I have been away on a work trip. SO starts some rigorous classes next week and needs to be finding some part time work before he gets too busy to look, as his current job will not sustain him much longer and I don't yet make enough to support him. But he has been sleeping in, not exercising (which we normally do together and which I am keeping up while away) and spending his days at the coffee shop.

The controlling b**** I was in another life would nag, plead, and manipulate him into doing what I think he should. I still have that inclination at times. But instead I am there for him, listen to him if he wants to talk about his difficulties, and trust him to fix what he thinks needs fixing. This does not come easily quite yet, though I'm sure it will get better with practice.

I didn't tell him what I thought he needed to do on the phone last night, but I still wasn't as respectful as I should have been. I was thinking about it this morning and even though I was feeling panicked and doubtful, I knew I needed to be sweet and trusting. I decided to reaffirm by text all the encouraging things I've been telling him this whole time--that I love him and believe in him, and that I am praying for him.

Before the end of the work day, he has gotten several work opportunities lined up and tells me how happy he was that an acquaintance of his thought we were married already. He is happy to be a champion, and I am happy to have one.

This stuff really works!