So, all is well and life continues peacefully.
We must have spent close to £30k on the house in the last few months - on kitchen and bathrooms. The projects have over-run and there has been stress but not towards me or our son. The builder was chosen by her and so, I suppose, the capacity for blame is limited.
Anyway... the reason for writing is different.
We have not had the use of our own bedroom for a while because of the building works and we have been using the guest room. Now that we have two bedrooms again, and now that I am full time living at home - I had been working away during the week on a consultancy assignment - and working in the city, I suggested that we sleep apart during the week.
The reasoning being that I am a very, very light sleeper, she snores very loudly and my sleep is continually interrupted. When she is away or I am working away from home, I sleep well. As sleep is very important for health, this seemed a logical suggestion as I remain the sole earner and it is important for all of us that I remain healthy.
The last time I tried this, she got very upset. And this time she has said that I should go and see the doctor for my light sleep and that sleeping apart was not an option.
So, I have tried to be open, asked for a favour which is in all our interests, and she has flatly refused. It remains all about control. I will go to the doctor and I suppose I will bear the problem until I can't any more - the time is not right to create a fissure but how typical that she thinks only of herself and doesn't give a shit about the effect on me.
The second incident is funny. One of my relations had come over and, for some reason, the conversation turned to cars - and, specifically, £50k cars. 'Is a £50k car expensive then?' I had to point out to her that our's cost £11k and, yes, £50k is expensive. Does that strike you as someone who has had to be careful about money?
I am tired of listening about other people's extensions and how they have a budget of £700k or more or are doing up the whole house. One day I said, 'look, I'm sorry I don't earn as much other husbands.' I certainly did not get a 'don't be silly!' in response - more of a silent acceptance ... of my uselessness I suppose!!
I remain unable to leave as our son is only 12 and is much closer to me than her - I could not do that to him. Nor do I want to wish my life away - but this is hard and I am so very tired.
