Fiance wants to fix in-laws' 'poly' marriage
BY AMY DICKINSON
Friday, December 14, 2012
1/08/13 at 8:24 AM
Dear Amy: My fiancee's parents announced this weekend that they are separating. Or, as my fiancee puts it, her mother is leaving and breaking her father's heart.
The husband's philosophy is that he can't limit himself to being with one person. He enjoys a polyamorous lifestyle where he has a steady wife and various girlfriends.
The husband talked the wife into accepting the poly lifestyle, and because she is a people pleaser, she gave it a good-faith effort for several years.
The wife found the husband's lifestyle increasingly difficult to cope with. She would like to return to a monogamous lifestyle where she doesn't need to compete with other women or feel jealous of his time.
Even though she says she is leaving, I believe she is open to the idea that they might still reconcile, but she feels like he needs to make an effort. When I read between those lines, I think she wants to ask him to get rid of his girlfriend and give up the poly lifestyle.
However, I don't think she communicates this clearly to him. I don't know if he would give up the girlfriend for his wife, but in the wife's eyes, it is the only way that they can be together. Would it be appropriate to privately explain to him what he should do to get her back? He is clearly distraught over losing her and does not appear to know what to do. - Concerned Fiance
Dear Concerned: This couple's "poly" lifestyle apparently has extended to you, and now me. Because here we are, sharing their private sexual history, interpreting their actions and contemplating choices that only this couple can make on their own behalf. Simply put: It is not your business to fix your future in-laws' marriage.
If this husband comes to you, saying, "What can I do to get my wife back?" you should definitely tell him what you think. If your fiancee (or her mother) asks you to join them in a family meeting to discuss this situation, as a future family member, you should do so.
Otherwise, unless you are a trained marriage counselor and want to take them on as clients, you should let this family work it out. Offer emotional support to each family member, and do your best not to take sides.
Dear Amy: My heart broke for "Sad," whose live-in guy went out drinking several times a week. She said her instinct was to "run for the hills." I hope she does. I lived with a heavy drinker for years. When he wouldn't seek help, I finally had to leave. - Sober
Dear Sober: Many people responded with similar stories.
Send questions via email to askamy@tribune.com or by mail to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.
Associated Images:
|
