Q&A Is It Wrong to Ask My Husband to Understand the Affair Partner's Personality Disorder?

To watch the video please purchase a subscription to the Recovery Library.
To watch the video, please purchase a subscription to the Recovery Library.
Gain unlimited access to over 1,800 articles and expert Q&A videos.
Already a Recovery Library member? Log in to listen to the full recording.

Question: 

My husband’s emotional affair partner was almost 20 years younger. He was a superintendent and she worked exclusively with his company however worked for contractor. I have an MSW and have worked for almost 30 years in the mental health field (albeit primarily as an administrator). When our life “blew up” there were so many behaviors that my husband did that were highly narcissistic. Upon much introspection and lots of consideration I am certain that my husband has high narcissistic traits. However after 6 years these are significantly improving. What I am struggling with that I also know that his affair partner struggles with histrionic personality disorder. Her behaviors were so extreme that I could not understand or make sense of any of it. I spent countless hours researching this disorder in an attempt to bring clarity in my head from things she did, said, and how she acted like they were so close, even though things didn’t add up. It’s important to me that my husband understands these behaviors as they were part of what constituted the affair. Recognizing how inappropriately she behaved is important to me because that behavior, in part, changed my life forever. He does not understand why reflection upon her behaviors is important. He has made multiple commitments to thinking about it and talking about it but does not follow through. It does feel wrong that I am asking to review another person’s unhealthy behaviors however her highly flirtatious, seductive, and manipulative behavior was part of what changed my life. Am I wrong for asking him to do this?

Sections: 

RL_Category: 

RL_Media Type: 

What type of affair was it?

Our free Affair Analyzer provides you with insights about your unique situation and gives you a personalized plan of action.
Take the Affair Analyzer

Free Surviving Infidelity Bootcamp

Our experts designed this step-by-step guide to help you survive infidelity. Be intentional with your healing with this free 7-day bootcamp.
head-silhouette
 
I would highly recommend giving this a try.
 
-D, Texas