Hey, NLT, thank you for the update. This is all quite interesting. It gives a lot of insight on what is going on in MLCer’s head.
I agree with Job, continue to listen and validate. I would not offer any advice or opinion. Let him figure it out on his own. From what I read about the stages, when they start to come out of the tunnel, there is a lot of guilt. They realize how much damage they have done. But they still cycle. This is the most difficult stage of all for LBS to not lose patience a not push them back into the tunnel. I also agree that you should make yourself a little less available.
M:50 H:52 S28 (my S from previous marriage) M:17 + 3 BD: 06/12 S: 06/12 - H works in another state