WOMEN AGES 50+ FOR JUNE 2018

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Replies

  • OregonMother
    OregonMother Posts: 1,664 Member
    But in terms of emotional support, both men had one source, and that was me. Are all/most men like that? And in those with same-sex partners, do you find that you and your partner differ in that? I know a number of us are married to men who land somewhere on the Asperger's spectrum, as well, and interested to know whether they have any source to turn to outside their marriage.

    Inquiring minds want to know!

    Lisa in AR

    This is my husband. And I do believe he may be on the spectrum, but sometimes I doubt it, so if he is, it may be borderline. But he just doesn't see the need to have friends. Like you said, he has work acquaintances, even a couple from previous company's that he keeps in professional contact. But he would never go out to hang out with anyone socially.

    I have work friends, and I have church friends, but I also have my friend-friends -- people I have known for nearly forever. That was the joke when we first moved back here -- I kept running into people I knew when I was in school in Oregon. In fact, a guy in my high school graduating class bought the house three doors down from us. We didn't know it until we were all standing outside chatting and as he kept talking, I realized that we knew each other! Lol

    The people I consider my best friends (I don't know that they all feel the same way, but that's okay): K lives in LA area, and when I go to LA, we usually get together and when I lived in DC and she came for a visit, we ran around together one day. My family knows her and her husband because we have stayed at their house a couple times. P lives an hour away, and we don't see each other as often as we should. But she is really close to her sisters and doesn't see the need for close friendships like I do. M lives in this same community, and we try to get together for coffee every few months. She has sisters, but she is not that close to them.

    I was also burned by a very close friend when I was in grad school. We have reconciled somewhat, but it's not the same. She lives on the East Coast, so we wouldn't be able to see each other much, even if we wanted to. Which I do.

    I also have had a couple close guy friends, which I have decided was not a good thing. I am still in casual contact with both of them, but I keep them at arms distance. I've been close to one of them for 30 years -- through my two and his three marriages. He joked a couple months ago that his relationship with me is his most successful relationship. :smirk:

    With all this, however, like M in Oz, I think my husband is still probably my best friend. I tell him nearly everything and greatly value his opinion. I still wish that he had some guy friends to hang with once in a while, however.

    And I also greatly value my on-line friends. In addition to this group, I have a "mommy-group" -- a group of women who were all pregnant at the same time as I was pregnant with my youngest -- and we have remained close for nearly 12 years.

    Felicia
    Willamette Valley, OR

  • margaretturk
    margaretturk Posts: 5,254 Member
    edited June 2018
    auntiebk wrote: »
    BFFs

    Tracey in AB must have been so hard for you to call authorities when your bipolar friend was threatening herself.
    It was a very difficult decision, but I was aware of the mental health act here in Alberta and knew that she needed help. I have known her since I was 13 she is 2 years older than me. We met when I was "dating" her younger brother, but truthfully I probably stayed close to the family for their Mother more than anything. I loved her like she was my own. She was truly one of my best friends. I had thought over the years that my friend was bi-polar, in high school there was an episode that made me think it the first time. Then a few years later there was another one that made me think it. After her mother was killed in a car accident I saw it, but we moved to Alberta shortly afterward so I wasn't seeing it as clearly as I should have. In 2005 there was another episode but again we lived in different cities. I took her phone calls every single day though and tried my best to help her through it but also tried to reach her children's ex to come get the kids. He didn't return my calls :(. She then seemed to get turned around again, she earned a masters degree, and was doing very well. In 2016 she had another episode. She had me pick up all of her worldly possessions to store for her because she was leaving her bf and she didn't trust her children or Father to take care of her stuff without stealing from her. (This was in her mind, they wouldn't have) She asked if she could stay with us for a few days, I reluctantly agreed. I knew my husband wouldn't be able to tolerate it for long. So we agreed to 3 nights. On the 5th night I told her she had to leave. This is when she turned on me, she left a lot of stuff at our place that I wasn't even aware of, including all of her Mother's jewelry. She wrote all over facebook that we kicked her out on the street to be raped, she told everyone that I was in an abusive relationship, accused me of stealing her dead mother's jewelry. Threatened that she "knew People" and they would beat me to get her stuff back. That is when I called the police. I contacted her three children and Father and told them what I had done. I told them I was scared for her life, and they needed to tell the police the truth if they were called. We all agreed that we would never tell her who called the police. She ended up being hospitalized for over 2 months. Her reality is that I abandoned her in her time of need and that I never supported her. I let her believe this because I know I saved her life, and that I supported her in the only way I knew how. I haven't seen her since this happened. I have talked to her several times and she is doing well right now, staying on her medications and seeing her therapist. I only pray that she continues and that if she ever finds out it was me that she realizes it was only out of pure love.

    You did the right thing. Her reaction to what happened is her mental illness and nothing to do with you. Prays for her and you. When she has an episode she needs professional help. I would not tell her it was you who called the police. Given her state it could have been anyone and when she is in a better place she probably knows that. She is just trying to find blame rather than blame it on the mental illness. Part of the problem with some mental illness is the person who suffers from it their mind plays tricks on them and they cannot see how ill they truly are. It is the people around them like you who are put in the thankless position to get them the help they need. I will thank you for getting her the help for her because she is not capable of saying thank you.

    :heart: Margaret
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,946 Member
    auntiebk wrote: »
    BFFs

    Tracey in AB must have been so hard for you to call authorities when your bipolar friend was threatening herself.
    It was a very difficult decision, but I was aware of the mental health act here in Alberta and knew that she needed help. I have known her since I was 13 she is 2 years older than me. We met when I was "dating" her younger brother, but truthfully I probably stayed close to the family for their Mother more than anything. I loved her like she was my own. She was truly one of my best friends. I had thought over the years that my friend was bi-polar, in high school there was an episode that made me think it the first time. Then a few years later there was another one that made me think it. After her mother was killed in a car accident I saw it, but we moved to Alberta shortly afterward so I wasn't seeing it as clearly as I should have. In 2005 there was another episode but again we lived in different cities. I took her phone calls every single day though and tried my best to help her through it but also tried to reach her children's ex to come get the kids. He didn't return my calls :(. She then seemed to get turned around again, she earned a masters degree, and was doing very well. In 2016 she had another episode. She had me pick up all of her worldly possessions to store for her because she was leaving her bf and she didn't trust her children or Father to take care of her stuff without stealing from her. (This was in her mind, they wouldn't have) She asked if she could stay with us for a few days, I reluctantly agreed. I knew my husband wouldn't be able to tolerate it for long. So we agreed to 3 nights. On the 5th night I told her she had to leave. This is when she turned on me, she left a lot of stuff at our place that I wasn't even aware of, including all of her Mother's jewelry. She wrote all over facebook that we kicked her out on the street to be raped, she told everyone that I was in an abusive relationship, accused me of stealing her dead mother's jewelry. Threatened that she "knew People" and they would beat me to get her stuff back. That is when I called the police. I contacted her three children and Father and told them what I had done. I told them I was scared for her life, and they needed to tell the police the truth if they were called. We all agreed that we would never tell her who called the police. She ended up being hospitalized for over 2 months. Her reality is that I abandoned her in her time of need and that I never supported her. I let her believe this because I know I saved her life, and that I supported her in the only way I knew how. I haven't seen her since this happened. I have talked to her several times and she is doing well right now, staying on her medications and seeing her therapist. I only pray that she continues and that if she ever finds out it was me that she realizes it was only out of pure love.

    You did the right thing. Her reaction to what happened is her mental illness and nothing to do with you. Prays for her and you. When she has an episode she needs professional help. I would not tell her it was you who called the police. Given her state it could have been anyone and when she is in a better place she probably knows that. She is just trying to find blame rather than blame it on the mental illness. Part of the problem with some mental illness is the person who suffers from it their mind plays tricks on them and they cannot see how ill they truly are. It is the people around them like you who are put in the thankless position to get them the help they need. I will thank you for getting her the help for her because she is not capable of saying thank you.

    :heart: Margaret

    Thank you so much, it is true. What she believes happened is her reality and her truth. I can only be there to support her. I truly was afraid for her life, it has made me much more aware of mental illness and how it affects those we love as much as the person with the illness.
  • cityjaneLondon
    cityjaneLondon Posts: 12,698 Member
    edited June 2018
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    This is the local band that greeted us when we docked in the morning. We asked them up on deck for an evening concert. :D

    Rebecca - What you are doing is not the Epley manoeuvre. That you only have to do once. It worked like a miracle for my DH and for Mary. Please Google it, read the easy instructions and watch the very clear video on Utube. Your husband will have to do it for you because it can be quite scary. My DH really freaked out and I had to be really firm with him. But it WORKS. We did it on the bed.

    Heather ☓ x
  • KJLaMore
    KJLaMore Posts: 2,847 Member
    First off- Welcome Scrapstitching! Way to go on the loss! Glad you found us, chime in when you feel so inclined and please tell us a little about yourself (name, where from as specific or non specific as you wish, your health journey...)

    DH and I are the proverbial opposites that attracted. He is very anti social. I am very outgoing (but do need quiet time for myself to recharge). He is a pessimist, I am on optimist. He likes to stay home, I like traveling and all that goes with it. When he was in high school for the senior class mock elections he was voted "President of the He-man woman-haters club" :D
    https://goo.gl/images/Sf8iv4

    ttfn KJ(Kelly)
  • KJLaMore
    KJLaMore Posts: 2,847 Member
    Starsub99 wrote: »
    Im looking to lose 4 lbs in june.
    Starting a walking program...working up to 3 miles 4 X a week.
    Goal is to stay under 1400 cal day

    Welcome! You can do this! I am glad you found our group, please remember to bookmark, return and join in the conversations if you feel so inclined. Tell us a little about yourself, your journey and what we should call you. :) KJ (Kelly)
  • LisaInAR
    LisaInAR Posts: 2,020 Member
    Heather, you both look amazing, and that dress is just drop-dead gorgeous on you!

    Thank you to all who have/will answer my question. The majority are confirming something I've thought, that many men center their emotional needs and support in their wives/significant others, and not just the men I happened to marry.

    Love talking to y'all!
    Lisa in AR
  • KJLaMore
    KJLaMore Posts: 2,847 Member
    Heather- You and your hubby look stunning! And good for you for convincing the band to play on deck. I bet they even enjoyed the change of venue! The artwork on the church looks amazing! Funny thing; the day after you posted pictures of the little chair/cabanas that were on the beach in Germany; I drove past our local beach and noticed that they now have the same type of chair/cabana bundles for rent on the state park beach! Cool! I never go there, but cool, nonetheless! As a local, we know all of the private beaches and tend to stay away from the state park beach/tourists.
  • KJLaMore
    KJLaMore Posts: 2,847 Member
    Gah! I keep remembering others I wanted to say something to: DANA- I love that your bff's name is Donna! Dana and Donna! How fun!
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,253 Member
    ....................
  • klanders30
    klanders30 Posts: 2,569 Member
    <3
  • Snowflake1968
    Snowflake1968 Posts: 6,946 Member
    :):):)
  • skuehn48
    skuehn48 Posts: 3,042 Member
    :)
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,253 Member
    Pppp
  • grandmallie
    grandmallie Posts: 10,089 Member
    Aww Kay so sorry for the broken ankle..how rotten.
    Today was a nightmare..other assistant had an emergency so he didn't come in ,and I am not used to working a Oral surgeon office,plus regular Dr.
    Worked from 9-5:30 with enough time to gulp down some cottage cheese and right back at it.over 14,000 steps today..
    Tom has a few friends at work.but other than that he doesn't even speak to his family other than his dad and uncle.I was the glue that held that together...Ha Ha I told him a longtime ago he would end up a lonely old man because nobody would put up with his *kitten*.
    Truer words were never spoken.
    Well not much for me to say I'm to tired to think...
  • coastalgosgal
    coastalgosgal Posts: 2,900 Member
    ⚓⚓
  • pipcd34
    pipcd34 Posts: 17,253 Member
    Stats for the day:

    bike ride hm 2 gym- 7.30min, 131mhr, 12.7amph. 1.5mi= 74c
    apple watch- 57c
    0 RUNNER- 45min, 111ahr, 126mhr, 111ahr, lvl8, 9.50min mi, 10h, 104c, 41l, 5.60mi= 295c
    apple watch- 297c
    bike ride gym 2 dome- 5.26min, 131mhr, 16.6amph, 1.5mi= 54c
    apple watch- 44c
    bike ride puy 2 sumn sta- 15.01min, 12.2amph, 116ahr, 139mhr, 3mi= 129c
    apple watch- 116c
    jog sta 2 wk- 4.56min, 149mhr, 129ahr, 9.33min mi, .5mi= 60c
    apple watch- 55c
    jog wk 2 sumn sta- 4.04min, 125ahr, 153mhr, 8.50min mi, .4mi= 60c
    apple watch- 54c
    bike ride dome 2 hm- 17min, 150mhr, 9amph, 2.5mi= 182c
    apple watch- 147c

    Total 854
  • Poerava14
    Poerava14 Posts: 1,091 Member
    :relaxed:
  • exermom
    exermom Posts: 6,521 Member
    Did 5 minutes hula hoop, held my plank for 3 minutes, took the extremepump class. The plan for tomorrow is to the bonus sections of Totally Hot Cardio DVD, mainly because it doesn’t look like it’ll be that long and I’m supposed to go to the MD tomorrow at 8 about my trigger finger.

    M – interesting article. I never thought of that!

    Okie – I agree with you, guys are wired differently. I know that if something bothers me, it can bother me for a long time. Vince gets over things a lot faster than I do, and not as much bothers him. On the other hand, I’m the one who is more “people person” whereas Vince is more the logical person. Sometimes him being so logical bothers me. I am very thankful for this group where I can bounce things off others and get different perspectives

    Heather – loving all the pictures. Thanks for sharing.

    KJ – your husband and Vince must be long-lost brothers!

    Past Queen – I wish you all the best. Keep coming in here and telling us all about your journey

    Katie – how horrible! How did you hurt your ankle? Hope it heals fast.

    Michele in NC
  • barbiecat
    barbiecat Posts: 17,195 Member
    :)Lisa, congratulations on the house. You have the right attitude to enjoy the adventure of fixing it up.

    :'(Dr.Katie, sorry about the ankle. Six weeks sounds like such a long time. Sending hugs to you.

    :'( Too wet and cold for three days in a row so no yard work. I used the time to catch up on some neglected indoor projects and errands.

    <3 Barbie
  • GodMomKim
    GodMomKim Posts: 3,703 Member
    B)
  • spikeyhair
    spikeyhair Posts: 2,078 Member
    My DH is the social extrovert, he will chat to anyone. He has lots of "friends" but not on an emotional level, I think that's where I come in. He is not too close to family either, only his younger brother. He is my best best friend, but I think I could cope if anything happened to him, not sure how he would cope in reverse situation. When I was ill few years ago DD said he was distraught. I have 2 or 3 close friends from my working life, we see each other every few months.
    DH loves our kids and grands to bits but it's me who has to communicate with them, he'll ask if I've rung them but doesn't often ring them himself, I think it's our role to provide the glue to keep family together.

    Welcome to newbies, hugs for everyone with health problems.

    HEATHER you 2 look great

    Off to do KB workout and Leslie Sansone video

    Kate UK <3