Just a quick update to say that things are still improving, but it is still a very slow process, which I've read here over and over is to be expected...
Although the rings are back on and I'm very grateful for all the progress I'm seeing, he still isn't sleeping in the bed yet, and there's still no intimacy. I did get an ILY the other night before he went on an early morning camping trip for the night, and he brought home some cool pics to show me from it. I'm sure it will come, but it does hurt sometimes when I'm really wanting to be with him or hold his hand. It's still a little like awkward dating at times, and other times it's like really fun dating. We're laughing a lot and for all of that I really can't complain.
I guess I would say I prefer this in a way, because I get to be a better W in all the ways I wasn't before! I also feel like I've changed a little bit (and am still changing) for the better. I don't think I'll be perfect by any stretch, but this did give me a much needed wake up call. It's nice being able to have "that gift of time" where I can take the time to re-train my mind, to do things like
choose my battles wisely drop things quickly if they're not working let petty things slide work on me, GAL keep up the PMA and the 180s
Another bit of progress is that I see him look at me more, and for longer periods of time. I guess the best way to put it is that he's much much more engaged in me, and in us. While we're at it, he's not drinking every night anymore either, and has stopped smoking pot. (I knew that would happen, it makes him tired and he's trying to train for a huge triathalon-type trip next year).
I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing, in the hopes that it will continue to get better and that the sex will come back shortly!
I still don't have a crystal ball, but I can say with certainty that without this BB and the really great feedback of everyone here, not to mention Michelle's books and insight - I would be having a very different experience right now.
