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Outlet

Outlet

I want to write a fair bit.

Not exactly sure where to start. So I'll just go straight to the thing that's been on my mind past few hours

My partner was saying last night that she needed to get her visa updated. It will cost her 2000 AUD. She sounds stressed about it. I reassured her that she will find an answer because she has been here 4 years already and has got this far.

I even pointed out how in the past she told me I would figure out how to use one of my presents back on my birthday because it was a gift and it meant something. So I applied the same thinking for her.

But

Here is my fear.

I am fearful she will ask me for money. I am fearful that if she does then that just undoes all the good we have. There have definitely been negative moments as we've got to know each other. Most of this is down to culture difference (I think our culture of the hook up hasn't helped us find true meaning in relationships). The rest of the negatives have been down to emotional expression. Or lacking the ability to show it or express it.

But I very very fearful she will ask for money for her visa. Then I am worried she will ask me for more money after that for her course. Here's the thing. I mentioned once to her about a friend who just split with his gf after 2 years (he is 32). He is from a culture that traditionally do arranged marriages. He has been through quite a battle in the courts. He told me it was about assets. About splitting that up but I am not an expert in law and dunno if that's even what can happen. Why wouod the court be involved?

I digress.

I guess I'm just hyper cautious of being emotionally manipulated. Tbh I think my anxiety has gone into over drive on this one.

We've been going out 3 months. There have been hiccups of course. But most importantly I have not ever sought advice from people because there is too much bad advice out there.

I think I know the answer - I need to STOP worrying about this. Simple. It has not happened yet. IF it does happen then I'll cross the bridge when I come to it.

I think I have single handedly made myself more anxious and depressed by theorising about a whole scenario.

I also keep drawing similarities between my partner and this girl I met one time who was drunk and high on weed. This is soooo unfair and I feel terrible for it. My partner isn't that type if girl.

I've always been sensitive about this topic - relationships. Now that I am in one I'm kinda overwhelmed. But I reckon I am overwhelmed by my own doing.

My work is overwhelming me because of the content. I've adapted to the hours (which are long). I spoke to my psych about this. He has sent me an interesting article about vicarious trauma.

I feel so overwhelmed by small things. I need to stop over analysing these small things. But I also know that the habits and coping mechanisms that I have used in the last number of years have harmed my brain and hijacked my limbic system and so maybe I'm still adapting to that as well.

In short - there is a lot going on inside.

6 replies

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In response to: Outlet

Re: Outlet

Hey @MDT

Maybe some gentle boundaries about money could be raised here and there. I am in some online relationships where asking for money is done, and I have given, felt stretched, but have finally come down on the side of gently blocking the money flow. Talking about it in a productive way, not denying it or the cultural differences. Its a journey. Some of your thinking about it is probably necessary, only you can eventually decide where it is overthinking and manage your anxiety.

In response to: Re: Outlet

Re: Outlet

Agreed @Appleblossom

I am speaking to p doc

Really quite abnormal atm

In response to: Re: Outlet

Re: Outlet

Keep talking about it rather than bottle it up @MDT but do not discount your way of thinking too much. Find a balance. I became distressed and confused when dealing with the recent online money asking. There is a point when generosity of spirit or material resources needs to be within reason. Tbh my brother suffered in his intercultural marriage. Each situation is unique. Take care. This boundary setting thing is new to me, but I am working on setting them rather than being used in a range of circumstances.

In response to: Re: Outlet

Re: Outlet

Maybe I need to put up new boundaries in some regards but drop down others aye @Appleblossom

I spoke to p doc just now.

He said its understandable to have these thoughts about her but for now she hasn't asked anything. So don't fear about it is what I got from that. It'd be different if shevwas asking. She hasn't

Simple.

My insomnia is gonna be treated differently again with the other medication I used to take. But only on occasions.

I feel like my mind is all over the shop these days

In response to: Re: Outlet

Re: Outlet

Yep it is good when it is clear like that @MDT

Gently Bently

In response to: Re: Outlet

Re: Outlet

Hey @MDT


Money is always a tricky subject for so many people. I think it was good advice from your psychologist, and try to put some strategies in place to minimise your fears. I do think some healthy boundaries around money is something you should think about. If you are worried, the situation may arise where she asks for any. maybe your psychologist could help you create some boundaries that will make you feel safe and discuss how to implement them and discuss them with her?

I have just recently learned about putting boundaries in place. It can be tricky, but the outcome is very rewarding. At the end of the day, your well-being is paramount to the relationship, and so you need to take care of yourself. Makes me think of the old oxygen mask on aeroplane analogy, you can’t help somebody else if you can’t help yourself first!

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