They do wear masks and it takes a lot of energy to keep them in place. However, when he's alone, the mask will drop and the depression is back in full force, hence the other little "highs" he gets from gaming or some other sort of thrill. You have to remember that if this is mlc, it takes a very long time for them to come back to earth and some of them don't and will remain stuck. Your xh still has a ways to go and no one knows how he will turn out after the oven has been shut off.
It's understandable that you still love the man he once was. You had many happy times that you shared w/him and two beautiful daughters that you will have to share time w/for the rest of your life, i.e. custody, graduations, marriages, grandchildren, etc. As time rolls along, you find yourself detaching more and more from him. Sad when you think about all that he's missing, but it was his choice to leave, etc.
Unfortunately, the mlcer didn't ask for the identity crisis. They were set up for one many, many years ago, through no fault of their own. It's just a shame that when they began to feel something was off that they didn't seek help. All we can do is pray and wish them all of the best at this time.
You've come to far to allow this man to pull you back into his drama.
Sit quietly, the answers will reveal themselves when you least expect them to. The past is gone, the present is a gift and you need to focus on today, allow the future to reveal itself when it is ready.
