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Be careful when addressing the stage of MLC. Depression is experienced throughout the crisis because it is one of the main ingredients. There will come a time when they will experience a very deep, dark depression and yes, withdrawal will play out as well, but you can't assume that it will go stage 1, 2, 3 or 4. They bounce back forth from replay to acceptance. Once they settle down and are in acceptance, that doesn't mean that they are ready to return because they truly need an additional 18-24 months to settle down and feel comfortable in their own skins. Will they want to come back? That's anyone's guess, but that's far down the road for many people who are posting. By that time anything could have happened. Some will try to reconcile, others will think it's too much work, some will have too much pride to try and yes, there are those who come to realize that their spouses have moved on and are quite happy solo or have remarried.

Also, the time frame is just a measuring stick. No one knows just how long they'll be running around in MLC. Some can be as short as a couple of years or longer than 7, 8, or more. It all depends upon the crisis individual and as for the stages and time frames, they are just a guide and you can't put stock into how long they will be in crisis nor how long each stage will last because it person is unique, just as their crisis is. The best thing to do is live your life to the fullest and, if and when, they do attempt to reconcile...just remember, you are the one that will decide whether to try again.

Cld, I do hope that things work out for you and your family. But, please, don't put your life on hold while she's out there circling earth. Life is far too short to do that...continue to enjoy life and who knows...she just might see that you are enjoying life to the fullest and will do everything in her power to catch up w/you.