Shelby,

Yeah she’s okay now thankfully! Aside from being poorly she’s enjoyed her week off school so she’s not complaining hehe!

I think trying to put myself in his shoes is difficult but also eye opening. I don’t think my sister would’ve ever gotten involved like that, in fact she didn’t! Throughout the entire situation around the summer she did not get involved, because my family are just a little bit like that. They will leave us to it to sort through our problems. Obviously if I say I need their input they’d be more than happy to stick up for me but other than that they’re quite respectful in the way that they will stay back and let us try come to a resolve on our own. Whereas his family jumped the gun very quickly and the attacks on me began! So I suppose in a way it is natural that I have been left with a sour taste towards them…

He has tried to arrange for us to ‘bump into one another’ several times now, each time I’ve avoided it. And quite frankly i’ll continue to avoid it for as long as necessary. I explained to him that seeing his mum and dad was inevitable as he lives with them, everyone else I have no interest in seeing or rebuilding any relationship with. They are not a part of my life, they are a part of his. Naturally, if we reconcile properly then yes I will see these people eventually at family do’s etc (although I reckon i’ll avoid those too as I have no interest in entertaining his family) but I will say hi and bye and be civil. Until that time comes I really do not need to go out of my way to bump into anyone.

I had a busy day yesterday, work, counselling and then I actually got myself to the gym with my friend and had a really good session! I feel EXTRA slim today haha!

I did mention the withdrawal to my therapist yesterday. I explained that it started as a defence mechanism but it seems to be affecting all parts of my life now. As soon as I see some kind of red flags I run as far away as I can and completely shut down – my friends and family are noticing this now too! I need to be able to deal with things differently! We did explore that further and will continue working through it in the new year!

How are you doing today?! Have you sorted all of your Christmas shopping yet?