My husband and I came so close to divorce that we had lawyers and papers drawn. For us, it was due to the fact that I had been in a debilitating depression for several years (and, in that time, if I wasn’t depressed it seemed I was off the wall manic, no in between) and I had checked out. I literally did nothing except lay on the couch except to get up and feed my kids for the vast majority of the time. He couldn’t handle it. After all, I had been a completely stable, healthy, functioning wife and mother for so many years. It made no sense. He knows I could get there again but swears he will never try to leave again. I wonder.

Anyway, I completely neglected my relationship with him in every way. I was still a very loving and kind mother so I don’t think I did my children too much harm (aside from setting a poor example). And, of course, I have accepted the fact that I am mentally ill and so I’ll always be a little different to them. Mine are still young though (4, 8, and 10).

When my husband and I decided to work things out, it took major effort on both of our parts. We were intimate much more frequently, spent time together every night (instead of me upstairs and him down), and started dating again. I know a lot of people aren’t particularly fond of him, even around these parts, because he treated me very, very poorly and was often cold and mean for a time but, it has been much different for quite some time. Anyway, I am happy for you that your husband wants to work things out and I hope your daughters come around. Time can heal our wounds.