The symptoms you see in a WW is very similar to MLC. I think with MLC (and I am certainly no expert here) is that something can happen to set the crisis in motion. The loss of a very close friend/relative, financial ruin, loss of employment, unfulfilled expectations/dreams/goals, fear of getting old or dying, and much more. There is often some unresolved childhood issues from their past. (The wayward spouse can have the same experiences, but it may not trigger the crisis, as with midlifers.

What I find interesting, and perhaps you LBS's can answer, are the numerous LBH's who seem to be more acceptant to the idea their W is having a MLC than being a WW. He will often suggest it, before resigning to her being wayward......or even a WAW. I don't get it. To me, a MLC is much worse b/c it includes the waywardness, in addition to all the other things involved in MLC, and can take a lot longer.

So why would a LBS rather believe it is MLC? Is b/c that makes more sense than a wayward spouse? If so, why?

It is not about what you feel should work in your M. It is about doing the work that gets the right results. Do what works!