Cali, I might see you at Little Italy I like 75 degrees and the sun, but we needed some rain here...
Sounds like you are making some progress with W. I think honest talk about the issues and feelings is absolutely essential in a healthy marriage. I was not good at it, neither was my H after about 3 years of marriage. We were able to do it at the beginning, somehow. Then life happened... with all the accumulated hurt feelings, resentment, unresolved disagreements, etc.
I would ask for you to be “softer” too. And I think you made an attempt at it. Good for you! Love reading your posts, BTW.
M:50 H:52 S28 (my S from previous marriage) M:17 + 3 BD: 06/12 S: 06/12 - H works in another state