Naming Emotions and Permission to Not Do It Perfectly

Yesterday, my therapist recommended to me that I try to name my emotions with my sister, specifically that I tell her that I'm disappointed that she's not here because I was hoping that she'd be here to help with our parents before I leave. It seems like this enormously big thing to name my emotions because my family never does this. Emotions aren't valid things, and women aren't supposed to be confrontational. I hesitate because I'm really leaning on my conversations with my sister about how things are with mom and her updating me with Grandma. But, in that book "Dance of Intimacy", it talks about how to break out of these cycles or dances. I'm giving it some thought.

Also, last night, I got a message after I tucked my mom in that my friend I had plans with was blowing me off (she was tired, I understand), but I was really disappointed and just didn't want to go back to my dad's place. I felt like I had to unwind a bit, especially since Dad was being a bit controlling/passive aggressive with me the last couple of days. I had been going to work out at night, but I don't sleep well anymore doing that. So, I decided to just go to a bar. I called *A* for advice on where to go, and I ended up at this laid back place with porter beers on tap. I got them to put on CNN and enjoyed having some time to myself and being flirted with by the bartender (who gave me his phone number). I hadn't wanted to go to a bar because I don't want to use alcohol to relax, but I'm going to start giving myself permission to not do everything perfectly.