Could you do this? Could you live with knowing that the other woman, who is opposite you, and interracial sex/relationships would forever be your WH's weakness?
NOPE.
But remember, she’s not better than you, she’s just different than you. Who’s to say if he was married to her for 16 years he wouldn’t want to cheat with you, fantasize about you? It’s probably more about novelty.
My WW’s AP was totally different than me. Her new SO is totally different than any of us. My new wife is totally different from ExWW. I’m totally different than her Ex.
But that’s besides the point. He’s married to you and actively escaping, physically and mentally, from his reality, not necessarily from you or the marriage, but from something deeply broken within him.
Every time you make love you’re probably wondering what’s going through his head. That’s maddening. There’s only one way to find out what he really wants…
Cut his ass loose. If he doesn’t come scratching and crawling his way back to you, you’ll have your answer. If he doesn’t "move mountains" to win you back, you’ll have your answer.
A 4.5 year long physical affair and how long (16 years?) EA, is a lot to reconcile. Not impossible, but will require him to be devoted and enthusiastically pursue some intense therapy.
Divorce is scary. It’s a dive into the unknown from a place of perceived security. Once you talk to a lawyer and carefully devise your exit strategy, your future will begin to come into focus and you’ll build confidence.
[This message edited by RealityBlows at 6:18 AM, Friday, November 4th]