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by: sickandtired -
Giving him one more chance after 16 months of no contact could backfire on you and cause you more pain and confusion. I broke up with my ex, gave him one more chance to work on our relationship, and he jumped at the chance, promising he would put in the work for better communication and meeting my needs. I was buoyed by feelings of hope for us again, only for him to move back in, not changing anything in his behaviors, losing his temper even more easily than before, and constantly blaming me for being...>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: J -
I'll try and pull a few things you ( guys ) said which is based on my own internal turmoil at times. Words here, are important, to accurately describe my feelings. C, I'm also happy that you've found the peace you've been waiting for. Living with a purely self centered person ( as it sounds ) would be an excersise in futility and a very unrewarding experience from the sound of it. I can't imagine being very happy under those circumstances. And Swedish, your mention of finding a "normal"...>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: c ur self -
For many years I have just existed...I am starting to feel alive again! :)>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: c ur self -
You two need a third party it sounds like...The first thing about reconciliation is respect...There is no use in attempting it unless roles are respected...I love my ex...But, that has nothing to do what destroyed our relationship...If a man or women demands by their life pursuits to take an unacceptable road the spouse can't respect, it will be very hard...We have to both agree on what our husband and wife roles are in each others day to day life, and be at peace with that...Then it can be beautiful...>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: c ur self -
Most all of what you say here I agree with...This video is 100% dead on concerning my ex...The deal breaker is the blindness, the justification of the self centeredness, and no effort to recognize the impact on others, seek help... Nothing about her life will change other than she will have to be adult accountable (No one to use)...Me? Let out of a cold hoarded prison w/no fellowship or companionship from the one person who had vowed to be my person!>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: c ur self -
I've spoken many times about acceptance of our different realities in marriage...And I believe it...But, when I accept you for you...There is still a story there...There are still possibilities and impossibilities based on the existing day to day realities...At some point after 16 years, I accepted the existing realities we were living through, would never produce a product where both parties were loved and cared for... I am single now...I am doing some remodeling of my house now that it is not...>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: Swedish coast -
Probably the best outcome is always a balance act between acceptance and reasonable expectations between two adult people. The conflicts and trouble of ADD marriage are fading in memory. Instead I’m looking for a way to energize myself by love and understanding. Guess it’s a healthy sign.>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: c ur self -
In marriage how do you validate a spouse's emotions who needs you to not matter? Who's life style is built around taking advantage of you? (Your efforts?)...If the circumstance's of our shared life is, I am not fulfilling my vow's and obligations as your spouse, (doing the work) but, I need you to pet my emotions, and not speak about it...What is that? Where does that leave you? Love will hear, self centeredness will walk away...Love cares, a mind consumed by itself, will always look for...>>> on Forum topic - Emotional safety
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by: sickandtired -
Thank you Swedish, for being realistic about ADHD relationships. Most of what the OP has stated are basic marriage counseling concepts that DO NOT work when ADHD is running rampant. My ex never recognized my emotional pain, and he certainly never offered reassurance or emotional support. Instead, he blamed me for all of his problems that he had even before meeting me. I took my adhd ex boyfriend to many relationship counselors, and they all said that he needed to go to individual counseling focusing...>>> on Forum topic - Supporting Each Other: Mental Health in Marriage
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by: J -
Open communication can be tentative at best. Contingent on many things. It's a delicate process.>>> on Forum topic - Supporting Each Other: Mental Health in Marriage
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by: Swedish coast -
Sorry to mention it, but one problem with ADHD is it impairs the ability to communicate clearly, and to perceive what damage the ADHD partner’s actions do to their partner.>>> on Forum topic - Supporting Each Other: Mental Health in Marriage
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by: dmpro -
Absolutely! Mental health plays a crucial role in the foundation of a strong and lasting marriage. When both partners prioritize open communication and self-care, they create a space where love and support can truly flourish. It's inspiring to see discussions like this that emphasize the importance of emotional well-being—not just individually, but as a couple. A marriage where both partners feel heard, valued, and supported is one that can withstand life’s challenges. Thank you for highlighting such...>>> on Forum topic - Supporting Each Other: Mental Health in Marriage
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by: Gadi Harshini -
dear Great tip I’m so glad this community has been a source of comfort for you. You’re absolutely right—people who haven’t been in this situation often don’t understand the depth of the struggle, and it’s not as simple as just walking away. Your feelings and experiences are valid, and it’s so important to have a space where you feel truly heard and supported. You’re not alone in this, and I hope you continue to find strength and encouragement here.>>> on Forum topic - I feel trapped in my marriage. I need help!
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by: Gadi Harshini -
It sounds like you're carrying a lot, and I just want to acknowledge how hard that is. It’s not easy to break out of the role that others have come to expect from you, especially when you’ve been the one always putting others first. But your feelings, needs, and well-being matter just as much as anyone else’s. It’s really powerful that you’re recognizing this and allowing yourself the space to learn, grow, and seek support. You absolutely deserve to feel safe, respected, and happy—without guilt...>>> on Forum topic - I feel trapped in my marriage. I need help!
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by: Gadi Harshini -
It sounds like you're carrying a lot, and I just want to acknowledge how hard that is. It’s not easy to break out of the role that others have come to expect from you, especially when you’ve been the one always putting others first. But your feelings, needs, and well-being matter just as much as anyone else’s. It’s really powerful that you’re recognizing this and allowing yourself the space to learn, grow, and seek support. You absolutely deserve to feel safe, respected, and happy—without guilt...>>> on Forum topic - I feel trapped in my marriage. I need help!
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by: RandomAccess -
First off thank you for adding to the discussion. I get where you're coming from, and it's very mindful that you're aiming for a gentle approach. Just keep in mind that these feelings can go both ways, and you're trying to have a discussion with your partner about your feelings, not any misgivings. I'm sure you've tried initiating more, and haven't gotten the results you've gotten. Dealing and comforting feelings of inadequacy can be...tough. The only real answer is constant gentle...>>> on Forum topic - Hoping for an open discussion on intimacy
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by: hollow -
Thank you Gadi... "You deserve to feel safe, respected, and loved in a way that nourishes you." I often forget this, because of my self-sacrifice complex. I tend to put everybody's needs and wants before mine because I thought at first it was the right thing to do, but now I think it's because everybody just expects that from me. I'm always the patient one, the kind one, the selfless one, the one you can count on no matter what... and lately living with this rolls is taking a heavy toll on me...>>> on Forum topic - I feel trapped in my marriage. I need help!
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by: Gadi Harshini -
This is such a thoughtful and important discussion. Mental health can deeply impact a marriage, and acknowledging its role is the first step toward a stronger, more supportive relationship. Open communication, patience, and mutual understanding are key to navigating these challenges together. It’s also encouraging to see an emphasis on self-care—not just for one partner, but for both. A healthy marriage thrives when both individuals feel emotionally supported and valued. Thank you for sharing these...>>> on Forum topic - Supporting Each Other: Mental Health in Marriage
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by: Gadi Harshini -
I'm so sorry you're feeling this way—this sounds like such a painful and exhausting situation. You clearly care deeply for your husband, and your love and patience shine through, even in your frustration. It’s understandable that you feel torn between staying and hoping for change or leaving and feeling like you’re abandoning him. But your feelings, well-being, and happiness matter just as much as his. Even without therapy, there are small, practical steps that could help. There are free online...>>> on Forum topic - I feel trapped in my marriage. I need help!
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by: wrong-thunder -
Good to hear that you are being supported.>>> on Forum topic - I feel trapped in my marriage. I need help!
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