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Author Topic: How do you reply to solutions they are providing that are not realistic  (Read 424 times)
ClingToHope

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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Posts: 49


« on: March 22, 2018, 05:59:28 PM »

Hi. Me again
Still struggling with my “this is bull crap” issue from Monday

I’ve recieved great advice on the challenges it has brought and even with validation he has continued to rant so I have kept acknowledging and validating without agreeing because I don’t.
So now he’s making statements for solutions (we have to make a date night and not let anything cancel it) this is not possible for me to guarantee with the issues I am handling with my daughters. And one of his biggest gripes that I make promises and then continue to break them because of my kids.
He’s not wrong but then as my first priority is not going to change any time soon while they need extra attention.
I will offer a compromise for a broken plan and he will resign to that and then half the time I have to cancel those to. (I’m a single mom as far as my kids go)
On level days he understands and it’s no big deal
But when he’s struggling which is often righ now because of the strained situation at home he feels abondoned (I recognize that from my research) and betrayed

So how do I reply to his statements that we have to stick to a plan and how he’s getting tired of being let down
How to I not explain myself again

I’m really sorry for all these questions. I feel like I’m first day on the job and can’t sneeze without instructions ... .sigh
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RELATIONSHIP PROBLEM SOLVING
This is a high level discussion board for solving ongoing, day-to-day relationship conflicts. Members are welcomed to express frustration but must seek constructive solutions to problems. This is not a place for relationship "stay" or "leave" discussions. Please read the specific guidelines for this group.

Jessica84
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Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
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« Reply #1 on: March 22, 2018, 06:22:20 PM »

You are dealing with a houseful of mental issues. I can't imagine how difficult and exhausting that must be for you. You need a vacation! Here's a hug instead--->

Sounds like he doesn't feel like a priority, in fact, that he comes last. That has to hurt, feel frustrating, disappointing, etc - even if he understands it on some level. He's seeking a resolution the best way he knows how (with poor coping skills and unreasonable demands).

How old are your children? Do you have boundaries for them as well? Or do their needs win every time? Asking because if he is the only one facing consequences, then I can see how he might start to feel some injustice there. Not blaming you, most (good) moms would put their kids first, but you may need to find a balance that works for all of you -- yourself included. 
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ClingToHope

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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Posts: 49


« Reply #2 on: March 22, 2018, 06:53:13 PM »

You are dealing with a houseful of mental issues. I can't imagine how difficult and exhausting that must be for you. You need a vacation! Here's a hug instead--->

How old are your children? Do you have boundaries for them as well? Or do their needs win every time? Asking because if he is the only one facing consequences, then I can see how he might start to feel some injustice there. Not blaming you, most (good) moms would put their kids first, but you may need to find a balance that works for all of you -- yourself included. 

Thank you for the hug Smiling (click to insert in post)
I don’t think I’d know what to do with myself on vacation at this point
My girls are 18 and 16
Oldest was in hospital for suicide ideation just before Xmas (my H had a breakdown then too which I could not make a priority to his disappointment
She is doing better and probably the most level of the three at this point but I have to be vigilant on her sliding back into old habits which lead down a dark hole
My youngest is 16 and has struggled with bouts of anxiety most of her life but in the last year it has exploded. She was the disgruntled teen for most of it so I did not pick up on the seriousness of her struggles a lot was because of the constant presence of my H so she rarely got me alone. Yes we’d have a planned night that she blew off half the time but even to drive her somewhere he would insist on coming along.
I did not realized how pressured I felt to placate him and not ask him to stay back or give us the tv room for some girl time ect.  And thinking back I was pressured to move in together probably before I would have suggested it, another long story.
So my youngest has been feeling like a third wheel for a long time. She was prepared to move to her dads even tho it’s not a good environment to make it “easier on everyone” only person it would be easier for in my H and I need to put her well being above his at the moment.
It’s not fair but necessary. I’ve consulted my doctor before I made this decision
And for the first time I feel like I am making my own solid decision.
Putting her needs as a priority right now is a temporary situation as I get her settled in therapy she is aware of this and things are improving
I should mention that when she first broke much of her anxiety and anger was directed to my H largely cause she was jealous of the attention he was getting. She wanted him out and I explained to her that he is going through his own struggles and asked her if he stayed out of the way could we give the therapy and medication time before we made a decision.
She agreed and has made the best of it and it’s a crappy thing to ask of my H. My preference would have been to stay at a friends for a bit instead of isolating him. He replied that he was worried I  would stop loving him if he didn’t stay near me. ... .sigh
She is handling this more maturely than he is. At least I understand why now but it is really hard not to be angry about it and shield the kids from his tantrums (not putting them in danger) so she doesn’t feel bad for asking for help. And she does feel bad at the compromise I asked if my H and is working very hard to get a handle on her stuff

Ok. That’s a huge rant  I’m sorry. And that is a shortened version  

If I lost sight of your questions I’m sorry. I’m really tired and ramble some times

Thank you for your input Smiling (click to insert in post)

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Jessica84
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Gender: Female
What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Posts: 940


« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2018, 08:02:23 PM »

Oh Feisty, I want to scoop you up and take you out for a spa day. Mani/pedi/massage and mai tais!

I hope it helps to "ramble". So... .now I see a bigger picture. For many years, your D wanted more of your attention, and resented your H. Now, it is the other way around. You must feel like a rubber band, pulled from both sides and ready to snap! There is only ONE of you.

You are trying to attend to both, but turned your focus to getting D back to a good place first. Good mom.  Being cool (click to insert in post)  Now H will have to adjust to this shift. I think you can make this easier on him by acknowledging how he feels. He feels hurt, misses you, left behind, wants more of you time/attention, let down, frustrated... .this is the kind of validation he is likely craving  - the need to feel heard/understood. I know how fair that sounds - who is acknowledging YOUR pain? You can come here for that. He can't feel your pain, while his is heightened.

You are best equipped to handle this effectively when YOU are solid, so take care of YOU thru all of this. Put on the oxygen mask first, then give H and D a whiff  Smiling (click to insert in post)
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ClingToHope

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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Posts: 49


« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2018, 08:23:49 PM »

Oh Feisty, I want to scoop you up and take you out for a spa day. Mani/pedi/massage and mai tais!

Lol thanks that would be great. Smiling (click to insert in post)

You are trying to attend to both, but turned your focus to getting D back to a good place first. Good mom.  Being cool (click to insert in post)  Now H will have to adjust to this shift. I think you can make this easier on him by acknowledging how he feels. He feels hurt, misses you, left behind, wants more of you time/attention, let down, frustrated... .this is the kind of validation he is likely craving  - the need to feel heard/understood.

You are correct on how he is feeling and I do acknowledge often and thank him for his patience (even if it’s not always true)
The pickle I’m in is I try to make arrangements to give him time and stuff but it’s been getting cancelled more often than not, to me for a valid reason. My daughter. Its not like I bail to go hang with friends or something
Her attacks are out of my control and plans need to be adjusted at a moments notice sometimes.
I get accused of being untrustworthy and unreliable  that I make outrageous decisions   I’m used to that so water off my back

He starts telling me what we have to do “like not cancelling our plans no matter what”
I know he’s grasping at straws to make his world more settled
That’s not something I can promise at this point
So what do I say?

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