Hi, and thank you for replying. I am always amazed at the kindness of people on this board to help others figure out solutions to problems.

Yes, I am sure he gets annoyed with me or at least that is how it manifests itself to me. For example, he asks how things are with my former spouse and I say OK, that I try not to get drawn into the former spouse's arguments. Then he shakes his head and says he can tell from how I look that it bothers me and that it drives him crazy and makes him mad that I still let the former spouse get to me. We talked about how I sometimes act as though I feel I am inferior and he says that it is ridiculous that I still feel that way. He isn't being mean; he is exasperated and irritated.

I have made incredible progress in all these areas and he knows and sees that. I don't even bring these areas up because I am working on them and making great progress. To me, they are small blips now. I think it will take time.

He does not get exapserated or irritated with my son regardless. I am not complaining about that and I am not in any upset or jealous about that. My kids are everything to me so I am very, very glad about it.

It is just that the therapist and I get on each other's nerves. I get irritated when he gets snappy like that since I'm telling him the truth about whatever he asks (at least as I see it since who knows what distortions I may have and not realize it) and I follow his suggestions and have used them to improve my life a thousand percent.

I can see, though, that it is annoying when a person continues a bad thing when you have told them how to avoid it. I feel that way with my kids at times, and with myself.

It's not that the therapist is mean or bad; he is kind but truthful, smart, and many good things. I don't see how it helps him or me to do these kinds of tense exchanges. I am not explaining it well but it just is something about me, not about everyone.

When my son is in the room with us, we all get along beautifully, probably since we are concentrating on my son although many topics address me as well as part of the family. The therapist and I joke and laugh then--to each other, too, not just to and with my son--, and he never is irritable with me then nor I with him. It's something about me personally--and I am too childish not to get irritated myself! Funny world.

It's not a big drama but I worry that saying I am going will make him really irritable and he won't let my son continue to go. I will have to drive him there and part of it is me in the room so that is why I worry more. Maybe I should just ride it out. Of course, maybe he will be relieved but I think more likely he will be offended.

If you see things I am missing and have time, please let me know.

I can't see a good way to do this so appreciate your views. I won't get irritated, I promise. I know I have faults I can't see.