Elaine and Her Husband

BLUE: Sad, Guilty Elaine GREEN: Disgust, Disappointed

Elaine and her husband, David, are college educated and both still work. Their two incomes total about $200,000/year. They are empty nesters since their adult children are doing well on their own. Over the last few years Elaine feels that she and David have grown apart. Elaine still loves David but when she is not working, she wants to do things she enjoys doing, even if it means doing them without David.

David feels like life has passed him by while he was so busy working to take care of his family. With the children grown and out of the house he is looking forward to trying new things. He feels that he and Elaine no longer have the same interests. He is casually seeing another woman and has been thinking about asking Elaine for a divorce.

Scenario: Elaine had to leave work early to run some errands downtown, She was passing by her favorite restaurant, glanced in and saw David sitting with another woman. They looked very “friendly.”

Please share which response you think is the way Elaine should respond and how you would respond in her situation, in the comments section below.

RESPONSE A: Don’t baby me! I saw you David! You and some woman were at my favorite restaurant. Who is she? What is going on?

BLUE: Sad, Guilty GREEN: Disgust, Disappointed

RESPONSE B: I caught you David! I saw you today with that woman! Get your stuff and get out!

BLUE: Sad, Guilty RED: Anger, Aggressive

RESPONSE C: Hello David. I saw you with another woman today. I think we need to talk.

BLUE: Sad, Guilty ORANGE: Surprised, Confused