Ok

Ok

Hear me out

What if….

When I’ve felt stressed out to the max in the past, the way to fix it was to try to express sincere empathy to her and smooth things over. If I got it right, the reward was peace and companionship

I’m stressed out due to finances etc. she’s done stuff that’s hurt me and the kids.

So, this is a strongly conditioned response in me. Try to connect with her thinking empathetically. Reach out to her. Hope for peace and closeness after. Be scared of more hurt if I get it wrong.