Response:

Rather than deal with the toxic friend and marijuana topics, I’ll address your first question, “how to deal with things you can’t control.” The truth is there is very little in the world that we can control. And yet most of these things don’t emotionally disturb us. If the weather changes abruptly or a friend gets ill, we recognize that we can’t control those things, and usually we adjust to the situation and move ahead in our life. But there are other uncontrollable situations that aren’t directly threatening, yet we feel upset and unable to let it go. In those case we need to recognize that our interpretation of the action is triggering this reaction inside us, based on some unresolved trauma in our past.

Clearly, your husband’s continuing association with this friend feels threatening to you and your marriage. Look at this honestly and figure out what this perceived threat is about. When did you first feel this way? As you explore what beliefs you are holding on to that are behind the discomfort, you will gain insight into where you need to heal and learn forgiveness acceptance. Once you are able to honor others choices without taking it personally, you will be at peace and will be much more effective in communicating your real concerns.

Love,

Deepak