I think we're piecing, but wishing for more!

[SParker]

Yes, it does seem like we're at the same place & feel the same way about it! Funny, because my H told me I'm not normal in wanting to rush things & not just appreciating what we are doing! LOL
Well, DON'T do what I did yesterday for sure! My H became defensive and withdrew, of course, in reading my text. By the time we talked last night, it seemed like all progress was lost & he was giving up on me. I'm choosing to see the positives though: We didn't slip into old patterns while discussing things, I was very respectful to him and not critical, and we ended by disagreeing but hugging "goodnight."

I pointed out that fights can be positive if handled correctly and he agreed. Today, he is still withdrawn though. H has a tendency to throw the baby out with the bathwater and acts like he's deciding if all is lost. H indicated last night that he would rather I had sent more encouraging text messages like I had been doing before. Live and learn! Now, I have to take a few steps back & hope for the progress we had made to come back! I took my eye off of the goal in my impatience & lost the prize for the time being.(I hope!)
Now for more work on myself!
As for what you can do & what I SHOULD have done... Celebrate the positive steps! Focus on what is good & it will expand. (Ripped off from another poster here.) Be disciplined on making personal progress! Remember, everything worth having is worth waiting for! Keep a journal so you can focus on all the triumphs you have made.
You've came a long way, don't toss that out!
I will be here to cheer you on!