I warned you from the very beginning that this will be a long, long, long process that can take years. You've been at this only...what...1 to 2 months. A baby really.
Do they enjoy saying things that they hope are hurtful even though I'm not hurt, I'm disappointed that this person that I have loved and respected for so long would get such a rush from some slease lusting after her!
Absolutely not. They aren't doing this to hurt the spouse at all. It is all ABOUT them. The MLCer, in the beginning stages, is in "me, me" mode. It is not your position to be disappointed, but just be detached and not judging your W.
They're looking for external validation from others. For me, I had my own OW. So we look outwardly for validation for various reasons...your W seems concerned about losing her youthful looks as she ages so she seeks 'validation' from other men and people that she is still indeed attractive. Your W does NOT want to hear from you as she sees you as the problem, not her. So no comments about her looks or whatnot.
What the hell happened to the woman I knew! Is this part of her MLC?
Yup. It is NOT you.
Another day, another way to lose hope she'll ever get through the tunnel!
Hope for what, Matt?! Having any type of hope while your spouse is in MLC is futile. On the other hand, having faith while the spouse is in MLC is a good thing. Faith that somehow things will work themselves out in the end. This is what FY and T (TSquared 2) are living day in and day out with their MLC wives.
Matt, it will take years before W ever emerges out of the tunnel. Just so you are aware of this, if this hasn't gotten through to you by now.
