I am new to this page but most definitely not new to mlc and infidelity (several years and counting). In short my husband is in the midst of a major mlc triggered by various stressors and some fairly awful childhood issues. I am not going to write out my entire story here tonight as I am just too tired but some time I will. Mine isn't the worst or most horrific case out there but it's well past the half way mark, if you get my drift. The reason I'm here tonight is that I have a question and I would welcome some insight from those of you further travelled along this road whether you are betrayed and left behind or a wayward husband in the midst of his own crisis. I promise I won't judge - I have seen too much anger, hurt and devastation to be pious or prejudiced. Just an honest answer please. I have read and understood a fair amount about the stages of a mlc. However does the bomb drop always come at the beginning of replay or can this stage already be well and truly entered into? Does replay begin when the affair is still emotional or only after it becomes physical? Can the affair continue into the depression and withdrawal stages or does the affair partner have to be out of the picture completely? Please can someone explain how you can tell if the acceptance stage has started and they are going back into the tunnel to close the doors on the various stages? Do they go back as far as replay and how many times do they go back to each stage? Everyone and every situation is different, this I understand, but your experiences would be appreciated! Thank you. Meldb
