Well, I met with W tonight at a diner and we went in separate cars, which was a good choice because it kept us in one place without yelling--but that was the only plus.
Not unexpectedly, W was did not like my unwillingness to move and did not like my characterization of the financial predicament she was proposing. At first, she walked out and then cam back.
She also didn't like the idea of seeing a C on how to approach the children and categorically rejected any notion of joint physical custody as bad for the kids (i.e., kids stay in house while W and I rotate staying there).
Realizing that these other topics were going nowhere, I suggested that we prepare a detailed budget as part of the process of splitting up, but she said there was no point doing this if I wasn't moving. And when I finally suggested for argument sake whether she would nix her "personal spending" and provide it to me in recognition of my sacrifice in moving--and that she could get a part-time job, she said all I cared about was the money and that she deserved to compenated for being in a bad marriage. She then walked out.
So, the bottom line is that W wants out, but mostly on her terms. Meanwhile, her family is at the end of their rope, wants me to throw in the towel, and are getting angry at my continued unwillingness to separate. Some even quesiotned my wisdom in wanting to be married to her.
Perhaps the next alternative (apart from hiring a lawyer) is to provide her more specific terms in writing that she can respond to. For example, boost the dollars I need to live the way I want, put spending for the kids under more detailed constraints, and require that we see a C together on how to approach the kids as a mandatory prerequisite. The thought being, if she wants out so bad, it's time to respond to my terms.
On the bright side today, S9's team won their third in a row to squeak into the last Little League playoff slot. The weather also was spectacular and we enjoyed a nice BBQ at a neighbor's house.
Tomorrow's another day--so we'll go from there, but I truly have no M at this time.
Have a great Memorial Day; Remember and pray for those who died defending our way of life.
