I am less and less sure about these 'stages'. I think they represent, for some MLcers, a kind of possible progression. Certainly can't fit my xh into this at all. He appears to be back at the beginning - in replay and anger?? Has certainly been very very depressed and withdrawn at times. I would say he has achieved some sort of personal accommodation which enables him to function in some way, without being actually alive. I can't put it more clearly than that. But it is a fairly fragile equilibrium which quickly tips into anger, and replay-type behaviours.
Nowhere near ready to face anything, including the damage he has done. Although there is a vague awareness at times that all is not well. But mainly other people's fault. A lot of blame
Seems to want more contact with his children at times, but is equally 'happy' to go several months without any contact. It is a bit like living on the edge of a volcano, largely smouldering, but you never know when it is going to erupt again.
I know I am very tired with dealing with any remaining fall out, which you get at times when there are children, even adult ones.
As for acceptance . . . . wouldn't know what that looked like if it bit me . . .
