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Relationship Partner with BPD (Straight and LGBT+) => Romantic Relationship | Bettering a Relationship or Reversing a Breakup => Topic started by: Bee Girl on April 25, 2014, 09:23:31 AM



Title: Validation rules
Post by: Bee Girl on April 25, 2014, 09:23:31 AM
Hello,

I just wanted to share a small success that is largely due to the learning I've gotten from this site. My bf came home yesterday ranting about something frustrating he'd encountered at work, and instead of trying to (control) de-escalate his rant as I previously would have (perhaps by pointing out that maybe these people weren't incompetent, maybe they were given bad instruction or having a bad day, etc.),  I just listened and validated.

At the end of an admittedly short and reasonable venting he smiled and said "Wow, you're saying all the right things!" and gave me a big hug. We then talked about going grocery shopping.

It's the little things. Thank you.


Title: Re: Validation rules
Post by: ziniztar on April 25, 2014, 02:26:13 PM
YAY! I'm so happy for you, that is wonderful. 

I'd like to add my mini-succes story as well. It has less to do with him and more with me. When my dBPDbf is venting now, I no longer see it as a disinterest in me - which used to get me angry and sometimes us in a fight. As you did; I listen, validate, which makes him "land back" earlier than before, leaving more room for genuine interest in my day. I've accepted that he'll always "go first" and we've had wonderful stress-free how-was-your-day-talks now.

|iiii

What about a separate mini-succes-road-to-recovery thread? I feel the big thread is for the "WE'VE MADE IT" stories that can take years. I'd like to share mini-successes as well and they can encourage others to take it step by step.


Title: Re: Validation rules
Post by: Bee Girl on April 26, 2014, 07:59:55 AM
I'm all for that! It helps to see the way that the tools work and the road to "we've made it" works.