Hi DD - well, I appreciate the compliment, but I must not be too knowledgeable because my wife and I are still separated. <BR>Further, please don't think I know all the answers - I've just been here long enough (and not as long as many others) to have a pretty good understanding of the MB concepts. I encourage you to suck knowledge from everybody here - especially the former WSs.<P>The obvious benefit I and other BSs can offer to the "recently wounded" is an understanding sounding board, but more importantly, we can provide a clear thinking perspective because we're over the initial shock and depression. In the early stages, a BS frequently finds him/herself questioning their own sanity. I remember that for me, the most important support I got early on was reassurance that I was not the one who was nuts. So, what may seem like divine knowledge to you is really nothing more than a calmer perspective. One thing you'll notice as you read others' stories - affairs are remarkably similar. Sometimes, it's downright spooky. When you get advice from someone that makes them appear like a mindreading prophet, it's likely because of this similarity between affairs.<P>Patience. Yep, really hard to practice, even during the best of times. But now you have the challenge of you life, perhaps. Greatness is rarely acquired - it is thrust upon you. You have a chance to be a hero. I think patience is the hardest part, but you can dig deep and find it like so many others here.<P>Please consider seeing a doc about depression. Facing this common effect of an affair is a sign of strength. The anti-depressant meds can really help - and help your patience to boot.<P>Take some comfort in knowing that you seem to be reacting just like most other BSs. This means you're normal, which means you will probably come out of all this ahead. Just realize that it's a long term project with many, many, many thrills and chills along the way. Down is up and left is right. Read, read, read and know that you are among friends here.<P>WAT
