Clemson, I am so sorry you find yourself here. I know you are in a terribly difficult place and there are no quick solutions.
In regards to the affair fizzling out after 6 mos, maybe it does and maybe it doesn't. I know several people who have married affair partners so I wouldn't put much stock in that figure. I also wouldn't worry what the family thinks. They aren't in the marriage.
Take a step back and think about what you really want to do. You don't have to decide right now. And about 18% of people who divorce remarry. Maybe you would be in the 18% or maybe the 82%. Doesn't matter right now.
Hang in there. It does get much better!!!
Thank you for the encouragement. I agree the family is not in the marriage and I could handle those issues I think. My mother is very worried I would take her back and said she never wants to see WW again. Definitely would make for some awkwardness at holidays but that's their problem. They don't understand how great the marriage was. I even told my mom and sister that even knowing this is how the marriage is ending, I would have done it all over again because the first 8+ years were the best of my life and I experienced a deep love that I always dreamed of and few experience. It's like that Garth brooks song The Dance.
