Dear Cali Chica:

I am glad I brought up the party which lead to this exchange today.

The term “emotional regulation” I learned in therapy comes to mind as you mention “that dimmer to neutral” and the snapping “back to neutral”. We feel excited, activated, high, frenzied.. and we have to lower that excitation so to function well in the next life-situation, after my party or your socialization with your friend.

You needed your husband to be more aware of the negative aspects of reality, and to express that, and he is doing just that.

anita