What Would You Have Done?

[Stickler]

Wow...so when you try and talk about your past, your wife shuts you down like that?

 

[Tinyflame]

I think it's true that a parent- child dynamic is not helpful, & it's up to each person to try to be a supportive partner, & it's surely true that supporters can burn out & suffer too. Then again, there are times when anyone can be devastated or shut down, without ptsd too. It is a terrible situation & experience to be kicked when one is down & can't help being down. Because that is when one is most vulnerable. But I think vulnerability can trigger that in some others.. maybe they see it as weakness or potential need, maybe it brings out fear. Oddly enough it's often those closest who can respond in the most deleterious or violent ways, since ironically they see us when most vulnerable.

You can't change any of the past @Bookoffee but you haven't done something awful either.

I hope & offer best wishes that you can find ways of improvement, & reduce some of the negative exposure & increase positives. :hug:

 

[Bookoffee]

Thank you everyone. We have been able to talk more and I was able to go over my recovery plan with her. Today is her birthday and she has thanked me and told me that this has been the most relaxed she has felt on a birthday in a long time.

I baked three dozen chocolate chip cookies from scratch and we are going to make ice cream sandwiches with them later together.

I feel a step in the right direction.