So, as I am facing my T being gone a month while she's on vacation, I decided it would be good to reframe her absence. So, I decided that she really needs a break. She needs to get away and refresh herself. So, in my mind, I decided that it was my choice to give her a vacation. That point of view changes radically my feelings about her being gone.

I shared this with T. I told her I wasn't sure she would understand. She did understand and she thanked me for the vacation. She said this approach encourages the feelings of compassion. I told her that I didn't want to be a person hanging on to her and dragging her down but rather a person who is releasing her. And, so now I'm feeling happy she's taking a vacation.

So, I think it's going to be o.k. with her gone. I reviewed with her my coping strategies and I believe all will be very manageable.