Jigger and I rarely argue. We both are extremely low maintenance people so usually things tend to just float on by. However, when we do argue, we do it loud and proud. It usually is started by some extremely ASSanine event such as "keeping the bananas in the fridge". In reality, though it really had nothing to do with the bananas actually being in the fridge.
Because Jigger's upbringing seems very "normal" to me, I sometimes forget that he also has his own issues. He was brought up in a very strict home where certain things were expected of him once he came of age. Marriage. Kids. Carrying on family traditions. None of which he actually did and the ones he did, like marriage, he did them in a way that totally went against his family's teachings. He has spent his whole life feeling rejected by his family. Feeling unloved and unwanted simply because he chose something different for his life.
So when I whined my little girl whine the other day, he exploded not because it really mattered where we kept the damn bananas, but because he felt I was "rejecting" him. I get that. I have major rejection issues. I ask him constantly "do you love me". My ears crave hearing the sounds even though he shows me in a 1001 other ways my ears still need to hear that sound. They need constant reminding. Constant reassurance that he is not going to leave. I need this much more so than others do.
It has been 3 years and in that time I have never really explained to him how deeply I have been effected by my past. I just expected him to know and understand something he had absolutely no way of comprehending. With this last argument that started on Sunday and has finally burnt itself out today, I really opened up to him and explained how I felt without accusing or screaming or calling names. Well initially there was some accusing, some semi-screaming, and a bit of name calling, but definitely not on the level that I usually do. It was a definite first. He learned something about me and I learned something about him through this whole process. I learned that when he says to "forget" my past what he is really saying is that "he is not like the others". That he won't hurt me the way others before did. He didn't know how to put it into words and I am so sensitive and don't talk about it, so he just was expressing it the only way he knew how. Instead of really asking him what he meant, I put my negative self-depracating spin on it.
It's taken nearly 4 days and a ocean of tears to get there, but at least we have made it. Better late than never.
Ohh and today Jigger brought home some bananas with him. I didn't ask him to buy them, but he knew I was out. Guess where he put them and I didn't even have to ask. It's his way of saying "I love you" without the words.
Because I want this blog to be a sort of documentation of my moods, triggers, reactions, etc, I guess it only fair to include the shitty part as well as the awesome epiphanies. The shitty part is that I have been cutting daily for the last week almost. I don't really know what started it. Jigger actually hides the razor blades he uses, but I know where he has them hidden. I use them then put them back. He has no idea. I had pretty much gone for almost two months without really doing anything, then suddenly the other day I was like a junkie looking for a fix. Yesterday that thought really hit home as I was sitting in the bathroom sliding the blade over my arm I realized that this must be what it feels like to shoot up. I never have, but I have seen enough people do it and the look on their faces and the way they react is very similar to how I think I feel afterwards. I don't know why I do this. I don't want to but whenever I get super stressed and it is more than I can handle, I instantly revert back to this behavior.
You're the one that I live for
And I can't take it any more
I love you
I need you
What can I do to make you see
You're the only one for me
And I can't take it any more
I love you
I need you
What can I do to make you see
You're the only one for me
"i love you - faith evans"
8 comments:
I'm glad you worked things out.
Definitely worry about the cutting =( I know that junky feeling to. I'd think about it everyday and then when I'd finally do it, it was a rush. So as someone that's heavily scarred myself it's taken me a long time to find healthier ways to release my stress and negative mindset. Not gonna lie, it doesn't always work, but I've been able to go a good while without it and I'm very glad for it.
Do you have any other kinds of ways that could distract you or allow you to release these kinds of energy and thoughts? Could you lean on Jigger when you're feeling this way, actually let him know so he can help you through? Of course, I'm assuming you don't want to be doing this.
I'm so sorry you've had such a rough week, but glad to see you're remaining self aware. I realize I've been invisible for the last week or so, but remember, just because you can't see me doesn't mean I'm not here. I'm just an email away, my friend -- and I've got a whole field of dragonflies that need chasing.
Haven, I definitely worry. Like I said I have gone for the last few months without really doing anything. Blogging about things has really helped me. It has provided an outlet for the feelings and it occupies my hands and mind so it has really helped. Jigger knows and has done his best to help, but usually during these times I get so withdrawn and just totally close myself off so definitely something I need to work on. I also didn't blog about this when I was feeling it and so that may also be a reason why I have fallen off the wagon so to speak.
SD, I know. No sorries, remember? They are not allowed.
Being who I am, there is no way in hell I'm going to lecture you or tell you what to do with your body. I couldn't do it with a straight face anyway. Just know that, considering I have no life, I am pretty much here 24/7 if you need to talk.
PS- the word verification thingy said "fatass" No lie.
Yea but you don't share the cookie dough. Stingy
btw I thought word verification was turned off. I actually turned it off now but if it pops up let me know cuz word verification kills baby puppies and I don't want to be responsible for that.
Living with someone who doesn't share mental illness can be hard. My wife says I argue differently when I'm racing (anxiety attacking).
I think it;s great you too found a place to go mentally to get through this. You're both lucky.
writing helps.Reading your blog helps me, really it does.
BTW, sorry about my bad link...it's working now.
Thanks for your visit to my blog. I read your post here and I don't know what to say. I have close people who also live with BD. I want to learn more about it so I can be more kind and understanding.
I'm glad you worked things out with Jigger. Like Lance said, living with someone who doesn't have any mental quirks can suck.
I wish I could say something constructive or meaningful about the cutting, but I know that nice words or mean ones wouldn't sway you, you know? We all have our demons and vices.
hed
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