Well, I just had a more than hour-long conversation with my sister-in-law (H's brother's wife). Brother- and sister-in-law married in May of the same year that H and I married (we married in December of that year). She and I have been close, and I've missed seeing her/talking to her during the separation.
I texted her tonight to check in with her (something that's happened a half dozen times since the separation). I asked her in a text if she was able to talk for a few minutes. She immediately called me, and we talked for an hour+.
We had a great conversation, and I implicitly trust her to keep what we discussed in confidence. [I know that she can be completely trusted because she hasn't told my mother-in-law any of the things we have ever discussed!]
Here are the high points from the conversation:
*She continues to be stunned and confused by the separation (join the club) *Our mother-in-law is VERY sad about the separation (don't know why this slightly surprised me) *Our mother-in-law is slightly unhappy about H staying there *Family members are NOT encouraging H to divorce me; evidently it is not really being discussed *H hasn't talked about our situation much with family members (odd because he says he is talking to them) *H's brother (her husband) told her that H is a bottler and doesn't tell what he's thinking or feeling (aha!) *She supports reconciliation efforts and asked if she should talk to him (No! No! No!)
I have, at times, felt very isolated and alone, and I've missed being with H's family for gatherings. I've also been envious of H's being surrounded by family during our separation while I'm here alone. I'm relieved to know that my sister-in-law supports me and that I'm not the only one who sees that H doesn't communicate what he thinks or feels.
Sister-in-law will be making an in-person visit on Friday. I look forward to spending some time with her.
Almost time for my vacation to start! As of noon tomorrow, I'll be free for ten days!
