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  • Jul 9, 2009, 09:58 AM
    Justwantfair
    It's funny because I haven't said anything about the situation at work, but as you know yesterday, I spent most of the day bawling in my office, with the one attorney consistently asking 'are you okay?' which would only promote more bawling...

    This morning, my other boss, brought me chocolate, not sure why, but she placed it on my desk... they have to be completely lost with what my problem is.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:09 AM
    Alty
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Justwantfair View Post
    It's funny because I haven't said anything about the situation at work, but as you know yesterday, I spent most of the day bawling in my office, with the one attorney consistently asking 'are you okay?' which would only promote more bawling...

    This morning, my other boss, brought me chocolate, not sure why, but she placed it on my desk... they have to be completely lost with what my problem is.

    That's so sweet. Chocolate is a cure for many things. Personally, good chocolate is better then bad sex. Just my opinion. ;)
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:12 AM
    kctiger
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Altenweg View Post
    That's so sweet. Chocolate is a cure for many things. Personally, good chocolate is better then bad sex. Just my opinion. ;)

    What kind of chocolate do you eat? :cool:
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:12 AM
    redhed35

    Hey justy,just saying hey,see how you were doing,I see alty has the ball,your in save hands.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:15 AM
    Alty
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by kctiger View Post
    What kind of chocolate do you eat? :cool:

    Only the very best KC. :D

    I said bad sex. Good sex is better then anything, even great chocolate.

    Wrong thread? :o
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:19 AM
    Justwantfair
    Honestly, these are like truffles, they have like a powdered chocolate on them... they look EXPENSIVE. It's such a waste on me. I like certain candy bars straight out of the fridge... Snickers, Reese's, Andy's candies, nothing too fancy. I don't even know what to do with this chocolate.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:25 AM
    Alty
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Justwantfair View Post
    Honestly, these are like truffles, they have like a powdered chocolate on them... they look EXPENSIVE. It's such a waste on me. I like certain candy bars straight out of the fridge... Snickers, Reese's, Andy's candies, nothing too fancy. I don't even know what to do with this chocolate.

    Put it in your mouth and eat it.

    Or send it to me, I'll eat it.

    Let it melt in your mouth, savor it, enjoy it.

    Damnit. Now I want chocolate. :(
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:25 AM
    redhed35
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Justwantfair View Post
    Honestly, these are like truffles, they have like a powdered chocolate on them... they look EXPENSIVE. It's such a waste on me. I like certain candy bars straight out of the fridge... Snickers, Reese's, Andy's candies, nothing too fancy. I don't even know what to do with this chocolate.

    Melt them down...
    Stick in your finger.
    Enjoy the suger rush.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:28 AM
    Alty
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by redhed35 View Post
    melt them down...
    stick in your finger.
    enjoy the suger rush.

    I'm picturing it.

    I can almost taste it.

    I'm drooling on my keyboard. :(
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:30 AM
    redhed35

    As I type with one finger I'm eating a chocolate muffin,the type with the gooey stuff in the middle...
    De-lish.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:33 AM
    artlady

    I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this hon.

    Five years is a big investment.
    Correct me if I'm wrong but I never heard that single mothers were unweddable.

    I have been a single Mom for many years and I always thought we were a woman apart,yes,because we had to face the challenges on our own and we had to be strong and persevere in the face of many obstacles.Strong and tough,yes,unweddable,news to me.

    Hang in there hon,you know we are all in your corner!
  • Jul 9, 2009, 10:38 AM
    Justwantfair
    I think this is only in his world.
    He is a Momma's boy and I always have thought that this hang up was passed on to him through her. He has NO experience with a non-nuclear family, not a single remarried family in his devote Catholic Italian family heritage.
    Unfortunately, despite that thought, his mother disconfirmed my theory when she stated she loved the kids and wondered herself what the obsticle was.
    I am at a loss and trying to stop the analytical side of me from running my head. I don't need an explanation although I desperately want one.

    EDIT: Added information.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 11:01 AM
    talaniman
    In reading this post, and know what your going through, as I was looking for words to encourage, and support you, my friend, I noticed your signature, and thought how prophetic those lines were.

    Despite all the misery, pain, and confusion that now surrounds you, I have a feeling that I should be complimenting your strength and willingness to go through this tough time, as many would not just leave their comfort zone to do the right thing for themselves. Maybe you can't see it now, but have faith that we certainly can.

    You just hang in there, and trust yourself, that you will get through this as you have other challenges you have already faced down, and conquered. I so admire the willingness you continue to show, to take the risk, and shake it up, when you see the course your on isn't working, and your looking for a better path.

    All I can do is give you a big ole cyber hug, and tell you to go for it!!

    I like it when someone is willing to go for there own happiness.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 11:06 AM
    Justwantfair
    Thank you, that means a lot coming from you Tal.

    I am working through this one day at a time, but you are right to say that I am leaving the comfort zone, not because I can't handle it, but because I don't want to.

    I deserve better then the offer of a life together without marriage.
    My children deserve better then someone who doesn't see them as the gift of life that they are.

    Up and down, carnival ride. Eventually the ride will stop and I can get off.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 04:30 PM
    friend4u178

    Justy
    Sorry I just stumbled on this and really can't add to what everyone else has already said.

    Just wanted to show my support and let you know I think you'll be fine once all the dust has settled. You deserve someone who can make you eternally happy and this is just one of the stepping stones to get there. Better it happened now than wasting another 5 years.

    Chin up Hon , we'll all be here for you if needed!
  • Jul 9, 2009, 07:22 PM
    Justwantfair
    Thanks M.

    I am still in a state of confusion and talking to our next door neighbor has left me a bit more confused.

    He is really into the relationship, marriage matters stuff and he is busy pointing out all the progress we have made. I know that he likes us together and he is trying to help, but it left me more confused that I am walking away from five years too soon.

    He does know us both personally and he did give me some things to mull over. ::sigh::
  • Jul 9, 2009, 07:57 PM
    talaniman
    Fact is he is not addressing your feelings at this time, and for whatever reason that is, not talking about it doesn't help at all. Have you examined your own reasons for wanting to be married, and why is it that important to you?/ Another question is can he work with you? He hasn't so far. Just me, I would let him know his comments about who he would marry, was an insult, and I don't blame you for re-evaluating your situation, and wanting out.
  • Jul 9, 2009, 08:09 PM
    Justwantfair
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by talaniman View Post
    Fact is he is not addressing your feelings at this time, and for whatever reason that is, not talking about it doesn't help at all. Have you examined your own reasons for wanting to be married, and why is it that important to you?/ Another question is can he work with you?? He hasn't so far. Just me, I would let him know his comments about who he would marry, was an insult, and I don't blame you for re-evaluating your situation, and wanting out.

    I think that is the part that is neglected from the whole thread because there has been so much going between us.

    The neighbor who is really into personality traits sympathizes with both sides, but the fact that he was stressing most was that we did have progress, it was just not progress the way or as fast as I want it. He has been working on these commitment issues steadily for the last two years, but the progress is slow.

    We aren't talking but it's possibly because my partner is processing my conversation. I think that I am right for how I feel. The neighbor agreed with that, but was more on the side of walking away from five years. Our situation complicated by children and living together and a high-quality relationship outside of my partner's ability to commit to marriage.

    I have wanted marriage for quite some time. I know that he wants children of his own and at 34 and 30, with my tubes tied, there isn't too much more time to be stalling. In the end, I may get what I want, while he won't get what he wants because he just wants to sit on the pot.

    I love him for who he is, if he could commit to marriage, I wouldn't have two more words to say about the situation. But five years seems a fair amount of time to wait. I am more confused now then before. Not because I am wrong, but because I only half want what is right.

    I won't stay without some conversation about this situation and an idea of what the root of this problem is, because I don't think that the root is that he doesn't love me and the kids.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:06 AM
    88sunflower
    Checking in on you justy.
    Hope your holding out well today. Sure hope you ate those pretty chocolates to!
    I was reading your last post and it got me thinking maybe there is something deeper to him about all this. Maybe he doesn't even know. Maybe he can't express his feelings in to words for you to understand. But I still think he has had every chance to make you his wife. He has failed for his own foolish reasons.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:07 AM
    Justwantfair
    So we had a conversation this morning about the situation, the conversation wasn't completed, but there seems to be some frustrations on both sides about our relationship.

    He once again admitted that he is emotional not as open as I would like but that he has been putting a lot of effort into trying to move forward. I think that he feels like I should always feel and be aware of these efforts and he should be getting credit although for me they are baby steps.

    We talked about how my frustrations that have been coming out in snide, smart arse remarks are under his skin and he is sick of dealing with it. I think the frustrations on both ends are growing and causing more turmoil. I don't feel great about the conversation, but I see some of my own errors in the failures we are currently having.

    So I guess I will have to wait until the conversation is completed.

    Feedback?
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:18 AM
    kctiger

    My only feedback would be to continue the conversations. Sometimes, especially for a guy like him who internalizes everything, you just need to let it out. Scream, yet at the top of your lungs, anything to just get that mess out of your system (and I don't mean yell at you, but just to find some way to vent). I hate to say it, but perhaps these conversations are coming a bit too late? At any rate, hopefully this can be worked out and you two can see, with an objectional viewpoint, the faults both of you carry into this.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:19 AM
    88sunflower
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Justwantfair View Post
    So we had a conversation this morning about the situation, the conversation wasn't completed, but there seems to be some frustrations on both sides about our relationship.

    He once again admitted that he is emotional not as open as I would like but that he has been putting alot of effort into trying to move forward. I think that he feels like I should always feel and be aware of these efforts and he should be getting credit although for me they are baby steps.

    We talked about how my frustrations that have been coming out in snide, smart arse remarks are under his skin and he is sick of dealing with it. I think the frustrations on both ends are growing and causing more turmoil. I don't feel great about the conversation, but I see some of my own errors in the failures we are currently having.

    So I guess I will have to wait til the conversation is completed.

    Feedback?

    I think you should feel great about the conversation because it was exactly that, a conversation. That's a start. My husband doesn't talk at all and when he tries he doesn't know how to express his feelings. I have to ask him little things at a time to understand his point. I wouldn't take the blame totally in this. But he has to understand maybe your snide remarks would be less if he were more open to the topic and willing to discuss it more. Its like your playing off each others frustrations. He hears a smart remark from you and he tenses up and clams up. In return you see that and it makes more tension and more remarks from you. You have at least brought that in to the light now. Ask him if he understands why you make these remarks and ask him if he understands how you might feel. Don't leave this conversation where its at. You sit him down and continue it where you left off. Ask ask ask. If he doesn't answer or avoids something then reword the question. But certainly this morning wasn't a failure by any means.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:25 AM
    Justwantfair
    I am a pretty objective person. I wasn't doubting my own faults (although I do see his a lot clearer than my own). :p

    I guess the conversation with our neighbor has me all messed up. The neighbor noted lots of things that my partner had progressed with. He told me that while it's so minor to me, it's huge steps for him. That if I am getting 10% progress then I should be understanding, because the progress is there. He went on to talk about the more internal a person is, the slower, but more permanent the change. If my partner were able to offer a ring tomorrow, it would make him more likely to be the partner that would file for divorce just as quickly. That my partner's progress is way slower but way more permanent so that once the change is made there isn't a turn back. Does that make sense? I guess it made sense to me, but then it also put me back on another five year plan... ::shakes head::

    He wants me to hold off until August and go with him (the neighbor) to some of his Marriage Matters seminars.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:34 AM
    Justwantfair
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 88sunflower View Post
    I think you should feel great about the conversation because it was exactly that, a conversation. Thats a start. My husband doesnt talk at all and when he tries he doesnt know how to express his feelings. I have to ask him little things at a time to understand his point. I wouldnt take the blame totally in this. But he has to understand maybe your snide remarks would be less if he were more open to the topic and willing to discuss it more. Its like your playing off each others frustrations. He hears a smart remark from you and he tenses up and clams up. In return you see that and it makes more tension and more remarks from you. You have atleast brought that in to the light now. Ask him if he understands why you make these remarks and ask him if he understands how you might feel. Dont leave this conversation where its at. You sit him down and continue it where you left off. Ask ask ask. If he doesnt answer or avoids something then reword the question. But certainly this morning wasnt a failure by any means.

    I think this morning was progressive. I think that although I have approached the conversation in the past, he worries that telling me how he feels will often lead to fighting. Most often his vents and frustrations focus around housework... his love language is 'acts of service' and he is OCD, so it's like housework not getting done or that is neglected for a day throws him into all sorts of chaos.

    I think there was some buildup behind this and if we can break down some of where the buildup came from. Like I told him this morning, I tell him probably every time I get frustrated with him and because he isn't emotionally open, I don't feel heard, so I tend to readdress and readdress the same issue rather than see that he is working on what my complaint was. I continue to nag about the original complaint because he never addressed my feelings with words, he just changed his actions... which should get him more credit then I give.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:42 AM
    88sunflower
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Justwantfair View Post
    I think this morning was progressive. I think that although I have approached the conversation in the past, he worries that telling me how he feels will often lead to fighting. Most often his vents and frustrations focus around housework... his love language is 'acts of service' and he is OCD, so it's like housework not getting done or that is neglected for a day throws him into all sorts of chaos.

    I think there was some buildup behind this and if we can break down some of where the buildup came from. Like I told him this morning, I tell him probably every time I get frustrated with him and because he isn't emotionally open, I don't feel heard, so I tend to readdress and readdress the same issue rather than see that he is working on what my complaint was. I continue to nag about the original complaint because he never addressed my feelings with words, he just changed his actions... which should get him more credit then I give.

    That makes so much sense to me. I know where your coming from with that. Are you sure your not dating my husband? So much the same.
    Would he be willing to do to these seminars with you? Maybe that would help him also. Does he realize the stats out there on single mothers? Does he realize not taking the leap with you will more then likely only lead him to another single mother? Maybe if you talk it over with him about what the neighbor said he might want to go to a seminar to. Go once at least because what's it going to hurt? If you get nothing at all out of it then I guess that's at least something. But you really need to keep your dreams and feelings up front about this. He is coming around slowely. But when will he do the full circle. In another 5 years?
  • Jul 10, 2009, 07:50 AM
    Justwantfair
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 88sunflower View Post
    In another 5 years?

    That is my biggest question.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:03 AM
    88sunflower
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Justwantfair View Post
    That is my biggest question.

    Make sure you get that out there next time you talk. Make sure it sinks in and he knows it. But when this is all said and done, what if he did propose? Would you spend the rest of your life wondering if you pushed him in to it? I hate to say to that but you have to think of yourself in this also. He has to do it because its right for him and its time. But will he cave under the pressure and just do it? Does that make sense?
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:05 AM
    Justwantfair
    That is why I won't address it and I feel that is a lot of his backlash.

    I have always put the pressure out there, not for pressure's sake, but for the fact that it's already like we are married. I think in the end, to move forward, I will be the one who has to step down, in order for him to step up.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:09 AM
    88sunflower
    Whatever you need to do. Its your life and happiness. Your so smart and strong I have seen it in these threads. Just don't step down and settlel for less when you deserve more. You have proven to him and its still not enough ( to me it seems )
    Take this big hug and if you need to break down here a good dry shoulder to slop up.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:17 AM
    roxypox
    As I've read to the treads I really don't feel I have anything to contribute (that would be constructive), but I do want you to know that I'm here and you've got my sympathies and shoulder and whatever else you might need.

    Also sunflowers latest post do hold a very important point... in the end it really is about your happiness, your life... and if he can't give you what you need, then in the end it might be better to leave it behind. Even though that's a painful decision to make! 5 years is a long time and you've made a big investment! Gosh it always grips me... how sometimes even though you want something to work out, and you want something with every fiber in your body... and you lay down years of your time, your love and devotion... :sigh:...

    I really wish you the best of everything!

    A huge hug goes out to you Justy!!
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:22 AM
    Justwantfair
    Thank you both for your support.

    It is a difficult fork in the road and I am not sure how the rest of the conversation will go. If he is willing to go to the seminar, that would be the most significant thing to me. Acknowledging a problem is one thing, but facing it head on would be a bigger step. I think that it could potential make us stronger and we do have great qualities in a relationship that are hard to come by, so working on these issues could make our relationship great.

    I will keep everyone posted and thanks once again to everyone for the support and the sounding board. In addition to all of the great reflection I will have if this all blows up in my face and I am still on hold in a year. :eek:
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:28 AM
    roxypox

    So true, there really is a difference in acknowledging and in facing a problem... but it is a start though... there is no hope of fixing a problem, if the partners involved can't see or express what that problem is.

    I hope the rest of the conversation goes well...
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:32 AM
    roxypox

    Another thing that I've kind of been thinking about your situation... is that even if the two of you go towards a break-up, I'm glad that you have the emotional tools that you have and from former posts (even though it is harder to follow our own advice then to give it) you really do strike me a reflected person, who have many many things going for her (intellectually as well as in other ways)!
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:39 AM
    Justwantfair
    Thank you, I honestly don't see either situation as a losing situation, he grows or I leave for new experiences. Just different results to the roads.

    I am way more hopeful that he is willing to continue to grow and work on the issues.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 08:41 AM
    88sunflower
    See you already have a positive look on it. That's great that you can see that and voice it. It's a winning situation either way. Its just a hard road to get there.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 09:32 AM
    roxypox

    I'm glad that this is the way you have chosen to look at your situation! Either way, both of you will hopefully be an experience richer. (or even several.)

    That's another thing I like about you justy, the way you chose to look at the matters at hand.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 09:43 AM
    Justwantfair
    ::blushing:: Thank you Roxy.
  • Jul 10, 2009, 09:47 AM
    Justwantfair
    A young couple moved into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they were eating breakfast, the young woman saw her neighbor hanging the wash outside.
    'That laundry is not very clean,' she said. 'She doesn't know how to wash correctly.
    Perhaps she needs better laundry soap.'

    Her husband looked on, but remained silent.

    Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.

    About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband:

    'Look, she has learned how to wash correctly. I wonder who taught her this.'

    The husband said, 'I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows.'

    And so it is with life. What we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look.
  • Jul 13, 2009, 07:13 AM
    Justwantfair
    So the conversation didn't go the way I had hoped. I feel a bit lost with the situation. We both aired a lot of frustrations that were not being communicated appropriately previous to this. He said he understands I want to get married, but he is not ready, no indication of if he ever will be. Which is confusing because in almost every aspect it is like we already are married, maybe it is just to keep walking away easier? The only explanation I can gather.

    So last night the conversation was left that we are both fed up with each other. That we have until the next day in court to decide how we want to go forward. He was very pessimistic throughout the conversation, where there weren't good times or good things to talk about, only a lot of pent up frustration with feeling like I treat him poorly. :(

    Today: Still lost.
  • Jul 13, 2009, 07:18 AM
    I wish

    I'm going to have to be the devil's advocate here.

    I'm really sorry to hear about your most recent fight. You've asked for advice on your situation for about a year.

    If you read your first post and your last post, it seems like there hasn't been much progress in your relationship with your boyfriend.

    I hate to point this out, but after 1 year and little or no progress, with the help of all these experts, it might be time to call it quits.

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