BPDFamily.com

Relationship Partner with BPD (Straight and LGBT+) => Romantic Relationship | Conflicted About Continuing, Divorcing/Custody, Co-parenting => Topic started by: byfaith on August 04, 2016, 01:03:52 PM



Title: Fear factor lower
Post by: byfaith on August 04, 2016, 01:03:52 PM
I think "fear" of the unknown has allowed me to let the things happen that have happened. The thought of establishing a particular boundary brought with it thoughts of being verbally degraded and belittled. Last week's degrading remarks pushed me to the other side (the side of not letting them get to me as bad).


That feeling of fear is slowly going away. I had to get to this point of not worrying about all of the consequences.

just an observation I wanted to share.


Title: Re: Fear factor lower
Post by: HopefulDad on August 04, 2016, 01:15:14 PM
That's growth.  Keep up the good work.


Title: Re: Fear factor lower
Post by: Cat Familiar on August 04, 2016, 03:25:38 PM
Here's the deal in a relationship with a pwBPD: they typically aren't worried about consequences, so the non usually takes up the slack.  

With my first marriage, I had to get to a point where "consequences be damned," I was out of the marriage. Since we shared a business together and property, I had no idea how I was going to unravel the knot that bound us, but slowly, bit by bit, I untwisted it and thank goodness I did. I don't know if I'd be alive today if I hadn't--and that's not hyperbole.

So with my current marriage, having that reference experience of total bewilderment, wondering how I'd extract myself, but needing to do so, I'm much better with boundaries. That said, I don't always impose boundaries as soon as would be optimal, but I'm learning. I've had this attitude that "I can just take it" but I don't want to "take it" any more and there's no reason for me to stick around and hear negative crap, so I'm extracting myself sooner rather than later these days.


Title: Re: Fear factor lower
Post by: Mutt on August 04, 2016, 06:38:25 PM
Hi byfaith,

I can relate with your post. I set boundaries after the marriage was over so it's probably harder for you because you're in the r/s. I was so worried about the backlash.

Excerpt
Since we shared a business together and property, I had no idea how I was going to unravel the knot that bound us, but slowly, bit by bit, I untwisted it and thank goodness I did

It gradually gets easier until it becomes second nature and you don't worry as much about the other person, boundaries is really about self compassion, self care and protection.

Excerpt
The thought of establishing a particular boundary brought with it thoughts of being verbally degraded and belittled

This is most likely lashing out because the person is not used to it, it'll die down. You probably already know this but another boundary is to step out of the house if you're getting verbally attacked.


Title: Re: Fear factor lower
Post by: Lucky Jim on August 05, 2016, 11:03:38 AM
Hey by faith, It's OK to be afraid, but personal freedom comes from doing things even when we are afraid.  What's the worst that can happen?  Verbal abuse?  Belittling?  Degrading comments?  Suggest that you decline to engage in the drama.  Leave the room; leave the house; leave the r/s if you have to.

LuckyJim