Quote: Although D7 was with us, she is nonverbal and while she entertains herself (coloring while slugging down a chocolate milk shake), we talk.
To which Pen sooo shrewdly replied ...
Quote: Date night with the D7 present, hmmm? CHICKEN!!!
Well I don't intend to beat a dead horse, so I'll just comment...
So long as you can acknowledge D7 was still a distraction so to avoid either of you from placing any attention on trying to re-ignite that spark ... and that's OK too Betsey. If you and Mr. W are not ready for that yet, then you're not ready. Its an area that needs to be approach slowly, delicately and neither of you seem to be ready to stick your big toe in and that leads to my initial point I've been wanting to make...
... hopefully now can you see that means neither of you are ready for Mr. W to answer to your letter at this time as well. An answer at this time is still premature and probably will end up thwarting the best positive results. There's still more ground that should be covered before a conclusion can be drawn.
Betsey, I could see you placing your hands over your ears when when I read you don't want to hear about having to be more "PATIENT", but I hope the above paragraph illustrates that that "evil" word is viable answer for now.
... for there's still a direction you and Mr. W haven't explored yet. I include him because he seems to be at a place where he may be looking to that direction as well, revealed by him now wanting to be your "white knight". Consequently, your letter is what probably what has brought all this in focus for him at this time ... and you, Betsey, still have a choice on whether you want to set some goals to go down that path before hearing his answer.
Quote: I want some opinions. Give me some alternative ideas on how to move past my current line of thinking.
Well you asked!!!
You made a play with the letter Bets ... the results of which are not all in yet and I assure the entire answer has not formulated ... there's still room for it to go either way, but if you still wish it to result in a happy M between you & Mr. W then as Michelle states in the chapter about "asking for what you want", you are not going to get the response in the fashion you're anticipating. Keep you eyes open to all. The answer will first be in the differences you detect in his actions, before he ever approaches you directly.
Oi, each time I try to sum this up I continue to ramble on some more, so let me try again ... Bets, but the idea of filing on a back burner ... there's more innings to be played out before knowing the true outcome.
replied ... 
is viable answer for now. 
