to answer your earlier question, I kept the same demeanor with my ILs, if anything, we got a bit closer, they like me and i have nothing agaisnt them, so no reason to change my R with them. As far as mutual friends, do not go around telling them everything that is going on, later on you might regret what you divulged, the less people who know about this the better, just be yourself and act normal around them.
No one is suggesting you give up on him, only that you protect yourself financially, in my state you don't need to file for D to get CS, what a bummer that MN is different.
Don't hold your breath about him hitting rock bottom, it could take up to a year if indeed that happens (and when it happens, sometimes they get themselves in bigger messes). I think hope is the last thing to go, but you should still have plan b: what if he never comes back. Knowing that you WILL be ok and that you can be happy on your own will give you the peace of mind during limbo, trust me, btdt.
Be not afraid...I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten Joel2
30something 2kids survivor of S, MLC, A, D I have peace in my heart, at last.
