Newby here, desperate for some advice (thread 5)

[JRuss]

FG -- yes, MC chosen and date set (10/12). MC appears to be "pro-marriage" in outlook, and that's what I wanted, although I recognize W may not engage. I still think she's probably doing this as a guilt-reduction move and not serious about trying, and I think the MC will pretty quickly pull the plug if she indeed is pro-marriage, but I figured if we start with a marriage-neutral MC, we'd immediately land in the not-trying, just trying to learn how to most peacefully decouple as possible zone. We will see.

CT1118 -- thank you for your awesome post. I tend to get down on myself and my efforts (too results oriented, not detached, "peeking" to see if they are "working"), and it was great to read your take on things. I really like the imagery of an oak tree. I feel more like a weeping willow most times, though, so "Be an Oak" is a good mantra for me. Thanks again.