And by the way, honesty is rarely a bad thing. Keep the anger and hurt out of it, and I think you did. You are allowed to have feelings, just as she is.
You might be prepared on the dog thing. I'm sure the boys are thrilled and hopefully yours will take better care of Duncan than mine do of theirs. Just don't be surprised if you get a frantic phone call one day because the dog has joined the boys in being just too much to handle. Just a heads up.
You are her friend. But you are also her husband. And I think I would let her know that you are not just being her friend through this, you are caring for her as a husband is supposed to care for his wife. "In sickness and in health," remember?
Odd that your wife does not appear comfortable with you seeing the neighbors on your own. It seems like each time she knows you have been talking with the neighbor H, she gets a bit dark and gloomy. I think there might be something to glean from that. Perhaps while she is intrigued with their care free lifestyle, there is a part of her that doesn't really want YOU to turn in to them. Hmm...I'll have to ponder that one.
I'm with Puppy in noticing that your wife expressed her appreciation for you urging her to go with what she truly wanted, rather than responding based on her experiences from childhood. I also think this might be a first indication that some of her current issues reflect back to that time maybe.
Just keep in mind that what is loving leading today can turn tomorrow into a controlling nature that she can't stand. It's tricky ground. That being said, it will become more and more incumbent upon you to take the lead.
Blessings,
Bill
"Don't tell me the sky is the limit when there are footprints on the moon."
