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unforgivable5 (original poster member #38797) posted at 2:22 PM on Monday, October 14th, 2013
I have been having a hard time trying not to pull away while my BS is pulling away. I don't know if its selfishness or self-preservation, or fear. But she's been having a rough few days,acting disconnected and somewhat cold. Rightfully so, we are in the midst of A season.
Its hard to remember that I am the one with the oar in this lifeboat.
I need to stop this "what about me? what about my needs?" I can be such a dick sometimes.
sad12008 ( member #18179) posted at 3:14 PM on Monday, October 14th, 2013
There have been many pieces of advice for WSs that have struck me as quite sound...beyond of course the initial basics like full disclosure, etc. etc. The one that immediately came to mind when I saw your post heading was, "when you feel like running away, run toward". (I'm likely paraphrasing.)
So how can you do that, beyond not disconnecting yourself? Well, you've observed she's acting disconnected and cold, and that you're in the midst of A season. Have you broached that topic with her? How would it be if you were to acknowledge the season of the year and ask her how she'd doing with it, and how you might be able to help her get through it easier? If the first conversation gets nowhere, and you're still feeling the coolness (etc.), then bring it up again; note what you're observing.
HURT leads to withdrawal; when that hurt isn't noticed, and then the withdrawal isn't noticed either, the BS is left alone with all the bad and painful thoughts and memories and a sense that their FWS doesn't even care enough to see a difference.
Fear isn't going to help you or her, and you exceeded your allowance for selfishness with the whole A business, so it's time to wade into the water and see if you have a drowning swimmer who needs your help. Better to be hurt a little by the victim's flailing than stay dry on land and think "I should have done something" after they've slipped below the surface.
Best wishes! 
You can't fill a cup with no bottom.
knightsbff ( member #36853) posted at 3:46 PM on Monday, October 14th, 2013
^what sad said.
"I know you are hurting and angry because it's A season. It must be very lonely too because I killed your trust and made myself your tormentor so it's hard for you to share your pain or let me comfort you. I want to talk about it if you feel like it, or if you need space I can do that too."
Do extra to lighten her load.
Be thoughtful.
Write a love note.
fWW 40s, BH 40s
D-day 27 Aug 2012. Kids 25, 17, 13. 2 dogs.
I edit often to fix stuff ☺️
Profoundly grateful Every. Single. Day. that I am blessed with an H with strength, integrity, and compassion, and that he decided to try.
unforgivable5 (original poster member #38797) posted at 9:15 PM on Monday, October 14th, 2013
Thank you sad and kbff. Wonderful advice and I know you are right. I just slip back into old coping sometimes and don't realize it until it's too late.
I feel like I'm really making progress and I slip a little. Its frustrating
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