patterns tender_square “my mom was very confrontational with me, saying that i have a pattern of doing this because it’s my second time. but by the same token, she was trying to be supportive and saying that whatever i decide, she will back me 100%. i’m trying to tell her this is why marriage doesn’t work for me and i don’t think she heard that.” “i mean, yeah, on the surface it’s the second time, so you could call it a pattern.” her therapist shrugged. “but isn’t that’s the whole point in taking your time? you’re not just examining that pattern, but you’re trying to address *all* the patterns in your life, and you’ve been putting a lot of work into that.” “thank you.” her face became wet again after she’d willed herself to stop crying. “thank you for saying that, it means so much to hear that from you." she sobbed. "because that’s what it feels like to me, that i’ve put putting all this effort into figuring my shit out.” she pulled her compact out from her purse and examined her face. “shit. it looks like i’ve been crying.” her husband was outside waiting for her; her time was up. “you know," her therapist offered. "if you could use more support, we can always meet more frequently.” “i know. it’s just,” she sighed. “nothing else is going on in my life that i can use as a cover. my family is fine and things are fine with his family; i feel like it would arouse suspicion if i said i needed to come more often.” they stood together. her therapist gave her an encouraging smile she mirrored in return as she opened the door, and they laughed to keep the energy light. 220307 ... nr we're past fixing; it's time to break. 220911 what's it to you? who go blather from