One of the things that really attracted me to this site in 2012 was the diversity. From learning to pray novenas from xyzcf and mitzpah to getting straight talk that I didn't always want to hear from stayed, the influence and unique stance of each person here is what sets this environment apart. I came in on the tail end of HB's time here and gained comfort from some of her writings as well as the creative way RCR chose to frame this incredibly difficult journey we are all on. I wish some of you newbies could have the Friday night comedy gab sessions on MammaBear's thread, Wed2HimForever's magical way with storytelling through gifs, and of course, DGU's photographic reference ability to the articles.
Make no mistake, if you're not reading the archives, you're not getting everything you can out of this forum. There has been EVERY form of healing, reconciled or not. And some of everyone's story will resonate with you, because we have all at least lived one day, our BDs, the exact same way.
Wonder dealt with a high energy replayer with a very present OW, and did so with grace and strength. Stayed provided tools and the "snap, snap!" with the virtual rubberband so many of us could use when we are tempted to jump down rabbit holes with no bottoms.
I'm very glad to see LisaLives back here too. I did exactly what she hypothetically suggested. I have a friend who became a stander last year after her H had an affair. Both had been good friends of mine who knew my story inside and out, and he also knew my xH and supported me. She was VERY pushy for me to file back in 2012 and get xH out of my life. Even after her own BD, she still felt our situations were very different, and that there was hope in her situation where there was none in mine. I told her I would support her no matter what, but implored her to look at how things turned out for me and consider what would be best in the big picture. Marriage as a concept was not more important that my friend avoiding the same level of life destruction I've gone through.
It took over a year, but she has now decided to pursue divorce. I'm glad. I really like her H, but it is going to get much worse before it gets better, and in the grand scheme, he will further destroy her life. A true friend is an honest one. And that may be a 'bad' friend to her H, but it is what it is, and I got exactly what LisaLives meant. I don't think she was trying to be brutal to anyone. I think she was being honest from her perspective, as we all are.
Objectivity and maturity are things I have gained throughout this situation. Marriage is no longer a storybook institution. My xH was my very best friend. That is a beautiful thing that happened in the past. But it's not a movie, and I couldn't save him. I am not bitter about that, but boy am I different.
In some ways good, in other ways I'm getting used to and will have to accept.
Thank you to all who have helped with that.