Hi E711 and H01
I definitely have an h who is completely burying his head in the sand and is addicted to secrecy and control. My D said today that it's as if we are all toys, and that we all go to sleep when he does and wake up when he does, ready to assume our roles and be kept in that role by him.
I think for LBS with vanishers or any other type the process of detachment is essential, in any event. But getting to that point is the hardest part of the journey, H01.
You say he's a flaunting vanisher, so he is public with everyone else except you?
I think his wanting to erase the past etc is guilt, guilt and more guilt. it's impossible to do and he will know that somewhere. Maybe yours is more high energy than mine, he certainly seems to be making quite a splash with it all.
There's something about the approach of vanishers and I can't quite put my finger on it, but I suspect it is a reaction to guilt that fuels a sort of escape mechanism, why them and not other MLCers, I don't know and would love to find out.
Is it a lack of emotional maturity or insight that somehow isn't as well developed in them as in other spouses? Certainly some of the MLCers on this site seem to at least know they are confused and messed up, even though that doesn't make things any easier for the LBS, but there is acknowledgement by them on some level that they know there's a problem, even if they don't know what it is or are unable to recognise it fully.
With my H there is absolutely no acknowledgment of the problem, there is no sense of doubt or guilt, although he has started smoking again after 22 years!!
In any event vanishing or not h01, you need to look after yourself and get some space in your mind free from all the drama. You're number one priority now. Take care xxx