Chapter 3 the end? Or new beginning?

[MichelleLT]

Validating is good. Trying to convince her is not.

It undermines the validation. And tells her her feelings aren't valid.

Whether you agree with it or not, her feelings are her feelings. And there is a reason she feels that way (or many) whether you agree with her or not. Finding things you can agree with her on, validating that it's okay to feel that way does NOT mean you agree with her actions or are encouraging her to leave you, it means you are agreeing it is okay to feel that way and showing unconditional love.

If you can't find anything else to say, some variation "I can see why you feel that way" is always a perfect fall-back.

You are also focusing too much on the negatives. Instead of focusing on the fact that you had a great long heart-to-heart you are focusing on the fact that she still says it can't work.

What does Michele say repeatedly? Ignore EVERYTHING they say and half of what they do.

Her actions show how connected she still is to you. Just because she hasn't tipped the balance point of agreeing to give things another try does not mean it's over. IGNORE when she says stuff like that. You guys aren't even close to being done yet.

Hang in there.