Man struggles to forgive wife
By AMY DICKINSON. DEAR AMY: After three years of marriage I barely talk to my wife. What do you do when you know you still love someone and you know she still loves you, but the betrayal and actions of both parties were so great that forgiveness isn't even an option?. --So Sad. DEAR SAD: I cannot imagine misbehavior that is so great that forgiveness isn't an option.. The path toward forgiveness is paved through talk, connection and apology. You can't undertake this journey without being truthful and heartbreakingly vulnerable with your partner.. It is possible to repair a relationship, but only if you are both willing to do the work necessary to repair and reattach to each other. I hope you will try..
. DEAR AMY: "Estranged" fears being scorned by society for separating him/herself from an abusive father. I lived for years with anger and depression rooted in an abusive upbringing. I finally found the strength to walk away, which included severing all contact with my parents. Within months, I began to heal. I've now been free of them for 15 years and I'm happier every day for it. As for social scorn, I was pleased to discover that those who knew me fully understood my decision. I hope "Estranged" is able to take the steps necessary to be happy.. --Happy and Healthy. DEAR HAPPY: Many readers have responded with similar stories. Sometimes the best way to heal from a legacy of abuse is to break the cycle and create a new, healthy life..
. DEAR AMY: I was in the same boat with my father as "Estranged." The difference was I told my father, "I forgive you." Forgiveness brings you freedom from your mental bondage of abuse. Save yourself a lot of heartache and forgive your father. Never mind him; he can take care of himself. Your own happiness is an inside job!. --Free. DEAR FREE: Very wiseaskamy@tribune.com.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
. DEAR AMY: "Estranged" fears being scorned by society for separating him/herself from an abusive father. I lived for years with anger and depression rooted in an abusive upbringing. I finally found the strength to walk away, which included severing all contact with my parents. Within months, I began to heal. I've now been free of them for 15 years and I'm happier every day for it. As for social scorn, I was pleased to discover that those who knew me fully understood my decision. I hope "Estranged" is able to take the steps necessary to be happy.. --Happy and Healthy. DEAR HAPPY: Many readers have responded with similar stories. Sometimes the best way to heal from a legacy of abuse is to break the cycle and create a new, healthy life..
. DEAR AMY: I was in the same boat with my father as "Estranged." The difference was I told my father, "I forgive you." Forgiveness brings you freedom from your mental bondage of abuse. Save yourself a lot of heartache and forgive your father. Never mind him; he can take care of himself. Your own happiness is an inside job!. --Free. DEAR FREE: Very wiseaskamy@tribune.com.,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
