Glimmer of Hope

I'm writing this as if I'm talking to a friend because it helps me express my emotions:

Today - a glimmer of hope!  Since telling my husband I was disengaging from his family due to drama drama drama there has been this type of tension in the air between him and me. As you can guess, the whole I choose to disengage from your family went over like a lead balloon.   I've worked to stress to him that this is my choice and I by no means expect him to follow suit and disengage with his family.  I want him to spend time with them and enjoy their company.   This was followed by that silent tension in the air.

Today, things in our home as we went about our morning routine were well...back to normal.  We were laughing, enjoying each others company over coffee and just being ourselves.  That odd tension in the air...nowhere to be found!    Initially, he pulled back from me when I told him about my disengaging from his family for a time.  I understand why he did this and he was 100% entitled to do so.  He needs to do what he needs to do to come to terms with me needing to do what I need to do.   If I expect him to understand my emotions, I should try to understand his. 

I'm learning that I can take care of my emotional needs but still be sensitive to the needs of my family around me.  I know my decision to pull away from his family hurts him a bit.  I also know their is no other answer for me right now.  I know this is not "all better"  and this issue may raise its head again , but I only need to worry about today.  Today I will manage today.  Tomorrow can wait.   I'm busy with today.