Q&A How Do I Set Effective Boundaries as Someone Who Is Conflict Avoidant?

To view this content please purchase a subscription to the Recovery Library.

To watch the video please purchase a subscription to the Recovery Library.

Gain unlimited access to over 1,800 articles and expert Q&A videos.

Already a Recovery Library member? Log in to listen to the full recording.

Question

I’ve been to EMS Weekend with my husband and we’ve completed Married for Life as well. I am enrolled in Harboring Hope and 12-Step group for codependency. I’m finding my voice and mentioned how I was not ok with my husband watching TV at 1:30am and also opening my mail and signing/submitting legal documents to his attorney on my behalf about his character for a recent car accident he was in. It seems that when I try to say how I feel, I often get attacked and he turns the tables and shifts the focus to me. I feel emotionally abused because my husband says he wants intimacy, but when I attempt to give it, he manipulates it when he doesn’t like that I’m saying. I don’t feel emotionally safe at all and I’m about ready to call it quits as I’m feeling I’m losing my dignity by continuing to feel controlled, disrespected, and manipulated. I don’t feel comfortable moving forward in my marriage when my husband has these character/integrity issues. He doesn’t accept responsibility, only deflects and points out my faults when I try to address a problem. How do I continue this as a conflict avoider if I feel I’m being manipulated to back down when I stand up for myself and say that’s not ok? I’m so crushed by this.

What type of affair was it?

Our free Affair Analyzer provides you with insights about your unique situation and gives you a personalized plan of action.
Take the Affair Analyzer

Free Surviving Infidelity Bootcamp

Our experts designed this step-by-step guide to help you survive infidelity. Be intentional with your healing with this free 7-day bootcamp.
head-silhouette
 
I would highly recommend giving this a try.
 
-D, Texas