how to get closer?

[wingnut]

I have been in a committed relationship for 20 years with my spouse and occasionally I hear about their want for me to 'open my heart'. This confuses me as I do tell her everything. Thoughts feelings ideas etc.

Then last week I got an email from a good friend I've known for 10 years telling me she would like me to share more. I am flattered and touched that she cared enough to write this. She has been through a lot over the years and I have always been there for her.

Now I work hard to keep my life on a steady keel without a lot of drama. My T says I do this on purpose due to my past. I don't gossip or have any big emotions to share. So basically I want to know: what do these people want from me?? I feel I am missing the intimacy boat here somewhere.

I think I share almost everything with my partner and I'm not interested in dragging my friends into my childhood traumas or therapy. I know I am guarded but I'm at a loss here.

Perhaps I'm overanalyzing. My friend may be concerned with oversharing. 

[keepfighting]

I think I share almost everything with my partner and I'm not interested in dragging my friends into my childhood traumas or therapy. I know I am guarded but I'm at a loss here.   

My two cents: Share whatever you feel comfortable with.

I've shared my childhood traumas with my T and my h and on OOTF/OOTS (even my kids know only rudimentary facts - I don't feel it fair on them to burden them with my problems; they know only in very general terms why I and therefore they are NC with my Narents). I've had female friends who coaxed me into sharing more than I felt comfortable with at the beginning of my recovery, when  felt very raw and uncertain of myself and looked for validation, and in both cases I've regretted giving into their coaxing (both turned out to be Ns). So please don't feel obligated to share what you're not comfortable with, even if that friend shares more than you do in return: Everyone has a different comfort zone and you have every right to stay within yours.

Another thought that comes to my mind: There are different ways to build a strong and lasting relationship. Sharing thoughts and feelings is one way, but another one is sharing experiences, hobbies, excursions, sports - whatever. There are good and strong relationships between people who spend a lot of quality time together but hardly ever discuss feelings. So if you have your partner/friend sharing in many of those, that's still 'sharing' and still works towards building a good relationship.

Now I work hard to keep my life on a steady keel without a lot of drama. My T says I do this on purpose due to my past. I don't gossip or have any big emotions to share. So basically I want to know: what do these people want from me?? I feel I am missing the intimacy boat here somewhere.

I cannot possibly comment on whether you have intimacy issues or not but I definitely understand why you try keep your life on a steady keel and avoid drama whereever possible. Same here. I thrive on a steady routine and little to no drama. It's something I never had as a child and I feel I need and deserve it now. It's not only because of my past - it's because it's best for me in my present time.

[wingnut]

Thank you - I really appreciate y'all backing me up.

My T suggests that I retreat in situations like this and I'm sure that given my mountain of trust issues that others see me keeping them at a certain distance. I've had so many experiences in the past where offering up too many personal details was like giving people ammo,  on top of the usual defenses from growing up in the land of dysfunction.

My T also suggested that I share the inner child concept with my friend as a starter conversation to sharing more. My friend is in therapy too for work related stress and perfectionism issues so I don't think she would judge. I just don't know that I want to go there. Back to the trust issues and revealing the protected core. Do I really need to share my history of abuse to get to the next level of closeness?

I like what you say about boundaries but do think I am too detached at times.

I do get jazzed and excited and share joys, frustrations but prefer keeping MY sharing on the surface with the majorit
y of folks. This makes me an excellent listener and confidant. And as you said, I'm a really fun activity partner.

My partner is codependent while I'm a freeze so I wonder if she is simply seeking the same level of neediness from me. We make an interesting study on attachment disorders. ;-)

[wingnut]

Thanks!
It's been a long road.  Relationship speed bumps are my remaining issues, I think, but they encompass a lot of CRAP.