Am I being a fool by reacting?
Dear Positive Way, I have been married 28
years. We get along good. We have our up and downs like every
couple. Recently my Wife wanted to visit her sister in California. We are
from the east coast. She was gone 1 week and had a great time. I missed
her terribly! Once she came back She was going over all the excitement of
the Napa valley Holiday. During one of her descriptions she mentioned
touring The Valley with her Sister's Husband alone in a little sports car.
It struck a nerve with me. I thought the two of them touring around the
Wineries tasting Wine without her Sister was not a good thing. I became
instantly jealous and hurt at the thought of the 2 of them all cozy
cruising and having fun without her Sister being there. When I mentioned
it to her and told her I didn't think that was a good idea she flipped out
and called me a pervert. Am I being a fool by reacting to this by being so
insecure? or do you think it should not have been happy for her enjoying
His company ? I am really confused and would like your advice. signed,
hawk58, age 48
Dear Hawk58, To react the way you did to this
situation would suggest you don't trust your wife. Do you trust your
wife? Has she ever been unfaithful to you in anyway? You have a right to
your feelings however they do suggest to your wife that you don't trust
her or the relationship the two of you have built together. Please read
our article on
Jealousy-How to handle it.
The best advice I have for you is to read our articles on
Self-esteem so
you can feel more confident about you and what you offer to your wife and
your relationship with her. Don't allow your insecurities to build a wall
between you and your wife. If her sister trusted her husband and her
sister to be together then I feel that is a good sign that you should
also. We can love our spouse very much and still enjoy the company of
someone else. That happiness she felt and described does not lesson her
love for you or for your relationship. It is okay that
she enjoyed his company and it is not a reflection of you or your
relationship.
I would suggest you apologize to your wife and tell
her that you were feeling insecure and lonely while she was gone and that
you really missed her. Reassure her that you do trust her and the
relationship that the two of you have built over the years. Apologize for
your behavior and then move forward and work on your self-esteem.
Please understand you
have free will. This advice is given only in the realm of personal
growth and self-help. This is not to be considered a substitute for therapy
or professional counseling. We wish you well. |