W wanted to make the separation "done right" ... whatever that means. I tried to explain that I wasn't looking to test if the R can last, but I was just getting some space from the pain of her 11th request in 4 months so I can heal. I explained I felt like a ballon of emotions ready to explode and that my anger/pain control, job, and sanity were quite literally on the line.
She felt her request was so minimal that I shouldn't feel bad at all except with myself. AFTER days of R talks, she's gone down from wanting 5 months sleeping separate from me and a trip overseas to "decide what to do" in the summer, down to 2-3ish days each time she feels I've done my sin.
I tried very hard to minimize the separation I needed. I offered a limit of 2 weeks if she wanted that, she did. I offered to keep the door of my prison cell open for the kids, she accepted that. I said I wouldn't make any financial changes except teaching her how to use our joint account to pay bills.
Her response came late last night as I searched for solutions for my addiction. She wants to call the divorce mediator again.
