Hi Brenin,

First – I am so sorry you are going through this. All of it. The relationship struggles and the breakdown during the holidays. It sounds you’re taking on most of this by yourself.

As I was reading your post I actually thought to myself “Maybe they need some time apart”, and then towards the end you mentioned how your therapist brought it up. My opinion – I think that’s a good idea. I’m all for couples counseling too, but I think you need to work on yourself before you can work on your relationship. From what you have said, it sounds like some time away will give you some much needed perspective. Perhaps you are feeling a strong sense of obligation towards your wife, so when she says she doesn’t want time apart you don’t want to disappoint her? If so, maybe that’s all the more reason why you should take some time for yourself? Once you’re feeling better than I truly believe couple’s counseling is the next step. But work on you first.

Again, these are just my opinions based on what I’ve read. I really do wish you the very best with this situation.