BobbiJo, I think the guy you are referring to is named David. I seem to remember reading about him on this site. He may have been a poster way back but I'm not sure.
In my experience talking to many of the guys on this board, I would have to say that trying to be their friend makes a much smoother ride than not. However, this may not hold true for the women dealing with their husbands. I'm not sure.
I do agree though that it is very hard at first. I decided that I would try to be my W's friend at about a month in to this. I had to really take a "fake it 'til you make it" attitude in the beginning though.
M35 W37 S9 D6 M12 yrs Know 15 yrs Bomb 1/28/07 My Sitch Failure is the opportunity to start again more intelligently - Henry Ford