I want him to be happy

[25yearsmlc]

as for what to tell well meaning friends

I said "we're facing a tough marital challenge right now, thanks for asking". If they pry,

then you have to decide if and what to share. Do NOT bring up OPs unless you think your friend won't give you their 'Decree" of what to do.

Always say "FYI, I'm trying to save my m and I DID play a part in where we are so bashing him isn't helpful" and remember to vent HERE, not to others.

They'll recall the worst things you tell them and you WILL have to hear their feedback. It makes it harder to keep the road home, paved & smooth.

You're smart to do your best 180s while you still are around him. Give him good memories to live with when he's gone,

do not fuel his reasons for leaving. You want to undermine his reasons for going, not confirm them. Make sense? That might mean being Mother Teresa for a few weeks, but it's good training and it's worth it.

Good luck.