As 25 often says, no woman is unmoved by the father of her children interacting lovingly with them. (Weak paraphrase) i suggest putting your focus on moving forward with dignity and self esteem (akaGAL) and especially being the very best dad you can be.

If you look around you will see many women will endure a lot to get away from a bad marriage. They almost always suffer financially, they have to fend for themselves somehow with contractors and bills, and they dig in their heels and do what it takes not to go back to "that guy," whether they have a new guy or not.

So give up any thought that your marriage might hinge on your w's preference for you to deal with contractors. This and the similar "needs" you are discussing are nothing a woman would choose to rebuild a marriage for.

Hold your head up and love on your kids. Meet their needs and let W go for now.

Adinva 51, S20, S18
M24 total
6/15/11-12/1/12 From IDLY to H moving out
9/15/15-3/7/17 From negotiating SA to final D at age 50
5/8/17-now: New relationship with an old friend
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Happiness is a warm puppy.