You Fell Flat on Your Butt and He Didn't Help You Up

September 2, 2002

Question

Isn't action louder than words? I've been with the same man for 16 years. I have mulitple back injuries, had cortizone shots, take pain pills, etc.

Well yesterday in a restaurant with hubby, I slipped on a puddle of water. I landed flat on my butt. Hubby didn't move, offer me a hand or ask me if I was okay. He just stood there watching me shaking his head. Doesn't this mean he don't care?

I felt this more than embassement of the fall. I think if he really loved me, he would have helped me up or at least asked if I was okay. What do you think about this?


Answer

I can see why you feel crushed. His reaction was very aggressive, that 's clear.

I have the sense that he is angry with you because your pain must interfere with your abilities; and these limitations must reverberate into his life. So, I would say that he must resent you for whatever it is that he feels he is being deprived of (sex, greater emotional availability, shared sports?) as a result of your injuries.

Understand that feelings aren't rational and he could feel anger toward you eventhough the injuries aren't your fault. If he doesn't own his feelings, then they will come out sideways in various hostile actions, such as leaving you on the floor or shaking his head.

You need to ask him if he was aware that he left you on the floor and shook his head at you. Then ask him what thought or feeling he was communicating when he behaved that way. If all goes well, he will own his anger and resentment, talk about the losses he experiences as a result of your pain, and hopefully this should free him to behave in a more loving way. Let me know how you do.

- Doctor Love


Did you find this article helpful, informative, inspiring?

If so, please help me keep this site alive and growing by spreading the word to others or checking out my books and programs. You can:

Get Your Ex Back With Dr. Love's Relationship Rescue Kit Syncrohearts Board Game