of service... .or risk her choosing to have you served instead. Obviously, talk to a lawyer before you do anything... .and start working on your plans. Because this is a roadblock that is going to push you off the 'line' when your respond to it, whatever you do.

Here's one interesting idea--you might ask her if she is willing to put the divorce on hold for a year or two so you can keep her and her kids on your insurance.

Think about what you can say or offer for her.

If you are willing to accept a r/s with her where you don't live together, you spend some time with each other's kids, and occasionally end up having good times together alone... .without any real commitment on her part... .it may work for her too.

Unfortunately even asking for it and/or offering it is risky and potentially triggering. Best for you to think about how you can use the best tools to present it... .(Hmmm... .read up on D.E.A.R.M.A.N.)... .and pick a time when she's receptive.

I have made it very clear what I want.  I feel responding back is "telling her" that I am ok with the divorce.  Not being a jerk, but I do believe actions speak louder than words.  I will let this week play out some more.  She knows I have received them, so I'm not playing a "cat and mouse" game so to speak.

Maroon, here is where I hope you can take your 'game' up to an even higher level.

First, I believe 100% you are stating what you want clearly to her. I also believe you are not playing cat and mouse games with her.

But stating your position alone is nowhere near accomplishing what you want. I'm gonna bet you want your wife to understand your position when you state it in clear English to her. DUDE. That hasn't worked for the last 9 months. What makes you think it is gonna start now?

I personally hate playing manipulative games and am generally terrible at them. It is incredibly rare for me to suggest anything vaguely resembles playing games... .but I'm also a pragmatist. You've seen things you can do/say (and not do/say) which give your wife an opportunity to make choices that help your marriage. If you want to call it playing games to  act that way and lay good choices in front of her in a way that she might actually pick them up... .call it playing games or being manipulative... .but do it for your r/s and your kids and her kids if it is worth it to you.

She sent you those papers to sign, so the ball ****IS**** in your court. Own that, and make a choice based on your values. I see options for you:

1. Sign the papers. (without saying anything) -- Tacit approval of the divorce.

2. Don't sign the papers (without saying anything) -- Passive/aggressively fighting the divorce, somewhat provocative. She might have you served by law enforcement next.

3. Before the deadline, have some discussion about it with her.

This was what I was suggesting... .with the recommendation that you do two things... .

A. Figure out what you want--do you even want to live separately, co-parent with her, stay married, and be given the sort of mixed messages and dysreguations you've been getting for longer? Are there other options and possibilities you would consider?

(We really can't help you figure out what you want, other than pointing out if you are saying you want something that is 98% certainly beyond your wife's capacity.)

B. Once you know what things you want and what things you would accept... .make a very careful plan of what you are going to present to her and how. Use the best tools to communicate effectively with a pwBPD.

We are here for you to help you on this part.
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« Reply #55 on: March 30, 2015, 02:05:39 PM »

Staff only


This thread has reached its post limit, and is now closed. This is a worthwhile topic, and you are free to start a new thread to continue the conversation. Thanks for your understanding... .
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