I need to know how the "friendship option" works. Can someone, please, explain the relationship between a man and his wife, when they are separated and she is seeing OM?
At this point, I realize that my WOW is not going to end her affair. I've had the "boundaries" discussion and she promised lots of things, but nothing has changed. I'm convinced that there is nothing that I can say or do that will change her mind.
So, I have two options. I either put my foot down, go dark, or leave the relationship (as many of you have advocated) or I accept my new role as my wife's friend.
This is the pattern: she spends Saturday night and Sunday morning with OM. We enjoy each others company for the rest of the week. I have to assume they are having sex; I know for sure that we are not.
If I were stronger (more of a man) I'd move on; maybe I'd gain her respect. I don't know, but I can't do it. I enjoy her company too much; I want her in my life. Perhaps I'm showing weakness and I run the risk of losing her respect, but the alternative is too painful. I suppose that I've chosen to accept my fate.
So, how is the friendship game played? What is acceptable in a "friendship?" Where are the lines drawn? How does one conduct himself to preserve ones self-respect during this phase?
