Keep on, keeping on!

[azguy]

H: I have more important relationships to concentrate on right now. I'm fine with the status quo for now.

Me: I hear ya. Good night.

^^^ I totally wimped out there and was trying to avoid the whole temperature check, but I think I lost an opportunity for clarification? Should I have asked, "I hope one of those relationships is with me?" Obviously it's with our girls, but he didn't just say 'R with girls more important now'...

I've already mentioned I'm struggling with the open ended questions and just wondering if I could've done something with that opportunity. So I can do better next time. Advice?

I think this was just fine. It was great that you did NOT ask for clarification. He probably told you all he is comfortable telling you in MC, by saying ha hand't closed the door, and that's a very positive step. I suggest not pushing him.

And, think about it, he could have specifically said he wanted to concentrate on R with Dd's. Instead he left it vague. He may have been oblivious, or may have been trying to hint. At least he didn't take the opportunity to tell you it was only his dd's R he was working on.

If you were VERY quick on your feet you might have replied with something like:
Me: I hear ya. I can see you really putting the effort in [assuming this is true]. How are you feeling about it?

^^ pretty clumsy. but it might be useful to learn something about he is feeling NOT toward you but about his role in family life more generally.

Regarding your feeling resentful. He has wanted to repair R with dd's. You need a break. Could you suggest to him some regular interaction with dd's that would give you some time, allow him to improve his R with them, and make him feel like he was being a better parent? He might take some pride in both the parenting, and in helping you out. It could be a way for you to build some mutual trust.