Skip to main content

Author Topic: MLC Monster THE TUNNEL

B
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 1752
  • Gender: Female
MLC Monster THE TUNNEL
OP: August 23, 2010, 11:12:41 AM
Okay so I read a lot of posters on here talk about the tunnel.  I am not sure when they enter the tunnel.  The very beginning of the MLC?  BOMB DROP?  or neither? is it more a location based on emotions and behaviors? 

People have also stated that they see movement in the tunnel.  What does this look like?  I am aware they cycle but how do you know they are moving. 

I believe I'm seeing movement and may be witnessing the darker period.... I'll post below.....I'd love to hear feedback on this one.
  • Logged
Pain is not a punishment, pleasure not a reward.  ~Pema Chodron

A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her.  ~Oscare Wilde

M 33
H 33
Married 9 years
3 children (D8, D3 and S7months)
BD-Spring of 2009 EA
H Filed 09/2010

B
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 1752
  • Gender: Female
Re: THE TUNNEL
#1: August 23, 2010, 11:25:00 AM
Okay
So my H enter anger stage for sure 2008
Slipped into replay in end of 2008/beginning of 2009
BD/EA Spring 2009
ILYBINILWI/wants to leave  April 2010
June 2010 moves out with a push from me because of emotionally abusive behavior and affair taunting

Currently he is living with parents.  Talking about divorce.  Wrapped tightly with OW.  Lots of "children" showing up.  He's done with the marriage and wants us to "move forward" with "what we need to do".  Contact only to do with children.  Very regressive behaviors.  I can tell when I'm talking to one of the children.  Yesterday I was clinically and directly stating in an unemotional way why "exposure to OW might not be the best for the children at this point BLAH BLAH BLAH"..........He said "WOW!  THaT's a lot!  What you said is a lot!  You said a lot of adult stuff." At this point I feel his emotional attachment to me only when he is angry.  Otherwise I am an "accessory" to the house and family.  I see this as one of the darkest parts of the tunnel.  Am I wrong?  I know things could get worse but I feel he's moving.  Is Liminality/withdrawl the darkest parts?  ARe the stages even related to tunnel?
  • Logged
Pain is not a punishment, pleasure not a reward.  ~Pema Chodron

A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her.  ~Oscare Wilde

M 33
H 33
Married 9 years
3 children (D8, D3 and S7months)
BD-Spring of 2009 EA
H Filed 09/2010

j
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 2974
  • Gender: Female
Re: THE TUNNEL
#2: August 23, 2010, 11:27:54 AM
My understanding is that they enter the tunnel in the denial stage wayyyy before we notice what is going on.

Movement can be anything different, even going into withdrawal to regroup and reflect on life whilst in replay or deepening depression. Some movement is hidden from the LBS as it is done quietly in the tunnel where no one watches.

I don't think MLCers actually know they are moving ahead as such. They just move to the next stage of thinking. Remember they don't think they have a problem. We are their problem and they have sorted that one out. Initially they don't look inwardly but blame outside influences. As they move through the tunnel they can and do acknowledge that they are depressed or sad or want time out

As they move through the stages in the tunnel they will see what they have left behind. After leaving the tunnel in acceptance and throughout their memories are awful. This protects them from the over powering guilt that they would suffer. The guilt they have is bad enough.

Buggy your H is deep in replay at the moment. It is likely to get worse before it gets better. You are right to detach from the abuse he is spewing.
  • Logged
Anyone can catch your eye, but it takes someone special to catch your heart.
~ Author Unknown

I get the best feeling in the world when you say hi or even smile at me because I know, even if its just for a second, that I've crossed your mind.
~ Author Unknown

The Hero's Spouse Mission Statement
Survival Instructions for Newbies

B
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 1752
  • Gender: Female
Re: THE TUNNEL
#3: August 23, 2010, 07:01:27 PM
Thanks JA
This week some stuff has changed.  He's not projecting so much hatred and anger my way, at least that I can see.  I know him pretty well so he doesn't have to say much I can feel and feel I'm shown most of the truth anyway.  This is becoming a stronger and stronger force for me as I move along myself.  I believe that is why I feel very confident right now.  Tonight he did some very out of character touch and goes.  Literally, for the first time in a LONG time, he touched me in an affectionate way.  A little peak I guess. I think OW is showing her true colors so this might be an influence here too. 
  • Logged
Pain is not a punishment, pleasure not a reward.  ~Pema Chodron

A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her.  ~Oscare Wilde

M 33
H 33
Married 9 years
3 children (D8, D3 and S7months)
BD-Spring of 2009 EA
H Filed 09/2010

H
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 2868
  • Gender: Female
  • Let GO, Let God work on your MLC spouse :)
Re: THE TUNNEL
#4: August 23, 2010, 10:51:16 PM
What follows is a "metaphorical" view of what I saw during my time in the tunnel.

Although there is no real revelancy in time, I was in there SIX years, and did NOT want to be there.
When I asked the Lord to get me out, He said "Sorry, but ALL go through this, but I will be with you throughout."  And He was.

Speaking from the experience of my own transition, the tunnel is entered when denial of what's happening to the MLC'er/MLT'er begins...and we know about denial, and it ain't the river in Egypt. :)

I suffered many of the same things a MLC'er suffers..the only difference was I did NOT do anything I wasn't supposed to do, although I was tempted heavily during that time.

I saw images and flashes when I was going through the tunnel..and it was a weird experience.

Believe it or not, it all started on a path that winds and it led me forward into a forest where I promptly got lost, and in that being lost, I got very angry BECAUSE I WAS lost and couldn't find my way out.

The path eventually led into a mountain of fire; it was a maze of sorts, with many cheeseless tunnels within and there was fire all around, as I moved forward deeper into the mountain.

Now, the chances of turning back are during the Denial and Anger stages..but once the Mountain of Fire is gone into, there is NO turning back...but, as I remember it, I don't think I had a ghost of a chance of going back, once it all started.....it was like I was DRIVEN deeper into the forest, and eventually into the mountain.

Something was actually PUSHING me down this path, and I didn't seem to have much control over what was happening to me.

I don't know how I made it through the mountain, but I'd have flashes of being there from time to time, and the doors that closed behind me as I worked my way through.  Some closed completely, some were left open a crack..but eventually, even those locked down so I could NOT go back through them.

Oh my God, it was SO hot in there...I remember thinking that it was horribly hot.

When I came out of the mountain of fire, I faced an open field, gained a measure of peace, and walked across toward an actual archway where my final fears were...my husband was standing just beyond that archway holding out his hand...but, you know, I did NOT know what was in that archway UNTIL I got there, and once I went into it, I could NOT go backwards; the only way out was THROUGH..and that was going through my head at that time.

And, to this day, I don't remember ALL of the final fears that I faced..I know that I had to accept my own death, the fact that I was getting older, everything that I'd lost in my life, and I THINK I accepted my marriage as it stood, but I'm NOT sure about that....and that's where my memories stop on that part.

Some people who get that far will run backwards, but I didn't...once the door had closed on the outside of the mountain, it actually LOCKED on me, and honestly, might as well face those final fears and get them settled, and get on with it..those were my thoughts at that time.

After the final fears were faced, I felt reborn, renewed, and much better...stepping forward to take my husband by the hand, and our paths merged in an instant...his WAS separate from mine....I don't remember what his had come from, but I knew his was separate until the moment I took his hand.

I don't know if this will help...you might just put it down to the ravings of a crazy woman, LOL!!

But it IS what I remember, and I did describe this to someone while I was going through, thinking that I'd lost my own mind in that process, but I've read things since then that have convinced me that maybe I did NOT go totally nuts while in there....this IS a spiritual journey, not just a physical one, and it would be a given that one could see images/flashes if they are accepting of seeing such things.
  • Logged
« Last Edit: August 23, 2010, 10:56:48 PM by HeartsBlessing »
Our marriage survived His MLC, with the help of the Lord.
I have learned that true strength is built through the trials we endure.
There is hope as long as you love your MLC spouse, and, are willing to learn the  life's lessons that are set before you as a result of this crisis.

B
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 1752
  • Gender: Female
Re: THE TUNNEL
#5: August 24, 2010, 10:52:34 AM
THanks HB
I understand more than you know.  I have some fears right now that came up as I was reading this.  I'm scared that I'm also entering a MLT and being shown images and actually at moments feeling kind of foggy.  Now.......I have three children and a H in MLC and I can't afford for this to escalate into a crisis.  So that fear is coming up during these times.   My children need me right now.... I feel confident and strong with my H and crisis recently.  However, I am being shown things from childhood mostly.  At times confusion is setting in too.  I don't really feel tempted but I'm in a role right now that keeps me far away from temptations.  SAHM.   What can I do to take care of myself during this time?  How can I make this as healthy as possible?  My children need me too.
Buggy
  • Logged
Pain is not a punishment, pleasure not a reward.  ~Pema Chodron

A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her.  ~Oscare Wilde

M 33
H 33
Married 9 years
3 children (D8, D3 and S7months)
BD-Spring of 2009 EA
H Filed 09/2010

H
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 2868
  • Gender: Female
  • Let GO, Let God work on your MLC spouse :)
Re: THE TUNNEL
#6: August 24, 2010, 11:34:54 PM
Quote
THanks HB
I understand more than you know.  I have some fears right now that came up as I was reading this.  I'm scared that I'm also entering a MLT and being shown images and actually at moments feeling kind of foggy.  Now.......I have three children and a H in MLC and I can't afford for this to escalate into a crisis.  So that fear is coming up during these times.   My children need me right now.... I feel confident and strong with my H and crisis recently.  However, I am being shown things from childhood mostly.  At times confusion is setting in too.  I don't really feel tempted but I'm in a role right now that keeps me far away from temptations.  SAHM.   What can I do to take care of myself during this time?  How can I make this as healthy as possible?  My children need me too.
Buggy


Buggy,

Remember what turns the transition into a crisis is making dreadful mistakes like running away..the only way out is THROUGH.

Facing the issues head on is the ONLY way to come through, and come out..and this will take TIME, just like all the discussions about MLC, the MLT takes time to come through, too..and you have to be kind to yourself, face everything COMPLETELY, then come through and out.

If you get it ALL in this first round, you will not have to face any of it, again.  You'll need to not only look at the actual event(s) one at a time, but examine each one closely for any aspects that bear looking at and settling each one, ALL at one time

You are aware of what's happening, just as I was aware...but I functioned the best that I knew how, even though I suffered through Menopause, AND went into the emotional battle afterward.

I felt the stirrings a year or two BEFORE I went into the transition...I actually was able to "stuff" it down until things were more stable.

Your husband's crisis has triggered your transition; and there's not a whole lot you can do about it, except face it as it happens.

For the hot flashes, I took a natural herb called "Phyto-Estrogen" it came from the GNC store,(it helped with the hot flashes, taking the edge off, but not totally away) and actually did nothing for the depression...I should have, but I drove a truck at that time, just as I do now..and I was unable to take medications and drive.

I did, however, go on Multi-Vitamins; and took those for as long as the transition lasted..funny; post transition, I found I could not take vitamins anymore...they gave me severe headaches.

Get proper rest, eat right, walk, if you can...I was underweight during my transition..didn't eat enough during that time.

Honestly, I don't remember turning my anger on our son at all; I knew, instinctively, that he'd done nothing to me..but my husband was a different story, as I really didn't know him at times, and turned on him much like he'd turned on me.

I would suggest going to the doctor for Anti-depressants if you don't already take them; they will help with any depression and confusion you're experiencing within.

Generally, the confusion IS caused from hormonal changes, even if you're not experiencing hot flashes.

Go to the GNC store and tell them what's happening; they can suggest a natural supplement for you to take that might help.

Above all, pray for strength, and ask the Lord to help you through; I wanted Him with me at all times, and He was there for me.

Any temptations will come later in the transition..they don't come at the beginning....you'll have the feeling of wanting something different, a change, if you will...this will pass when you confront it head on.  I was afraid of this, and hid in my sleeper most of the time, sometimes not coming out for days except to drive and do my job..but I know you can't do that with your children depending upon you.

Don't be afraid; you'll be fine, and come through this in one piece; it may take you awhile, because you've got other things on your plate as well...but time is what you have, and what you can use to finish what your husband's crisis started.

It's hard, I know...I've been there, too, and though it took time, I came through, and you will too.

At times, you will want to rant, and you may need to do it here or to someone you can trust with what you would be laying upon them...this will help you to get whatever anger is there out, and help you see things more clearly, as the anger begins to burn out.

During the day, I stayed busy, but at night was when the "movies" started, I saw events from my childhood that were as real as the day I experienced them...I couldn't sleep, and I would "flash" soaking sweat from my head to my feet. 

For the first time in years, I was afraid of the dark, I started being afraid of people..this was ME going through...your experience may be quite different.

I HATED my life, myself, and the hate within me was so strong that I could barely keep it in check..and in my depression, I cried going to bed, cried getting up, cried sometimes when I was driving.

I mostly faced things during the night when I couldn't sleep..my mind ran 100 miles an hour, and I prayed to die, I prayed to come through, I prayed because I felt guilt because of my emotional state, and I prayed because no matter what anyone or even the Lord told me,  I felt I had FAILED.

I was in bad shape for around a month or so, my depression got so bad, I refused to take a bath..and my husband jumped all over me over the phone, telling me I would get sick, I wasn't taking proper care of myself.   And I remember jumping right back at him, telling him to mind his own business..and that just escalated the argument..most of the time, I hung up on him..and he'd call right back....ticking me off worse. 

One night, I had thoughts of suicide, thinking things might be better if I just ended it all...but I didn't have anything in my truck to help me with that, LOL..and the Lord literally put me to sleep that night..I didn't remember anything until I got up the next morning, and He told me to get up, go to work, things would be fine..and NOT think thoughts like that again.  I'd bottomed out totally and completely.

Everything in my life suffered for a time; I was alone and was dealing with it all, alone..except for the Lord being there with me.

I'd been physically, sexually and emotionally abused in my childhood, plus, emotionally abused during my marriage...I had alot on my plate to deal with..and events from the past marched right on, one right after the other..each one had to be looked at, dealt with, accepted, anyone else involved had to be forgiven, I had to forgive myself if it was MY mistake, and I had to go through healing from each one.

The extent of the transition depends upon the wounds that were suffered during childhood, and some can come from what's happened during adulthood...it's like each one has to be put in its proper place, come to terms with, and put behind you for good.

As each person is different, each transition is different..and the dealing is different for each person.

May God see you through yours, just as He saw me through mine.

I will pray for your strength to increase; as God knows your heart and your need, He will help you, just as He helped me.





  • Logged
Our marriage survived His MLC, with the help of the Lord.
I have learned that true strength is built through the trials we endure.
There is hope as long as you love your MLC spouse, and, are willing to learn the  life's lessons that are set before you as a result of this crisis.

B
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 1752
  • Gender: Female
Re: THE TUNNEL
#7: August 25, 2010, 10:59:29 AM
Thanks HB
I appreciate your words and info.  I believe my awareness will help me here.  I can feel things happening to me, especially the fog and confusion.  Not so much depression or hot flashes.  Maybe even a little replay but in a healthy sense like doing my hair and playing with makeup and clothes as I did in adolescence.  I am also coming to terms with being emotionally abused as a child and in my relationship with my H.  I am determined to heal so I don't repeat this pattern in my relationship, most particularly my children.  I am becoming more aware of my shadow side.  Whew!  That's a hard thing to look in the face. 

I've always held things together even as a child.  If I am craving "something different" it is the sense of letting go and surrendering to the chaos.  Just how to do that in my life right now is tricky....I'm working at it.  Freeing myself.....a little at a time.

Thanks Again
  • Logged
Pain is not a punishment, pleasure not a reward.  ~Pema Chodron

A man can be happy with any woman as long as he does not love her.  ~Oscare Wilde

M 33
H 33
Married 9 years
3 children (D8, D3 and S7months)
BD-Spring of 2009 EA
H Filed 09/2010

H
  • *****
  • Hero Member
  • Posts: 2868
  • Gender: Female
  • Let GO, Let God work on your MLC spouse :)
Re: THE TUNNEL
#8: August 25, 2010, 11:41:20 AM
Quote
I've always held things together even as a child.  If I am craving "something different" it is the sense of letting go and surrendering to the chaos.  Just how to do that in my life right now is tricky....I'm working at it.  Freeing myself.....a little at a time.

I know how that is; I'm the oldest of 4 children, and I took a lot of responsibility that a child should NEVER have to take, but I did.

As long as you maintain your awareness of what's happening..let's hope yours will be much milder than mine was.

Son was older, and I was out on the road while I was going through....and so, I lost control of my emotional state more often than not, then would suffer guilt...but I had the feeling I was riding a rollercoaster most of the time.

I was a controller, fixer, and a co-dependent person...over responsible, took on more than I should have in my life, and I had to learn that I couldn't save the world.

Now, I let things go, and although I worry sometimes, now...the worry is not what it used to be.

Within the transition, you learn yourself more thoroughly than you knew yourself before, and make changes at a deeper level, than you do during his crisis.

I get the feeling you'll be fine, Buggy...just don't let the fear eat at you..this is a normal, natural process that you're going through, and I feel you'll come through just fine.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, rant, or whatever you need to do from time to time..the only question I cannot answer is "how long will this take?".

Time is unique to each person going through, and it depends upon the issues, and how serious they are/were within each person.

Take care of yourself.

 
  • Logged
Our marriage survived His MLC, with the help of the Lord.
I have learned that true strength is built through the trials we endure.
There is hope as long as you love your MLC spouse, and, are willing to learn the  life's lessons that are set before you as a result of this crisis.

l
  • **
  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 37
  • Gender: Female
Just a clarification question please?
#9: March 19, 2011, 10:02:47 PM
Hello Friends,

I have read all the information and helpful links but am confused?

Is Replay considered him/her being in the tunnel?

Are they IN the TUNNEL while in Replay, Withdrawal, Liminality, etc?

When is it considered? Exiting the tunnel?

Thank you
  • Logged

 

Legal Disclaimer

The information contained within The Hero's Spouse website family (www.midlifecrisismarriageadvocate.com, http://theherosspouse.com and associated subdomains), (collectively 'website') is provided as general information and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal, medical or mental health advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The Hero's Spouse cannot be held responsible for the use of the information provided. The Hero's Spouse recommends that you consult a trained medical or mental health professional before making any decision regarding treatment of yourself or others. The Hero's Spouse recommends that you consult a legal professional for specific legal advice.

Any information, stories, examples, articles, or testimonials on this website do not constitute a guarantee, or prediction regarding the outcome of an individual situation. Reading and/or posting at this website does not constitute a professional relationship between you and the website author, volunteer moderators or mentors or other community members. The moderators and mentors are peer-volunteers, and not functioning in a professional capacity and are therefore offering support and advice based solely upon their own experience and not upon legal, medical, or mental health training.