Starsky,
Man you hit the nail on the head.
Squandering of marital assets - check
poor parenting - check
infidelity - probably, but don't know actually

You can call this judgement, but i call it reality. I gave the space because I thought that best for me and for her but the transition resulted in at least 2 of the 3 above and the accompaning destruction you mentioned.

I think its best for the LBS to come to grips as soon as possible with there X's choice and live there own life in order to give some solidity to the kids. Its easy for all to take that path of least resistence and come apart at the seems.

Starsky, do you think your stance had any impact to your wife finding her way back or if she went thorugh the transition and woke up herself?

Mirage