DQ - Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful response! I wish I had more to contribute to your thread! :-(
I fully understand what you are saying....
I am a a good man, but not a perfect man. I am Dr.Jeckyl and Mr.Hyde. On one hand, I can be exceptionally gentle and sweet and generous and loving - the perfect husband. On the other side, I can be exceptionally cold, cruel, mean. And while I am not physical, I can admit and accept the fact I had been verbal/emotionally abusive.
But I am also a pillar of strength, and while this oddessy gave me some serious cracks - I still remain strong. I never allowed myself to whoremonger, to drink, drug, or vent my frustrations at the world. I sucked it up, looked in the mirror, and did the best I could in a manner I could be proud of, in a manner that sets an example for my son.
She knows what time it is. She knows she has a long way to go to re earn my trust. She is thankful I am willing to honor my vows 'for better or worse' but realizes she has do to some heavy lifting.
Yes, I love her. But that doesnt mean I will just lay down the carpet and let her walk as she pleases.
I know who and what I am. And that is one hell of a catch in every sense possible. Yes, I am not perfect, but my good out weighs my bad by a landslide. I know there are many more women that would be interested in me than vice versa. I know that I can take my pick of the finest the meat market has to offer.
Make no doubt, I am a VERY confident person. Borderline cocky. But I do have a tender side to me....I am only human!
:-)
Thanks again for your post, it was very insightful as to what may have caused my wife to return. And yes, initially I was so shell shocked I was not myself. But I found myself again
...and here she comes running back.
It wont be so easy for her this time.
But I am not going to nit pick. The love of my life wants to try again and I am THRILLED!!
Me: 37 Wife: 40 Son: 7yo Son: 18 mo Bomb: 12/31/07 Status: Reconciled 1/2009 but backsliding terribly right now