Quote Originally Posted by David House View Post
I don't wish to pick an argument with anyone but my feeling is that many who are giving their opinions here have never actually experienced what our friend is going through. It is easy to pontificate on a subject but much, much harder when you actually have to deal with it. Ritter will, I am sure, reach his own decision and, of course, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Me included. I just feel that some people over emphasise the negative impact of what the wife has done whilst not giving enough weight to the love which exists between them and the good chance that this love can repair the damage. I am not going to discuss any further exactly what happened in my own case as it is obviously very personal to me. Sufficient to say that we worked together to understand what had happened and why. However much people wish to condemn there is always two sides to every situation. Understand that, and have love and compassion in your heart, and things are capable of being repaired. Whether they will depends on the individual circumstances.
And sometimes the love isn't there to mend things. I guess it depends a lot upon the type of affair - a drunken grope is easier to forgive than repeating indiscriminations over a period of time.

Sorry m8, but my advice is born of experience and that's all I can talk about. All the love in the world cannot change anyone if they don't truly love you back and I've learned the (idiot's) hard way that some people don't really commit their hearts to relationships sometimes.

As to whether he should try again, I guess it depends if he feels that there is something still alive in the relationship that can make it work. If he does, then why not? (but lay some ground rules out like not again, and if it is again - DO NOT involve the daughter AT ALL). If he doesn't, then it won't work anyway.