I don’t know what I can do to make my wife happy. If I talk with #2 son, C, who in true Asperger’s modality can’t make a seemingly simple decision, she gets all pissy. C, from her perspective, is monopolizing my time. It is stressful for me, but he is my son.
On the other hand, her “at home” mode is to sit in bed, watching 1) sappy Hallmark movies or 2), crime dramas, involving kidnapping, murder, and/or rape. Not my cup of tea. Somehow I don’t see watching cricket as a waste of time. I think it is a postive diversion, compared to Law And Order, SVU.
Obviously, I haven’t done enough to celebrate her birthday. I hate being in these situations where I can’t win. I believe this falls under the heading of “bratting”. I feel manipulated by her behavior. Well I am staying down here.
Dispatches From Dystopia 
Bratting is fun and agreed upon by both partners… it’s not manipulative. Whining, pouting and being otherwise MANIPULATIVE is unhealthy and co-dependent. Does she need you to put her over your knee and tell her to knock it off? Tell her to use her words like a big girl and tell you what it is she actually wants and needs.
Having a special needs child is hard and you owe it to him to be there. I’m happy you are!!! There’s a real problem if she’s jealous of your time with C.
Thanks. It is exhausting to listen to these conversations w C. He is truly perplexed by some of the things that are no brainers for normal people. So dealing with him and knowing she’s angry at behavior he can’t help is maddening. Fortunately, she turned off the light. She was tired. Finally I just say “F*/k it.”
I know so well. Deep breath, my friend.
Thanks.
C is 31.But his emotional age is maybe 17. He can handle sophisticated concepts like economics and mechanics, but little things, like what small appliances to buy on Black Friday sales, stymie him.Hence long phone conversations. “You can always buy new small appliances and give the old ones away”, doesn’t register a him.
I understand completely. I spent years working with the DD population.
OK. Good to know I’m experiencing stuff that is consistent with a diagnosis
Very much so. 🙂
Maybe you can’t make your wife happy. Not because YOU can’t make her happy, maybe no one could. Just a thought…
💜
Thanks.
enjoyed your blog. Not to be a hater but I love Law & Order. Hi there. I am going around the neighborhood introducing myself. My name is Marc. My blog contains excerpts from my book The Driveway Rules. It contains memoirs about growing up with undiagnosed autism. I hope you stop by.
Yes I will drop by. My elder son diagnosed his own autism as an adult.