Hi MrsHopeful! Yes, I do remember you...nice to hear you are making progress.

You got some good advice from Livnlearn.

What you're feeling is perfectly normal. I know it's scary. It's a problem we all face. Your H is trying to work with you...and that's great! He's being honest, upfront, and talking with you.

Okay. Sooner or later, you're just going to have to "act as if" and fumble through this one. I never found an easier way. Doesn't mean there isn't one, just that the only way I could move forward was to just jump in. (The shallow end, though, of course. )

So...pick a day. Maybe tomorrow. And tell your H it's okay to go out. It will probably still be hard for you...but don't harass him while he's out. Try to find something good to distract yourself with. Time out with your own friends, read a book, go to the gym...whatever makes you feel good you. Personally, I think exercise is a great way to relieve tension.

I had trouble after H and I were living together again with him going to work. Freaked me out. There were actually nights I--and I'm not proud of admitting this--drank a little to calm myself down. Just a glass of wine, nothing too bad.

The worst part is, with my job, I often have work to do from home on Friday evenings. And the timing of it is so awkward, I am often unable to coordinate with anyone. So I was stuck at home, getting uptight. I started trying to take that energy out in other areas...cleaning, for example. I used to pace and bite my tongue. H is unable to talk to me while he is at work, so no help there. So another trick I discovered was to call him and leave him cute vmails. That way, when he got home, he was excited and all lovey dovey, so I got the reaction that I needed from him. (And it was just fun. )

Oh...and talking with your own friends helps, too. That way, you're not putting all of the stress on your husband.

Hang in there, it does get better with time.

[color:"purple"]Nevanna[/color]