Thank you for your response- I am glad to hear that not all relationships at my stage are "doomed". Your story sounds like a fairytale to me. That is what I would like to see happen, and I thought we were on track. I thought that the last breakdown was the "wake up call". But I guess it was not enough. She is the mother of my children, for that reason alone I don't want anything to happen to her. I am also terribly impatient , the last two years have been quite a ride. I don't want to give up. Everytime I am close to call it quits the wonderful person I fell in love with so long ago shines through...then she withdraws again. I think I am actually a "stresser" for her and not being around her actually makes her feel better and more stable. Not exactly what I want but I think I might actually help both of us if I just stay away for now. Again, thanks! And just know that your husband is a lucky man to be with you.