Insulted and don't know what to do (kinda long)

[shootingstar]

Tonight at dinner I mentioned to my husband that I was nervous. I was looking for a few words of encouragement, but what I got was far from it. He basically said that he didn't think I was ready, that I don't compose my photos well and even stated, when directly asked, that he thought I would embarrass him (He's an artist himself, formally trained - has a BFA from a top art school, and works in design). I told him that I was insulted but he just kept going, making me feel even worse. The more I told him that I was hurt by his words the more blunt he got. I wanted to cry but we were in a restaurant, I couldn't even get up and walk away. And now I'm just so angry at him. I told the woman at the gallery that I would meet with her because he encouraged me! And then tonight he validated all my insecurities and told me I'd embarrass him.

So now I don't know what to do. I don't want to show them my work if I'm really not ready (and I don't think I am) but I already said I'd meet with her. Should I go or should I cancel? What would you do?

I'm sorry your hubby seemed so inconsistent in his remarks towards your photos. That really hurts.

But his opinion is different from the woman's opinion. Just go and show your work. And don't allow yourself to get hurt if hubby doesn't come along to the exhibit or doesn't seem to support you. There's something nagging him which is more his insecurities...is he doing well with applying his BFA for a related job or what? Not for you to query right now..later after you see woman. No point allowing yourself getting uptight/distracting yourself.

Then you can come home afterwards and talk to him some more.

But you own your own creative achievements and failures...outside of your family and your friends. In the end, they are not responsible for your creative projects particularily if you created them on your own /with your own hands/head.

*I make this remarks because as a teenager my parents actually were trying to DISCOURAGE me from taking more art courses in high school and mucking around at home with paints. Imagine the occasional teen arguments where I cried and argued long and hard. You have to remember they wanted their children to excel in established well-paying professions, because we were poor. So yes, I stood up to them...by ignoring them and took over 6 art courses in high school. I didn't give a damn about rebelling in terms of drugs, booze, sex. Art was the most important thing to me at that tender age.