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Author Topic: MLC Monster What makes us different?

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MLC Monster Re: What makes us different?
#30: March 14, 2011, 06:52:56 AM
Just wanted to add too this debate on the LBS ....

As HB says to quote her:

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There is NO way to cover every possibility; there wasn't then, when I was going through, and there isn't now.

That is why we find solice with some people more than others on this site .. a mix of views based on experience and THIS is what is so important we share, support, disagree, help, assist and do whatever we can to minimise the pain of the rejection confusement, bewilderment and deep down agony that the LBS - ALL FEEL
I know me and I need more than  one perspective to be able to work it out for myself - sometimes however i cant share it on the forum because I get confused with the advise given and go offkey .. I have never been (not hope I ever am) so arrogant to think that I know what is the right way ?? NO ONE does we need to ask, listen and HEAR then make our own individual decision because its right for us because we have alllowed all angles, prospectives to be looked at??

as HB says;
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The articles provide each person who reads them a guide and a beginning to the journey for each person; that's all.

So true and the combination of such superb articles from twopeople who have travelled this way and own the TShirt of survival they have no currency as they are priceless ... and these added with the experiences of us all along this journey just deepen and strengthen these artices .. WHY? because they are used as guides and the outcomes we are sharing show the value of the words and support that they give.........

I thank everyone on this site for helping me when I need it the most ....
i only hope I can do the same ... we all need to IMO find our individual equilibrium and like ourselves enough to not let the MLC er or anyone  make us doubt who we are and what we can continue to become .. but this comes with help and assistance it always will NO ONE can do this on their own as the MLC er can't  at the end do it on their own they need others ..... their friends, children, what ever and us maybe ???
The difference is we ask for help, we plead for it we know we need it..
the MLC er thinks he/she is invincible and doesn't need anyone especially us - UNTIL ??
IMO to me - marriage makes us part of a team, a partnership and the LBS is usually the less valued in this situation ... it as Stayed says below ;

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The man my h was during his full blown MLC, was not anybody I knew.  I had seen some of the traits in small doses throughout our marriage, but never massed all into ONE big package.  My heart told me, he was going to REGRET what he was doing.

I have looked at and dealt with looking and seeing some of the worst traits throughout my own marriage - which I now know I can not, and will riot be able to accept it the future, its such a shame that a MLC brings out the worst traits and subdues the lovely ones ??? anyone with a view on why??

I am not perfect but I have seen my faults in the whole and they now do not exist WHY? because I worked out why they were there and what I needed to do because I didn't like this about me, to eradicate them from my personality (MY H was correct in some of the accusations he made about me, but I can honestly say my faults are minimal compared with his - maybe that is why hes in a crisis??? ) .
 
I have worked our whole married life, run a home and did all the social side of our marriage, I was proud of him - maybe a little fearful and scares of his wrath of disappointment if you didn't do as he wanted - thought as he did etc.

But was I ever respected fully, treated with respect  - NO I wasn't and instead when I did well he told others how proud of me he was but to me - Nothing and even once said; oh don't introduce me as ; 'Oh let me introduce X my H' just say hi let me introduce me as Mr Bewildered X' as everyone prefers you to me anyway ' so childish (I asked him to stop saying this he carried on .. this was the year before BD. )

Now he is out there trying to find his identity and good luck to him as boy will he need to change a lot/work hard to make any impact, without his role/job he would be lost totally and maybe without me and his family this too is so ... who knows ??

So yes we ALL hate this situation ........ but as Stayed says there are some amazing parts to this journey we are forced to Travel. embrace it and learn from it
Find out what you are capable of and see everything warts and all clearly and calmly and YOU will be more than OK. You only need you to be happy .. I promise a miserable MLC er is the only way to unhappiness. Until he/she sorts there heads out and makes substantial changes .. they are worth little to you - You deserve a better relationship and a honest man/women who loves you as you are and loves themselves because they have worked thought these issues and seen the better way forward.
My H could not take criticism at all especially from me .. by the way one of the major reasons he could not live with me .... but he dishes it out !
BUT now hes taking full on criticism from our kids and acting on it WOW!!

Something about it .... this MLC I think the kids can help them much more than we can when acceptance is close by ... if you let the kids know that they have a voice and can use it and you will always support them they can help the MLC er move forward and face their issues ??? IMO

So where am I with my H well I think (never can be sure so thinkonly a little bit and just let him get on with his crisis) that he is moving along the tunnel - snail like and pathetically but moving on he is!!
 
I say good for him because he will find that there is no rainbow at the end of his journey for him just a realisation that he had everything in his grasp and dropped it and now he needs to pick up the pieces and throw away the black bad ones and keep the silver good ones and bring in the very best the new gold ones ... can he who knows ??? wait and see and I will keep you posted xx

B
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Re: What makes us different?
#31: March 14, 2011, 07:27:05 AM
First HB let me say, I was not DEMEANING the GREAT outline you and rollercoaster provided for this site.  All the information you two have provided has been some of the MOST helpful material I have seen throughout this journey.

I was simply commented on the ADDED insight that Ready, Voyager, Bewildered and others have provided.  They were personal anecdotes, insightful and uplifting.   

Everybody has added so much to this forum and I find the more I post and read within everybody's threads, the better I am understanding where I was, am and hopefully am going. 

I feel I have offended you in some way HB and no offense was intended. 

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Re: What makes us different?
#32: March 14, 2011, 08:34:17 AM
Just to say that I think that this site helps us to stand, for whatever reason we do. What makes us different is that we have found strength in our beliefs AND in each other as Voyager says. I also rely on other sources of support when I find them and this weekend I was fortunate to have received a lot of help outside this wonderful forum, which for me is a sign that God is surrounding me with His love and care. As Bewildered says
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the pain of the rejection confusement, bewilderment and deep down agony that the LBS - ALL FEEL
makes us very vulnerable and we are encouraged by companionship, empathy, assistance and advice so freely given here.
When I first came here, I told of my own experience with this type of forum when my middle son had cancer and also when I went through my hysterectomy - this type of fellowship makes a whole difference to how we get through the trials that life places in our journeys here.
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Re: What makes us different?
#33: March 14, 2011, 08:48:18 AM
Stayed,

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I feel I have offended you in some way HB and no offense was intended.

Actually, as a general rule, I'm very thick skinned....but the past few days and weeks have been somewhat of a different story.

For one thing, I'm very stressed out at this point; I'm currently making my delivery not far from home; and I'll be headed to the doctor tomorrow; I'm very worried about what the doctor might have to say.

I drive for a living; and I would hope that nothing will affect that occupation.

The good news is my husband will be home, too; and I'm anxious to see him.

Not that it matters to anyone but me; but this is where I stand at this time.

That comment struck me very hard at the time I read it; and it reminded me of some very nasty comments I'd read last year on the other board I'd been on long ago.

RCR went through these same things, as I did.  I've always kept in mind that these are PEOPLE with lives to lead, and feelings; and I don't EVER want to tell them something that's going to lead them wrong.

People's expectations were very high; and they expected the "wise" ones to simply hand them the answers; so they didn't have to do anything for themselves...and this was not to be.

I was flamed MANY more times than you will ever know for quite of few of the aspects I learned and passed on; simply because I was told they represented NO hope; people didn't want to do the work; they just wanted a way to make this crisis go away quickly; and have their marriages back..and because I knew it wouldn't go the way they wanted it to go; and bluntly told them that, I was insulted, told I didn't know what I was talking about....and you can imagine what I read...because people weren't getting their way in this trial.

They weren't hurting anyone but themselves with their stubbornness, and I let them go..knowing I could not do anything else for them.

And since I still had my marriage; I was supposed to just hand over my 'secret' when there was NO secret; only the journey and the work being done within me; and people weren't willing to do some of the things I did..and this, made ME look like a doormat during the crisis.

I have NO shame for what I did to help save my marriage; none whatsoever; I did what I knew was best for ME; I endured through; letting pass some things that maybe other people wouldn't let go of...it just wasn't that important at the time whatever it was was happening.

They needed to grow up and through this trial; it was the only way; and they were fighting that process tooth and nail.

For example; I have seen, and do present BOTH sides of the coin as it comes up; there's a possibility the marriage will make it, AND the possibility the marriage won't make it...but there are still things the MLC'er and LBS must do; as individuals to make their lives whole and the marriage is simply a bonus.

Marriage was never meant to be a means to an end, neither was one person supposed to get "lost" in the other.

And when someone comes along; and seems to criticize not getting all the fine details of what will happen on a journey; to me, that's expecting too much of anyone.

That is how I read your comment, Stayed...I read it twice and was very surprised; because that didn't sound like you at all.

I thought about it; and just answered it to make very clear for others that followed the thread that this is not all about simply getting the answers handed to you......this is about growing, changing; and becoming what you were meant to be.  And you'll do this on your OWN, most times WITHOUT help; simply because each person is different.

There are NO "pat" or "one size fits all" answers for everyone.

If a teacher simply provided all the answers to all situations, the students wouldn't learn anything on their own.

They would always be looking to, leaning on; and never finding their own feet to stand.

You probably wouldn't be surprised at the people who come looking for a quick fix...and you know, as well as I do, this won't happen either.

I had thought of the analogy of when I learned to drive an 18 wheeler nearly nine years ago; I got straightforward training, then, trained with a driver trainer...and then, I was on my own; and I learned MORE aspects than anyone could have covered in the time I was in the first two phases of training.

Did this mean I came back on the trainer, or even the school I started with for what they didn't teach me? NO, I learned the most that I have ever learned, on my own...and I'm STILL learning.

This can be applied to the journey the LBS goes on; the start, the learning and the help needed comes when someone arrives here needing help; because they don't know what's going on..and you would be surprised at how many people come for help that know nothing...we've gotten some people who've already learned by simply reading here and elsewhere.

I do not want or wish for people to think they aren't getting enough here...they are getting exactly what they need to do for themselves.

And what people gain from this board does NOT all come from what RCR and I have written over time; people like yourself; that brings in another point of view; also helps.

I had no intention of offending you, either; but when I see something; I will call someone out on it; this is who I am.

And I always expect to be challenged on what I say; if someone doesn't ask questions, and simply takes what I say to be truth; that's one thing, yet, to learn more is to challenge me is to expand the explanation; yet, I'm also learning from people who present a different point of view, as there is NO one way of navigating the trial at hand.

And I read many of your posts with interest; as you do present a vastly different point of view; as you survived this crisis in a much different way than I did...and I learn things from you, too..just so you know. :)

And just so you know, I'm not angry; just blunt, as always. :)



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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.

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Re: What makes us different?
#34: March 14, 2011, 09:20:11 AM
I have not read all the way through. I just wanted to say that this is an interesting topic and has got me to thinking. Maybe these topic threads will be good places for me to look at when considering blog articles. This one has already generated a lot of thought in my brain. Thank You! I will eventually print it out and review it in detail as part of my research.
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Re: What makes us different?
#35: March 14, 2011, 09:30:36 AM
HB is right. We all approach our lives from different directions. Whilst on our journey we meet different people with different ideas and views, all very relevant but different.

As we are all different we tend to find the view, advice and support that fits our particular journey. Some views are very different but no less helpful.

As every MLC er is different so is the LBS, as previously stated. Differences should be acknowledged and accepted. Every piece of information is relevant for someone. None is ever wrong.

I remember one of those boards and left because the attitude and belligerence from some posters was totally unacceptable and unhelpful The way we all accept each others differences on here is amazing. Long may it continue.

Thinking of you tomorrow HB. The thought of a Dr visit is always worse that the viasit itself. Remember deep breaths and lovely thoughts will get you through. Only cross the bridges you need to when they happen.

((HB)) xx
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Re: What makes us different?
#36: March 14, 2011, 11:07:10 AM
And when someone comes along; and seems to criticize not getting all the fine details of what will happen on a journey; to me, that's expecting too much of anyone.
They have broken rule #1 of having EXPECTATIONS

IMHO HB you have given everyone as much information and guidance as anyone could possibly ask for.
It is all down there in black and white.

What we do with it is all up to us.

My honest belief in all of this is that there is one variable that is out of all our control.
It may be the most important variable.
It is TIME!

We have been given the gift of time but when we expect it to be short, we have really missed the boat.

There is no way that you can predict this and many times HB you have said that time is based on HIS time not ours.
So I think we should all be very greatful that you have give us such wisdom.

Good luck at the doctors tomorrow.
Make sure he knows what he is doing.  :) :) :)
You have valuable cargo on board!!!!     

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Re: What makes us different?
#37: March 14, 2011, 11:12:03 AM
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Thinking of you tomorrow HB. The thought of a Dr visit is always worse that the viasit itself. Remember deep breaths and lovely thoughts will get you through. Only cross the bridges you need to when they happen.

Hugs to you, too, JA; thanks for thinking of me; it's hard not to cross certain bridges before you come to them.

My health is the most precious thing I possess; and anything threatening that worries me.

I'm human, too, the last time I checked. :)  And, I know God has me in His Hands; if He hadn't been with me many times over; I wouldn't be here, now. :)

Love to you,
HB

OP, just caught your post, and you are absolutely correct in all you say about time; time is what you have to work; and this process takes time. :)

Take care all. :)
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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.

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Re: What makes us different?
#38: March 14, 2011, 02:31:55 PM
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Everybody, Ready, Bewildered, Voyager, and others, have given you the most in depth look at this process that even RCR's and HB's well written articles, had not provided.  We are all real people, living/surviving a real situation.

These articles written by HP and RCR, were the stepping stones to the comments made by almost everybody who has responded to this question,"what makes us different".  There was no intent to discredit these articles.  I was emphasizing how effective they have been!  In fact how much further the concept has been promoted by these people, as it has helped them to appreciate the journey they have found themselves embracing.

I hope your doctor appointment goes better then you seem to be expecting. 

Stayed...
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"Don't be so open minded your brains fall out".  by Stephen A. Kallis, Jr.
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Re: What makes us different?
#39: March 14, 2011, 03:40:34 PM
Hi everyone i must admit when i first came to this site i was looking for quick answers i just wanted all this over with, however i have with time realised this is a process that we each must go through and no two journeys are the same.......although we all endure the hurt, pain fear and the abandonment we come here because we are not judged as we would be by those who have not walked in our shoes, we read each others posts and pick bits from the sitchs we feel will help us, not just to get our h's/w's back (well yes in the beginning we do) but also for us to be strong enough to get through this, without this site i would probably still want my h see me as his victim when in actual fact im a survivor with strength and commitment that will see me through to the end where ever the end takes me xxxxx   
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