Thanks for your kind posts - I was needing them after the lashing I took over on Cloudnine's thread.
Corri, I'm glad to hear that your vacation went so well. Keep up the good work! With regard to my situation, I've definitely noticed that my wife is feeling more comfortable around me. Our conversations have not been relationship oriented at all, but she has been opening up to me a lot more about various things (problems at work, issues with the girls, etc.) that she tends to keep to herself when we're not getting along as well. She's acting like she knows that I'm on her side finally. The physical contact changes have been more subtle, but there have definely been some slight improvements. Longer hugs, more hand holding, a little bit of cuddling, and even a couple of times during the past two weeks that she's seemed to enjoy, and even encouraged, letting my hands and lips wander a bit. There's obviously a lot of room for improvement - I kind of feel like we're on a second date rather than married - but I've resigned myself to the fact that getting back to a normal, intimate relationship is going to take some time.
With regard to the things that I've been doing for myself, I ran Friday night and my knees and ankles were much better, although still a little sore afterwards. Tonight I rode my bike 5 miles (at 9:30 p.m. in a black t-shirt - not the smartest thing to do from a safety standpoint) in order to give my running "injuries" a longer break. I hit golf balls Wednesday night and I'm continuing to improve. I plan to go to the driving range again tomorrow night so we'll see if that trend continues.
Corri and luvhubby, I greatly appreciate your support relative to some of the statements made on Cloudnine's post. You both seem to have an excellent understanding of what I'm trying to accomplish. Corri, you described quite clearly what I meant by "the big picture" when you stated "I think he would be very willing go without sex for a period of time if it indeed is the thing needed to bring about permanent change".
luvhubby, I'm excited for you that your husband is suddenly being so affectionate. Sounds like you're doing great! Keep it up.
