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Skills we were never taught
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A 3 Minute Lesson
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Author Topic: communicate changes in relationship  (Read 544 times)
anon156

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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Posts: 20


« on: February 24, 2018, 10:20:06 PM »

Hi all

How would one communicate changes in feel of the relationship without causing a conflict?

I know there are many peaks and troughs in relationships, especially with pwBPD. Recently I have started to feel as though we are more friends than in a relationship, we seem to have lost our sparkle! our sex lives have been lacking (prefers to fall asleep drunk with cuddles) and she has even become apologetic after an argument? REALLY!

What do you think all this could mean? My gut tells me she is cheating, but I have gone through these thoughts and motions before just to find I am incorrect.

Chances are all the above will change in a few days to a week, as they have before.

Any insights would be appreciated... .







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pearlsw
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« Reply #1 on: February 25, 2018, 08:32:28 AM »

Hi anon156,

I've been wanting to discuss this topic as well - hopefully others will join us! How and when do you deliver such information? I am not sure. I tend to want to do it when he is in a calm mode, but I am so nervous about what drama might get sparked. I think keeping things short and direct helps when speaking to my h, but your partner might want more discussion. I would definitely not JADE and be sure I was decided before I brought up the topic of ending the relationship or I might cave in.

Can you write out here what you'd want to say and we can all take a look?

warmly, pearl.
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I_Am_The_Fire
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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Ex-romantic partner
Relationship status: Divorced
Posts: 279



« Reply #2 on: February 25, 2018, 08:58:22 AM »

Communicating to someone how you feel about your relationship could go either way. I believe it depends on the person you're talking and how you bring it up. For me, I would prefer if someone were to be calm, empathetic, caring and genuinely concerned if they were to bring something like that to my attention. I calm demeanor helps too. For example, once in awhile my fiance will ask me if we're okay, how we're doing. His approach isn't accusatory. It isn't harsh. We don't accuse each other of anything. I don't get defensive and we have a good conversation and we're doing great.

My ex (uBPD\NPD) was much different. Pretty much every time he brought something to my attention about our marriage, his approach was accusatory and aggressive. All that did was put me on edge. I knew from past experiences with him that if he asked me a question and if my answer didn't match what he thought, then I was "obviously lying" when I wasn't. It was messed up.

In general, I think BPD people tend to be high-conflict. So I don't know if you can avoid conflict or drama.

What's wrong with her apologizing after an argument? That doesn't sound like a problem to me. Am I missing something?

I think it may help if you start with "I feel". Feelings aren't wrong.

Why does your gut tell you she's cheating when you've been down that road before only to find that you were wrong? Why is that where you go when it could be so many other things? 

Relationships go through cycles. I think that's normal.
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anon156

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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Posts: 20


« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2018, 04:57:54 PM »

What's wrong with her apologizing after an argument? That doesn't sound like a problem to me. Am I missing something?

Absolutely nothing, it’s just a change in her regular behaviour. Before recent times she would never ever apologise. I would always be too blame.

This switch in behaviour I find odd.

Why does your gut tell you she's cheating when you've been down that road before only to find that you were wrong? Why is that where you go when it could be so many other things? 

When we first met she told me she had never been faithful to any of her past partners her whole life. This has stuck with me. On many occasions if a conflict has risen because of my ‘paranoia’ she would always reassure me that I am the only man she has ever been faithful too and she has made a change.

I work night shifts and she is always at home. We have a ritual, every night I will call her at the same time to wish goodnight. Or she will call me...

Recently I have been unable to reach her at these times, her excuse is she has fallen asleep early (could be true who knows). Throughout the day on these particular nights she would always make reference of how she is planning to read a book in bed tonight... as if she is setting the scene?

Maybe I am being paranoid but lately she has proven herself to be a liar and very sneaky indeed with another situation that has risen

I think it may help if you start with "I feel". Feelings aren't wrong.
 

Great advice, I have already began using this technique.
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