It is an interesting take KD. Not sure I see the same. I see a man whose intentions are to do what he pleases (and as it serves him) without regard to who it hurts (and he's been told repeatedly). I see CV's intentions as protecting herself. You read retaliatory... I read protecting. Retaliatory measures always escalate. This hasn't escalated. This is homeostasis.
My H wants to reconcile. He calls constantly. He's apologetic and kind. But he's not agreed to stop drinking. One could say that I'm withholding because I've not gone back. However, I am protecting myself.
CV is deeply hurt. To continue to cater to her H's needs with no regard to having her own met simply opens up for more hurt. What she's engaging in is a form of detachment.
