Picture this: my husband Jake is perched on the edge of our couch, nursing a beer with a look of sheer astonishment plastered on his face. Meanwhile, I’m pacing like a whirlwind, arms flailing, tears flowing freely. Honestly, I’ve completely lost track of what I’m saying, because this emotionally charged discussion began an hour ago and has spiraled out of control.
But don’t let Jake in on that little detail.
Most of our squabbles during this time of the month revolve around his perceived lack of romantic gestures, our dwindling intimacy, or him forgetting something that I deem critical. Ironically, while I’m unleashing my torrent of feelings on him, I’m conveniently overlooking something important too.
I conclude my one-woman show with three dramatic statements that infuriate him while also offering him a quiet sigh of relief. These are the words that slip out before I can stop myself, and every month, against my better judgment, I find myself saying the same thing.
“I can’t keep living like this! I’m done! I want a DIVORCE!”
This is typically when Jake gives me “the look.” It’s his subtle way of conveying thoughts that, if voiced, would put him in the doghouse.
Jake is no fool; he knows the drill. He offers a sincere apology for whatever I’m upset about, reassures me of his love, and then clams up for the rest of the night. Unsurprisingly, my reaction to his silence is to spiral even further into an emotional meltdown, retreating to our bed where I cry until I’m exhausted.
The next day, Jake cautiously broaches the subject that’s been on his mind since my impulsive outburst. He knows to tread lightly to avoid triggering any more tears.
“Honey…”
“What?”
“Well, I think maybe…”
“WHAT?”
“I think… you might be about to start your period.”
I feign innocence and shift the topic, but internally, I’m grappling with discomfort. How does he know my cycle so well? Am I wearing a shirt that says “PMS Woman Walking” or something?
The most frustrating part? He’s consistently, infuriatingly correct. My husband has become an expert at predicting my period, and it annoys me to no end. Apparently, I become quite predictable in this department, threatening divorce just days before my cycle starts. Jake has learned that this is the time when my emotional rollercoaster reaches its peak, nearly leading us to a dramatic end.
Having been diagnosed with complex PTSD recently has only amplified my emotional responses. I often feel like a bundle of PMS-induced anxiety, and because I struggle to track my own cycle, these bursts of drama seem to come out of nowhere, much to Jake’s dismay.
The silver lining? Jake has become so skilled at navigating this monthly chaos that he’s taken proactive measures to prevent the “D” word from escaping my lips. He checks in with me, offers comforting hugs, and even stocks up on my favorite snacks and seltzer. Essentially, he treats me like he did during my pregnancies.
Truth be told, Jake is a hero in this regard. His patience and understanding during these turbulent moments have helped me feel a tad more at ease when the impending emotional storm approaches. I’m seriously considering getting him a special cape—maybe red, since that would serve as a constant reminder of his role as the prophet of my monthly cycle.
For more insights on navigating the ups and downs of family life, check out this blog post. Also, if you’re interested in understanding more about home insemination, Cryobaby has some great kits! Plus, for those looking into the journey of conception, this resource is an excellent starting point.
In summary, navigating the PMS rollercoaster can be challenging, but with understanding and support from our partners, it can lead to a stronger bond amidst the chaos.
Keyphrase: PMS and marriage struggles
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]