Dom - what makes you think he hasn't evaluated the situation?
Because he has not posted anything resembling a rational, point for point message along the lines of, "I know that the statistics on separation say 'this'. However, I believe this is because of factors x, y, and z. In my marriage, these factors are [different/not in play....]"
rather, he seems to be posting along the lines of "well, that's just numbers... I think that my marriage is different from EVERYONE ELSE's... why? Just Because i WANT it to be!!".
Thats what people usually sound like when they're doing things on their own feelings, without any reguard for marriage counselling, or research. Which usually ends up badly. Particularly because just about no-one is thinking clearly after having the "I want a separation/divorce" bomb dropped on them.
Instead of reading books about controlled separation, in my opinion, Dave should be reading more books on better marriage recovery techniques.
Dave, on the positive side, you are really lucky that your MIL supports your marriage. Take some serious PMI on that account
I hope the dinner goes well for you.
My current status: june 2006. Wife ran out and filed D. Finalized Jan 11, 2010, after 12.5 years M. 3 wonderful sons caught in the middle
