Laid-Off Girlfriend
Dear Dyke Whisperer, My girlfriend was laid-off a month ago. She has been depressed ever since. She seems to have lost interest in life in general and me in particular. She never leaves her apartment. I love who she used to be. What can I do to get “her” back?
Zee in Dallas
Dear Zee,
It’s really up to her to come back and re-engage you and the world. So much of our identity is tied to our professional lives that it truly is devastating to lose a job, especially if she devoted years to it.
Without knowing what industry she’s in, I can’t provide any specific help. And, I suspect that if you try to “encourage” her she might snap at you and could become very angry. I’m sure you’ve tried that anyway.
This is her fight. Be there for support and encouragement, but the outcome resides within her. Set your own deadline too. How long are you willing to put up with her as she is? Are you willing to be in a long-term relationship with someone who is unable to effectively deal with a crisis?
Try to talk to her. If she becomes angry and irrational, re-evaluate your relationship and the willingness she has to block you and your efforts out of her life.
