Good day!
As a heart exploration coach, I believe that learning is one of the most valuable gifts the body can receive.
From your description, I can sense that you may be experiencing a range of challenging emotions, including feelings of depression, discomfort, dissatisfaction, confusion, pain, and a sense of being overwhelmed.
It seems that you are somewhat troubled by your husband's frequent conversations with his female colleague, which might be perceived as slightly flirtatious. Without going into too much detail, I would like to offer three pieces of advice that I hope you will find helpful.
If I might make a suggestion, it would be to try to accept your situation.
I believe that doing so may help you feel slightly more relaxed, which could then assist you in thinking about what you might do next.
You mentioned that you have had a vague feeling that there is something wrong with your husband since August 2021. This is because you found that he is different from before and is not willing to share his feelings and state of mind with you. Then, during the New Year's holiday in 2022, you went on a trip and accidentally found him chatting with a female colleague. Later, in February, you went on a business trip and found through the home camera that he was in contact with that girl on the phone, and he was comforting her. Later, the most frequent contact between them was during the quarantine at home due to the epidemic in Shanghai. This incident now makes you feel particularly depressed, and you are pregnant and want to find a breakthrough. It is understandable that you are feeling this way, because the vast majority of women will be just like you. They will pay special attention to whether their husbands are chatting with other girls, even if they are female colleagues. Love is exclusive, and everyone wants to be the most important and special person in their husband's heart. Not to mention that you are also pregnant, and due to hormonal changes in your body, your emotions are more likely to fluctuate. This is especially the case because you are eager for your husband's company and attention. So you have to try to accept your own state. This will allow you to "see" that depressed, but temporarily confused self who doesn't know how to vent.
It is also important to allow yourself to try to accept your current situation, as this will make it possible to promote change in the status quo. While this may sound contradictory, it is in fact the case because change is based on allowing for no change.
If I might make a further suggestion, it would be to view your own state in a rational manner.
It may be helpful to consider that rational thinking can assist in developing a deeper understanding of oneself and of reality.
To gain a more objective perspective on the situation, it would be helpful to consider the following two points:
It's possible that your husband is simply chatting with his female colleague.
Given that you only used the word "slightly ambiguous" to describe it, it seems that you may also be aware that they may have just moved a little closer and that there will be no other substantial problems. This kind of judgment is very important.
You mentioned later that you feel particularly depressed when you think about it and that you want to find a breakthrough. However, you seem to have encountered a bit of a roadblock, unsure of whether to pursue divorce or not. I can understand that what you said about "divorce" was just talk or an expression of dissatisfaction in your heart, rather than a definitive decision. It's natural to still have feelings for your husband and to experience some level of affection towards him.
Furthermore, you mentioned in your description that during your business trips, including your travels, you saw your husband contact that girl. Perhaps it would be helpful to consider this: if they really had a problem, would your husband let you see them contact? You were away on business, and he could have found a place where the camera couldn't see him to chat with that girl, right?
Additionally, during the pandemic, they have been in frequent contact. It is also possible that the general environment has caused it. Everyone is under a lot of pressure, and they are comforting each other by complaining about each other to relieve their respective anxieties and concerns. Moreover, he also spoke in a low voice on the phone, considering your feelings and worried about affecting you. It would be understandable if he didn't care about you, but it seems like he does.
Could I suggest that perhaps that is the case?
Secondly, it is important to recognise that the status quo can be altered if one is willing to make changes.
When you take the initiative to change your own state of mind, it will naturally affect the state of your relationship, as there is always a mutual influence between husband and wife.
You may be wondering, "It's his problem, so why should I be the one to change?" Or, "What if I change, but he doesn't?"
It's understandable to have these thoughts, but I believe it's important to consider that making changes in your own life might offer a way to explore new possibilities for your relationship.
In a relationship, it is often the case that the person who is suffering more will be the first to change. Your decision to seek help indicates that you are currently experiencing more suffering than your partner, which may make it easier for you to initiate change.
I would like to suggest that you focus on yourself and think about what you can do to feel better.
Once you understand that the current situation can be changed, you may wish to consider taking the initiative. Perhaps you could start by communicating with him sincerely, telling him your true feelings. You might like to tell him that you would appreciate it if he didn't chat with female colleagues frequently, and that you would like him to chat with you more often and spend more time with you. You could also mention that you would really appreciate his company and love during your pregnancy.
However, when communicating with him, it might be helpful to consider the approach and method, try to put yourself in his shoes, learn to think from his perspective, and use the word "I" more often to talk about your feelings. It might be beneficial to avoid or minimize the use of the word "you," as it could make him feel rejected and blamed, which might not be conducive to communication between you.
After you communicate with him so honestly, you may find that your pent-up emotions will be "expressed," which could help you feel better. Furthermore, this in-depth communication between you may enhance your mutual understanding, which could strengthen your relationship.
Apart from communication, you might also consider creating more moments with him, including chatting with him about the baby. It's possible that he would be willing to share with you, which might also help to bring you closer.
You might also consider talking to other trusted family members and friends about your feelings, as this can often help to make you feel better. Once negative emotions start flowing, they can sometimes have a healing effect. They may also help you to judge your husband's actions and, in some cases, you may find that they tell you that you are overreacting, which can also make you feel better.
Of course, if you communicate with him in depth, take the initiative to share your feelings with him many times, and do it calmly and communicate well, but he still does the same thing, always chatting with that girl, rarely caring about you, and he doesn't show the care and love he should during your pregnancy, you may want to consider whether this relationship is still worth maintaining. I don't think you will be too entangled at that time, because you have already invested in this relationship and tried hard.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. If you would like to discuss this further, you are welcome to click on "Find a coach for an online conversation" at the bottom, and I would be happy to communicate with you one-on-one.
Comments
I can understand why you feel so hurt and confused. It's important to have an honest conversation with your husband about these interactions and how they make you feel. You deserve transparency and respect in your relationship, especially now as you're expecting.
It sounds like trust has been significantly damaged. Maybe it's time to talk openly with your husband about setting clearer boundaries regarding his communication with this colleague. Seeking couples counseling could also be beneficial for both of you.
This situation must be incredibly tough on you, especially during pregnancy. It might help to discuss your feelings with a trusted friend or family member who can provide support. Consider also speaking to a therapist to help process these emotions.
Feeling betrayed by someone you love can be devastating. Perhaps initiating a dialogue with your husband about the impact of his actions on you could lead to a better understanding and healing. It's vital that he acknowledges your concerns.
Given the complexity of this issue, it might be wise to consult a professional mediator or counselor who can facilitate a constructive discussion between you and your husband. This thirdparty perspective can sometimes offer solutions that are hard to see from within the situation.