Bert’s therapy/Session 23: Bull, part 3

“Bull in a china shop”? What does

that mean?

Just that you don’t know what

you’re doing.

Emotionally speaking, I mean.

I get it. Because I’m numb to

my own feelings.

Right.

Which leaves me numb to my wife’s

feelings.

Right.

And to my kids’ feelings, and

everyone else’s.

Yes, unfortunately.

So what can I do about it?

You get interested.

In feelings.

Right.

I really don’t want to.

I don’t blame you.

You don’t?

Nope. Moving from numbness into

feelings is no walk in the park.

It takes guts to face all that

stuff you’ve been burying.

Do I have a choice?

Of course you do. There are always

choices.

What choices?

Choice 1, do nothing. Hope your marriage

survives and your kids don’t grow up

emotionally deprived.

Choice 2, shift from bull to bully. Demand

that your family accept your numbness,

blame them if they complain about it.

Some guys try that.

Anything else?

Choice 3, develop symptoms. Become

anxious or depressed or chronically

angry.

I think I may have started on that one.

Choice 4, develop an addiction.

I don’t drink or drug.

No problem.There’s always food.

Or work, that’s a popular male option.

Or you could spend your life in

front of screens. Tv, internet, games,

Facebook, chat rooms, porn.

You know.

I know.

Or you could get interested.

In feelings.

In feelings.

So. What’s your preference?

(Silence.)

(More silence.)

Good choice.