Dear host,
My name is Xing Ying, and I am a listening therapist at One Psychology, a nationally certified level 3 psychological counselor.
From what you've shared, it seems that you've experienced a shift in perspective. Reading your heartfelt words through the screen, I can see the clouds parting and the brightness and blooming of the sunshine. I'm genuinely happy for you!
I have been greatly influenced by my family. My father has a tendency to be emotionally extreme, which has sometimes led to disagreements within the family. My mother also has a tendency to gossip about others and seems to derive happiness from others' misfortune.
When I first read these two lines, I felt a sense of discomfort in my heart, and I wasn't sure what words would be most helpful in offering comfort. As a child, it can be challenging to feel liked by one's parents.
It can be particularly challenging to feel disliked by one's parents. When faced with such a situation, it's natural to wonder what one can do.
Subsequently, I had the opportunity to engage with psychology, which helped me to gradually adjust. The most significant change came about through meeting my husband. I feel that life has become brighter and more positive.
Life is self-sufficient. In times of pain, we can find wisdom within. You have brought light into your own life!
My parents and relatives had reservations about the idea, feeling that he didn't seem like he would be successful. However, I believe he is a very strong person inside, with a stable and optimistic temperament.
It is evident that the external environment has remained unchanged, yet you have undergone a transformation. From your words, I can perceive the radiance in your husband and, moreover, the healing quality of your love.
I believe that people tend to gravitate towards others who are similar to them.
I believe the reason you met him is because you went through a challenging period, studied psychology, made positive adjustments, and have a sunny heart that yearns for the good! You are just like him!
I've come to realize that relationships are often more complex than we realize.
I believe the reason you have such a happy relationship is because you are a source of sunshine for each other. It seems that your own firmness and sunshine allow you to "see" his strength and stability. If you don't have it in your heart, it may be more challenging to see it. Despite growing up in a challenging environment, you have created a bright garden in your inner world.
In addition, have you ever noticed that you have also become a warm and powerful person, perhaps without even realizing it?
Over the course of our time together, I have found myself growing increasingly happy. We have developed a mutual understanding, communicate effectively when needed, and work together to achieve financial stability. Our lives are becoming increasingly fulfilling.
I feel that I understand what true love is with him, and that it is unconditional.
It would seem that your relationship is already very stable, and that you love each other very much.
However, at family gatherings during the New Year and other holidays, the person who makes the most money often becomes the focus of attention, which can be uncomfortable for my husband.
Because I love him, I try not to hurt him.
Because of love, I feel a strong desire to avoid causing him any pain. Past experiences have caused you pain, and that kind of experience is so profound that you don't want him to experience the pain you once experienced. Out of love, you are cautious.
I believe this is a natural response, and I understand it very well.
I hope you will allow me to share with you some of my tips.
1. It might be helpful to distinguish between your current experience and past experiences, and to remind yourself that it is not necessarily as serious as it seems.
With repeated experiences, our feelings in similar situations in the present will become stronger.
For instance, if your husband feels uneasy about the insinuations made by relatives during the New Year and other holidays, this discomfort may be worth 3 points. However, due to the pain you have experienced in the past, your inner feelings may be 5 points or even higher. In reality, the impact is not as significant as it may seem.
2. It would be beneficial to make it clear, both to your husband and to others, that you and your husband are in a "we" relationship, rather than regarding your family members as "mine" and the harm they have caused to you as something that has happened to you.
If you can stand firmly by his side and get along with him as "we," it will bring you two closer together. However, if you become worried or feel guilty about him as a result, it might have the opposite effect.
Afterwards, you might consider taking the initiative to comfort him and communicate with him about the injustice done to him. He may also be your family member and find it inconvenient or inappropriate to express his feelings. At this time, you could perhaps take the initiative to express his negative emotions for him, so that he knows you understand and support him.
It would be beneficial to trust him, trust yourself, and trust "us."
From the beginning, your parents and relatives had some reservations about him, believing that he would not achieve much in life. However, you two had a strong understanding and were able to communicate effectively whenever challenges arose. Despite the external environment remaining largely unchanged, you two gradually developed a stronger bond. How did you navigate these challenges?
You have the capacity to resist these negative influences. Your husband has been with you for a long time, and he is aware of your family and your past experiences. Your family's attitude is not necessarily reflective of your own, and he is aware of that.
I believe that is precisely why he can appreciate your goodness even more. I encourage you to trust that he knows how good you are, that you trust in his strength, and that you are one.
In this enviable and healing partnership, your past wounds will slowly heal. Perhaps one day you will come to understand that the reason your parents are the way they are and cause you pain is because they also have all kinds of anger, sadness, and helplessness, except that they have not developed the ability to adapt to their own lives like you have.
Indeed, they are even more unfortunate in this regard.
Every parent-child relationship is different, and I empathize with the challenges you've faced in the past.
Whether or not you have the opportunity to reconcile with your parents in the future, you have already demonstrated remarkable resilience and strength. I encourage you to continue treating the world with kindness and determination, and to trust your husband, who is a source of strength for you. I wish you happiness, and I send you my love!
Comments
I can totally relate to the struggles you've faced within your family. It's such a relief that you found someone who brings light and positivity into your life. Your husband sounds like a true gem, offering stability and unconditional love. As for the holiday gatherings, maybe it's time to set boundaries or limit the exposure to those negative influences. Focus on celebrating with people who appreciate you both for who you are, not what you earn.
Your journey from a painful past to finding genuine happiness with your husband is truly inspiring. It seems like you've built a solid foundation based on understanding and mutual effort. Regarding the family gatherings, consider having open conversations with close relatives about how their comments affect you both. Sometimes people don't realize the impact of their words until it's brought to their attention.
It's wonderful that you've managed to turn your life around and now prioritize warmth and love over wealth and status. Your husband's strength and emotional stability must be incredibly comforting. For the family gatherings, perhaps you could shift the focus away from financial success by introducing different activities or topics that highlight other aspects of life, fostering a more positive environment for everyone involved.