I've done a lot of personal research about what can help a negative or depressive outlook and exercise, even a 15 minute walk down the street, can REALLY do wonders for depression. Seeing progress also helps, but just the work can completely change your perspective to the point that I'd almost recommend that before making a big decision people exercise. I feel like I'm the real me after I've worked out. I'm more level headed, calm, happy, vibrant and genuine (even though I'm a sweaty mess with eye liner dripping off my face - LOL). Keep it up. It's a game changer on so many levels!
I like that you're updating your wardrobe but I love even more your use of the word fastidious. It's one of my favorite words and not used nearly enough, IMO.
Anyway, yes, many wives "let themselves go" but I think many people underestimate what carrying babies does to a body over time. I'm not excusing excessive weight gain and general unhealthiness at all, I just think some people are quick to say "she let herself go" when women's bodies go through changes that a man's body NEVER faces. Plus, men are very visual so the notice looks and often say one of their primary wants is a trophy-like wife. My H happens to be over 100 lbs over weight. He has always been heavier but technically he has "let himself go" (this is something he has blamed on me, btw). My lack of attraction for him has very little to do with his weight. It is 99% about his own lack of self esteem and confidence. Often when a woman is over weight and a husband dislikes it the woman has "let herself go" but if a man is overweight and a wife dislikes it, she is "shallow". Just my $0.02 on the matter.
