Isn't looking for signs looking to one's spouse for reassurance that things are getting better?
Right now you won't get reassurance from your spouse. This is where you have to evaluate the signs and get your validation internally. I know it's hard as most of us are not accustomed to an internal system. As far as baby steps go, perhaps you could just objectively (as possible) journal some of them. It's good to write the emotional stuff too, but try looking at him and your sitch through different eyes.
The compliment is a baby step, it just isn't what you want. You want giant steps not baby ones. That he says one thing and then another just shows confusion IMO and if he's confused.....the messages wil be, (that's right) confusing.
You mentioned goals for yourself. How about that, do you have some? What are they?
I am moving into a new life. It isn't easy and it isn't the life I ultimately want. It's just the one I have right now. I can either make the most of it and take the time (as other's here suggest) to be the woman I know I'm capable of being or pay a much steeper price than I have already paid. I'm not willing to do that.
If money is an issue (it is for me), be creative. We have a recycling place here (through the sanitation dept) where you can get paint for fee. Granted it's either a light beige or grey (they mix it all together), but if nothing else it makes great primer, so you spend less on the "color" paint that is the final coat. I also shop thrift stores and "Craigs list". I've even been known to barter.
