Melanie Seeks Help

Last week after Melanie dropped Nicole off for her horse riding lesson, she scurried to a meeting she scheduled with Tina.

"So Ms. Taylor, what brings you in today?" (Tina)

"Well, I'm having a terrible time dealing with my ex's upcoming marriage and I fear it's starting to affect our daughter." (Melanie)

"I see." (Tina)

"This is my first time speaking to someone like you.  Before we start, I have to ask if our conversation will be kept private." (Melanie)

"Of course.  We believe in totally privacy.  Not only that, we are bound by law to protect your privacy." (Tina)

"Do you mind if I get comfortable?  I always said if I ever found myself in a place like this, I would lay down on the couch." (Melanie)

:"Please make yourself comfortable." (Tina)

"So if I am being totally honest, I HATE that my ex is getting remarried." (Melanie)

"Why do you think that is?" (Tina)

"Well up to the point when he got engaged, I always felt that I could get him back if I wanted to." (Melanie)

"And do you want to get him back?" (Tina)

"That's just it.  My feelings about wanting him back haven't changed.  But I do worry that I won't find someone else to share my life with.  I just wish I had been the one to move on first." (Melanie)

"So no regrets about not being with him?" (Tina)

"Well maybe a little.  But I really think I just don't want him to be happy with anyone else.  I want him to be happy with me." (Melanie)

"But I thought you were unhappy with him." (Tina)

"Therein lies the problem.  I tried to be happy and at first I was.  But the simple life just isn't for me.  I need a challenge.  It got to be torturous coming home and doing the same thing day in and day out." (Melanie)

"So you would rather be tortured than to see him happy with someone else?" (Tina)

"Sounds crazy, right?" (Melanie)

"Sounds pretty normal considering." (Tina)

"You mentioned this affecting your daughter. How so?" (Tina)

"Well I find myself finding excuses as to why she can't go over as often as she would like.  This was never an issue before.  I don't want to interfere with the relationship she has with her father, but I hate that she is bonding with this other woman." (Melanie)

"Understandable.  What's her relationship like with your dad's fiancee?" (Tina)

"Seems like it's good.  Deep down I kind of wished she didn't like her.  I know that's a terrible thing to say, but it would make life a lot easier." (Melanie)

"Having your daughter hate her father's new wife to be makes life a lot easier for who?" (Tina)

"Everything that you are feeling is totally normal.  You are not the wicked ex-wife.  You are a person with genuine feelings.  You have acknowledged that even though Rod was a really good husband, you were miserable.  There is nothing that you have said today that would indicate that being back with Rod would make you happy.  At this point, we just need to work through these scary, but normal feelings that you are having.  I can help you with that."  (Tina)

"I am very concerned about how these feelings are affecting your daughter.  If she has adjusted to the situation, and it sounds like she has, you don't want to do anything to change that.  Trust me, it will be to your benefit in the future.  Not to mention, every aspect of her life will be much better if she is happy with her home life.  The one with you and the one with her dad." (Tina)

"And I know you are right.  That is why I came.  I don't want her to resent me and think I am trying to turn her against her dad." (Melanie)

"So I will put forth a plan for us to help you through this.  You will be okay." (Tina)

"I think so, too.  But there are times when I am not too sure." (Melanie)

"We will have you feeling better in no time." (Tina)

"Thanks Tina.  Just talking about it makes me feel a little better." (Melanie)

"How about we schedule another meeting for the same time next week?" (Tina)