My ride on the Roller Coaster called WAW Hell

[Steel_Box]

Once again I have decided to enter the fray and let everyone flogg me into shape.

W is currently out of town, she left Sunday morning and will be back wednesday. It is probably good right now, because it is giving me some time to myself. She called last night and spoke to the kids and then she and I talked for a couple of minutes. It was a light conversation about various things going on and at some point I cracked some joke. She was laughing about it and was telling me good bye when she threw in an ILY at the end. I don't remember what exactly what I said, it was light and casual, but it was not ILY. A little while later I thought about it because this is the second time that I have not responded with an ILY. I don't think it is a case of conditioning myself not to say it, because that feels different, this almost seemed like a true feeling, or lack of that feeling more to the point.

My question is this. In the fake it til you make it category, should I respond to an ILY with one, even if I don't feel that way right now? If I don't say it, over time could that harm the progress that has been made?

I do still love my W, it is just not so forthcoming anymore.