"I have found that sometimes the most helpful support I can provide to Steve is giving him the space and encouragement to do the things that make him happy, without me. Every time he goes off on a long bike ride, or skiing with friends, or to a party that I know will be loud and too frustrating for me to enjoy, it hurts because I used to love those things, too. But I know we’ll all be better off in the long run if I don’t ask him to give up all those things just because I can’t participate with him in the same way anymore." - Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke - Chapter 10, Partners and Intimacy #stroke #relationships #identity #aphasia #carepartner