Hi there hope for zen,

I would like to contribute some food for thought here.

It sounds to me like your husband has some very mixed feelings right now and that, however cautiously and indirectly, he is sharing some of them with you. I believe nothing works more in your favor - given these circumstances - then him having to continue working through these mixed feelings without push or pull from any outside source.

From your standpoint, this means that a neutral and non-committal posture is your best friend. It allows you to observe which direction his shaky compass begins to point when left on his own. I believe if you start becoming too directive right now or pursue - even a little - you risk him turning back.

For this reason, do not under any circumstances bring up "talking" about things with him unless he initiates it. Then, yes, focus on listening and really letting him feel heard. Do not feel obliged, though, to comment in any way on where you see things going - for now.

By extension, this means the same thing about meeting with your therapist. With all due to respect to your therapist - don't do this unless your husband himself brings it up.

I also really like that you are trying some new things to be different. He probably will notice and be intrigued. Which is all the more reason not to mention them or make your efforts too obvious. Why not extend this out into your personal life a little bit, too, and do some cool things just for you?

I hope you find these thoughts helpful. Good luck to you!

onyourside2