--Brian
Dear Brian:
Your situation sounds very complex, and there are many things to consider. Your wife is struggling emotionally, and is asking for time to "find herself." This usually means that she has spent years caring for her home, children, family and perhaps career, and in the process has lost touch with herself. She needs time to reflect on her situation. What she does not need to worry about is you and what you might be doing to threaten her. While you may have the best of intentions, there is nothing safe about your environment. I’ll explain.
You are vulnerable right now, given your recent rejection and hurt feelings both of which are reasonable when there is a significant loss. You didn’t want the separation, and undoubtedly are still licking your wounds. But friendship of any kind with the opposite sex, especially with single women, can only spell disaster. Not only does it preclude you from the opportunity of reconciling with your spouse by creating more angry feelings, but you stand a great chance of falling into a "rebound relationship." These are rarely satisfying and only cloud the emotional picture.
Suggestion: Backup. Regroup. Make no rash decisions. Follow Solomon’s advice when he says "In good times rejoice, but in bad times, consider." (Eccl. 7:14) Spend time alone, with safe Christian male friends, and consider what has happened to bring your marriage to where it is today. Consider your part in the difficulties, and what you might do differently. Consider what can be done to stabilize your marriage, asking your spouse what she needs and, if reasonable, give it to her. This is a stormy time and you will do well to gather loving, but impartial, friends and family about you.
While things may appear uncertain, I have seen many marriages restored after a brief "therapeutic" separation — a time when both parties refrain from other romantic relationships, obtain Christian counsel, and then begin talking non-defensively about their problems. Don’t count out the possibility that this could happen to you. God Bless.
Have a question for Dr. David? Contact him at TheRelationshipDoctor@gmail.com .
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David Hawkins, Pd.D., has worked with couples and families to improve the quality of their lives by resolving personal issues for the last 30 years. He is the author of over 18 books, including Nine Critical Mistakes Most Couples Make , Saying It So He'll Listen , and When Pleasing Others Is Hurting You . His newest book, When the Man in Your Life Can’t Commit, will be released in February, 2006. Dr. Hawkins grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and lives on the South Puget Sound where he enjoys sailing, biking, and skiing. He has active practices in two Washington cities.
