01/17/2024
In the world of love and prison, the phrase 'it's worth the wait' repeats like a comforting mantra, promising a happy reunion after a long, painful separation from a loved one in prison." But let's look at this misconception from the point of view of a wife who has been through the storm and seen the harsh reality that stays after it's over.
The pain of waiting is a heavy mental load that is hard to put into words. Many partners idealize the notion that the happiness of reuniting with their loved one again will outweigh the difficulties of waiting for their release from prison. Many people don't understand that the “wait” doesn't end when the prison doors open. Instead, it takes a sudden, unknown turn into uncharted territory full of obstacles that can test the relationship's limits.
Post incarceration is complicated. It's hard to get back into society, rebuild self-esteem that has been broken, and reestablish relationships damaged by separation. When someone comes back, they might not be the same, and a relationship that worked well under the constraints of prison might have problems after prison.
'It's worth the wait' is not guaranteed; it's just a saying that helps the free partner justify waiting absorbent amounts of time so they feel comforted. You don’t actually know if it’s worth the wait until years later.
I don’t teach the idea of waiting and putting all your hope in an unpredictable future relationship. Instead, we help you accept the idea of living. Instead of worrying about what might happen in the future, let's focus on the present moment and build healthy connections.
Ready to get your heads out of the clouds? Join my coaching program. My course will help you decrease your anxiety so you can be at peace with having an incarcerated spouse.
