I needed that little trip as the weekend was a challenge as well. cOW changed shifts and now works at the same bar as H on Friday and Saturday nights. This past weekend was their first shift together.
H was wonderful - texted me all night and updating me continually.
H: I looked over the ledge and no sign of her
Me:that's good. Maybe there was a runaway bus...
A little later:
H : she's here at work but got moved to a different bar
Me: that's good! How come?
Him: not sure but she might be back
Later:
H: I asked someone and she was pulled to be at a busier bar
Then:
H: she's here - but no worries - I'm far away from her and I'm keeping my head down - no contact!
H: I just saw her grab her purse and leave. I think she got the early-out. NC baby - not even eye-contact!
So here is my quandary - I am glad he's avoiding her AND updating me - it kept me pretty cool and collected ...but I HATE that we just spent that much mental energy on keeping track of her and her whereabouts - that H was asking where she went to a co-worker ...I don't want this to be our every weekend! (and that was only about a third of our texts about her and her whereabouts that one night)
So H says - how about I just text you if there's any attempt at contact? And I'm like NO! I need to know everything - besides - H wouldn't pick up on fishing attempts if she was actually carrying a rod and tackle box.
Can anyone help me see my way through this? It's not horrible - but irksome...is there a compromise I'm not seeing?
Yes, it's crazymaking to give them this much headspace, but at the end of the day it's the stress of the constant texts versus the stress of the unknown. The unknown tends to jack my stomach up more, personally.
Perhaps after time, when your H builds up more trust, you won't feel like the constant check ins are as necessary. If he proves to you that he is truly on the right path and you have been given zero reason to doubt him, maybe just an agreement that the text will slow unless there is actual news to report?
Bigger picture solution - I sure wish he could find a new place to work!
(((NoraLee)))
"Sitting here on my break and I am alone, thinking of the life we have. Thank you, Nora"
Stuff like that. Reminding you that he knows what he's supposed to be doing, but not all the focus on the OW.
(((((Nora)))))
..that feeling you get in your stomach, when you heart's broken. It's like all the butterflies just died.
This. . . ((HUGS))
I think this is the best solution.
BUT~
Hell - I hope she wins the lottery and retires early!!
ANYTHING!!! Just so that she beats a retreat from your WH!!!
But seriously, I know what that is like, you and him against the cOW...It feels weird because of how he can turn on a dime and shove her under the bus...HUMMM
But really if you must face cOW as couple, joining forces to stay NC...well...it is a start.
Like another poster said, once you become comfortable with his ability to be NC, the conversation could shift to the two of you.
This happened with Mr. Happy and I. cOW worked with him. Stupid had her in his employ for 5 years!!! UGH!
I didn't figure out the A until it had ended a year before DD.
I put my foot down and he had to get rid of her. So He had to bid his time while the job wound down. Then he had to speak to his manager to make sure that she was not picked up for the next job. That was tricky. And too much of our energy for cOW!!
I was crazy while he worked with her!!!!! CRAZY!
We texted back and forth all through that last job. And he withstood all of my crazy and still kept me informed.
Eventually the convo stopped being about her and became about us.
That really helped me see that he was thinking about ME. I needed that. All that energy towards her and the time it took to sneak around was killing him!
He said it is nice to not feel dirty anymore.
I guess what I am rambling about is that your WH really wants you to know that he is following through and is staying NC.
OH, just give him a cookie!
Never forget what is worth remembering or remember what is best forgotten. Unknown
I believe in his desire to be totally NC with her - RIGHT NOW - but I always fear he might become a douche again and start being friends with her again...it drives me crazy when he says, "she hasn't even attempted contact - maybe she's finally honoring my wishes" like she's capable of a selfless act. No honey, she see her place at the back of the pack and it isn't doing anything for her fragile ego to see you move heaven and earth every night to not be in the same room with her...
