Hi Fallgirl, I think the next time the opportunity presents itself with H needing validation, you'll be ready. I don't know if I'd do the validation later, after the moment has passed, unless H brings it up again..
My H got a bit paranoid early on(feeling that he had a red A-for adultery- on his forehead)when going out alone with the girls to school functions-he had one particular night where I think he had an anxiety attack and perceived all of the teachers and people we know avoiding him and snubbing him(none of them had a clue that H and I were separated). So I think from my experience with H that the guilt is there, and they shift what the can onto the spouse as if its our fault that people might talk about them/judge them... One reason its best to keep things to yourself if possible..
M44 H46 T21 Married 16y D14 D12 Bomb 12/08(EA), (PA/Separation)1/09 to 5/09 Home/MC 5/09 to 12/09 Leaves 12/09 Files for Divorce Divorce final 6/30/10.