I think I only have two threads, so if you found one of them, you probably have all there is.

Here is a high-level summary of what happened. My husband was considering moving out and had looked at apartments (at least online) and had considered how we should divide assets in a divorce. One day he was thinking about the situation and felt angry, which was a change from the numbness he had been feeling. He decided any feeling was better than numbness and decided to stay to see if we could fix our marriage. He agreed to marriage counseling.

We decided to confine relationship discussion to our counseling sessions and the few hours after each session. After two sessions, we quit going, and therefore stopped having relationship discussions. Approximately 5 months after he decided to stay, he told me he loved me.

We're still together, and from my perspective (and I think his), our marriage is better than ever. We communicate differently. We take responsibility for our own emotions. I'm less selfish.

For me, 2016 was like a vow renewal. I chose my marriage again, and I chose to be a better spouse.


Me: 44
H: 44
Kids: 20, 16, 16, and 10
Together/Married: 22 years
H announced he was emotionally detached and considering D: 4/4/16
H announced he is going to try to stay and reconnect: 5/1/16