Partner and I have been together for 11 years, we have two dcs. Things have not been good for a while. Not awful but we have definitely drifted away from being a couple to just cohabiting. We rarely do anything together, I can't remember the last time either one of us told the other that we loved them. I think we both know it's not working as it is but don't know how to fix it.
I've tried suggesting counselling in the past but he's not keen, he was brought up with a family that don't ever talk about anything and that is not helping.
I know I could cope on my own with the kids and I think they would eventually adapt to it, our eldest can be very emotional and anxious if he doesn't know exactly what is going on but he has, at times, quite a strained relationship with his dad as he feels he doesn't make enough time for him.
I think we're at the point where we need to be apart but I don't think I want it to be permanent. I know there is a risk that either one of us may well not want to come back together but things aren't working as they are.
I just feel so sad.
Has anyone any experience of separating on a trial basis with it actually improving things or am I just going to cause too much upset and confusion to our dcs to have their dad move out and not be able to give them a definite idea of what's going on?
Sorry this is a bit of a jumble, I'm struggling to know what to do for the best.