Sorting out stresses

Q: My husband of a few years (together for over ten), and I recently had a beautiful child.

Over the last few months, we’ve been arguing heatedly, mostly about how much I fail him as a wife and lover.

He’s twice raised divorce. During one argument (after he’d been drinking), he said he wishes he never married me.

He later said he didn’t want a divorce and apologized for speaking out of anger.

Meanwhile, I’ve fallen for a coworker. I don’t plan to pursue him, but we’re friends and both natural flirts.

I don’t know how to manage staying friends with him. Or, how to deal with feeling guilt and embarrassment that I’ve fallen for someone who’s unattainable even if I were single.

There’s also my utter fear that my husband will divorce me.

How can I cope knowing that I’m making mistake after mistake in my marriage, which could implode soon?

I feel like a horrible person for allowing these feelings to develop.

I need to process my emotions; so not being able to tell anyone my co-worker secret is taking a toll.

Counseling isn’t an option, as I don’t have time to attend.

Changing jobs isn’t possible now either. — In A Mess

A: A still-new baby, a critical husband, marital fighting, and a secret crush – yes, you’re in a mess and need to make time to deal with the issues, one by one.

First, see your doctor. You have enough post-partum stress that could/or has caused depression. Once there, ask for a referral to an individual therapist for you to talk to.

Then, tell your husband you need him to babysit while you do this. That gives you the needed time.

You can be open about your “secret” with the therapist. Since your co-worker’s actually “unattainable,” he’s become your fantasy escape route.

It’s time you discussed with a professional as to why you need this outlet. Obviously, your husband’s putdowns have a good deal to do with this.

Therapy will give you insights and confidence to then tackle the major issue: What does he want from you? Does he have no understanding of the pressures on new mothers, especially while also working? Or, is new fatherhood stressing him?

That’s where marital counselling comes in. You two need it.

Divorce threats, especially while drinking, just aren’t acceptable.

If he’s seriously unhappy with the relationship, you both have to probe, with guidance, what can be changed, what compromised, and what accepted.

Otherwise, you both get legal advice, learn the responsibilities of co-parenting and child support, and divide the funds to handle your lives apart.

Get strong with professional help and any family/friend supports available. Then face your life knowing you can handle what’s needed.