I agree with MrsNOP. Given the limited history I now understand about HD and his wife, MrsHD already considers him irresponsible when it comes to money, and probably in other areas as well. I wouldn't advise HD to do anything right now that might be viewed as irresponsible, as that would just make things worse.
I think MrsHD sees HD as another responsibility, another person to take care of in addition to her kid(s?) and not as an equal. This is definitely a desire killer. She just won't be very interesed in having a SL with someone she doesn't respect as an equal partner in the M.
I agree that the focus should not be on the SL, but on problems in the R that led to the poor SL. Unless those problems are resolved, the SL will never improve.
