My take on it all is that ULTIMATELY it takes TWO to want to make a M work. One person can only 'try' to save a M perhaps, but it takes two really committed partners to actually make it happen.
I also agree that cake eating is self demeaning. Once I knew about my H's A that was a dealbreaker, however, everyone has their own limits and everyone interprets DB differently.
For a M where the LBS never told their S how they felt or that they loved them, to now do so would be a 180. When they never appeared to care where their S was before, to now pursue them would be a 180. It's all about interpretation and degrees of change and personal belief. There are no hard and fast rules.
We all read sitches on here day in day out where we think someone should perhaps move on......but it's all about doing things when the person involved feels ready. We are interpreting things here through a two D view and from just one person's perspective.....it's very hit and miss. I can remember reading one person's sich and feeling so strongly that they needed to move on; they were hurting so badly and for so long:ending it would have seemed merciful. Low and behold, that person, after months and months of pouring their heart out on here, is back with their SO and trying for a baby. Never say never, and NEVER think we may know more than the person on the other end of the keyboard who is living the sitch.
Saffie me 46 H 46 M in 1986 D20,D18,S16,D13 H's A 01/05 to 07/06 H recommitted to M 07/06 renewed vows 09/06 Going from strength to strength