I have to agree with a lot of what you said. I have lived a lot of it in my own situation. Yes, you can place your bets that there is an OP involved. My H once said he never would have left home if it hadn't been for the ow. I think they are too afraid to be alone so they swing from us to the new person, stepping directly into a new life they think will provide happiness. As for the restoration part, and the MLC'er feeling regret, shame and guilt, definitely. It takes time but they get there. And I do agree that several of them are so guilt-ridden that they don't pursue the LBS even if they want to, because they are too ashamed.
Most of us really marry only once. First love endures, even unto our dying day. And we never really divorce.
