It's part of the process. The problem is when you try to compare to other situations. You only know your own situation with the parties individual idiosyncrasies.
You have to ask yourself what is "real progress?" is it sex? what is it? I would say that for many of us it is feeling good and secure about our Ms. All the ILY, kisses and hugs aren't going to make the feelings magically appear. Yes, they are reflections of those feelings and God knows I yearn for them too.
It's not a straight line progress. It's slow, it s*cks, it's painful. My wife gave me this - if you broke your arm you wouldn't want to go try to use it right away. What would happen if you did? How is this different? Whether we want to admit it or not our marriages were broken. It needs to heal and heal properly.
Of course my wife and I got off on a tangent about at some point you have to "test the arm."
Honestly, I think about deadlines and giving up. But in the end the only thing I want is a strong marriage/family with my W.
I feel that my situation is a little more secure that you or bolt's because my wife says stuff like "you are the guy I love," and 'she wants/thinks we will have a good marriage. She hasn't wavered on that at all. My biggest issues that I get frustrated, mad or sad and I do feel it and express it. My W doesn't' express emotions like I do adn I feel that if I dont' see it from her she must not be feeling it. (That is wrong)
As for you the card was wrong. (2x4) You gave it to her in the hopes of getting a reaction or an expression of love. It was too much pressure. I had a similar incident when I texted my W ILY and didn't get the response I hoped for.
For now, put it behind you. Be glad there are no more Holidays coming up. I struggled with Xmas and on V-Day I struggled too, but I handled things with my W so much better. No presents, just enjoyed skiing with her and gave her space when needed.
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. --Jean Jacques Rousseau.
