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?
When examining my situation, I leaned MLC not because I thought it would be easier to accept, but because of the total lack of concern for the kids from her. The kids have always been her highest priority and since BD she has done a lot to hurt them as well.
I should add the disclaimer that I am by no means an expert in this and my diagnosis should really be taken as more of a theory. In researching things for five months, the MLC title seemed to fit better than WW did. I can honestly say in my case it isn't a matter of pride, OM is involved either way.
If it weren't for the added element of how she has treated the kids, I would be thinking WW.
M: 38 W: 37 T: 20 M: 19 Kids: Stepson?20, S19, S16, D12 BD: 02/19/2015 (She moved out) PA Confirmed: 02/22/2015 (She is now living with OM) Dazed and confused: 09/13/2015
