Way to go, Painter!!! And what an interesting observation that after living under such chronic stress, the relief of that stress can actually leave you feeling a void.
It's actually quite profound. So much so that I had to share it with a friend of mine who is grieving a similarly difficult relationship.
Painter, you are an incredible woman, and I love that you are living in a much more peaceful situation. A peaceful void sounds like a major improvement, and eventually it won't feel like a void anymore... just peaceful.
(((((Painter)))))
H: 44, Me: 45 Married: 20 y Together: 25 y no kids Walk away: 12/15 Asked for temp separation 12/25/15 PA confirmed 3/16 (apparently neither the first, nor the last PA he has had) H filed for D 5/16