My sitch...long but please indulge me

[pearlharbr]

I think #2 is the biggest factor. I think most people here (myself included) are/were so terrified of life without that partner. Once you lose that fear it's much easier to deal. Not that it makes the sitch is any less difficult.

I think it's great that you're not operating from fear.

The only drawback I can see is that you may not be pushing yourself on the self improvement things because you already know that you will make it through this. That's why I've been harping on the GAL activities, reading, etc.