I feel ya on the loathing thing. I am experiencing that too, and it is because they show signs of being "in" and then digress. It is SO confusing and I wonder, "is he really happy like this?" Sometimes I feel like saying, $#!@ or get off the pot already!! But patience is our test here. Positive things are still happening and that is so good! I can relate to the holiday stuff. Expectations zero...the right thing to do but so hard!
Breathe!
I just started a new job...and I feel the same way about being tugged in different directions. I am trying to remember that all of this is just life and that if I try too hard to just get BY...I am not fully experiencing what I am going THROUGH...good or bad...and that is a setback in and of itself. I will be thinking of you through the holidays as well as the others that are on these boards. Sometimes I feel so alone in my R struggles, but these boards are proof that we are never REALLY alone. Have Faith and know someone is praying for your strength...because it is so inspiring!
Confluences, I have been following a bit of your sitch through Slow...and I am also wishing you well.
Me:35 BF:36 Together 4.5 years lived together 2 years moved out 8-13 still "together" but not together. Confused. D11, D13 (from 1st marriage)