I don't think you should dismiss it because that's invalidating. You also don't want to dwell on it either. I'd probably validate his feelings and listen if he wants to tell you more but don't try to argue with him. His feelings are his feelings. You don't have to agree to make him feel like you heard him.
One pearl of wisdom that was passed onto me in the early days following BD was that when you are in doubt, do nothing. I think too often we get caught up in this idea that there is something we can say or do to change the trajectory of our partner's crisis. If I learned anything in all of this, it is that we cannot. It's not a chess game. The strategies of GAL and 180s are for us...so that when/if our spouses leave for good, we won't be devastated all over again and have to start from square one. The marriage, as you knew it, is over. You cannot get it back. All you can do is move forward, take care of yourself and your kids and if/when your H wants to reconnect later on, MAYBE you are in a place where you can do it. Or...maybe not. The future has yet to be determined.
I get the lonely feelings but I think it is important to remember that loneliness is a state of mind and there are lots of married people who are also lonely. I was one of those people. After my H left, I was desperately lonely until I realized that. One of the best things to come from this... I really like my own company now.
BTW... I think you GAL list is a great one!! You are off to a really good start!! (((HUGS)))
