Gerda- I am so sorry that your husband has been unable to help in any way. It is a good reminder to me that no matter how I am struggling their are other people struggling much harder. My best wishes to you.

kml- I have wondered about the clinical depression too. I have not yet been able to think of a way to bring it up that won't send him running in the other direction just because I was the one that brought it up. I I will keep thinking about it.

I like to think I live a pretty full and intentional life. I am a definite introvert so spending huge amounts of time out doing social things is not that fun for me. My week days look something life this:

5:00AM- Wake up/exercise (walk of workout DVD) Get ready for the day

6:00AM- Breakfast with kids

6:30AM- 4:30PM- Commute and work

4:30Pm- 7:30PM- Pick up kids/Kid activities/Family time/Dinner/Kids bedtime

7:30PM- 8:00PM- housework

8:00- 8:30- Shower

8:30- 9:30PM- read

On the weekend I don't get up until 6:00AM and it is a mixture of chores, errands, family time, weekly meal prep and kid activities. I have a photography hobby and will often pull out my camera on the weekends to take some pictures. During the week I meet a group of co-workers/friends for a 30 minute coffee break daily. I read most days as reading is my favorite hobby. Occasionally, I will meet up with some friends on the weekend but not that often. I attend a monthly bookclub.

It is safe to leave the kids with my husband. During the week he generally isn't home until they are already in bed. In December I attended several holiday events in the evenings. I had fun but my husband couldn't care less about what I was up to.

I do my best to fit some exercise, reading and family time into every day. Also, I do socialize at work each day during my daily coffee catch up. I haven't added anything that is new since BD but I feel like I have designed a pretty good life for my own personal preferences.

I have also been trying to limit my spending and not engage in retail therapy. If my husband does leave there will be a drastic cut in income (even with child support). I am trying to be proactive in cutting spending now with the understanding that there may be a major financial change coming.