[Need help with handling my need for intimacy/connection during a separation] Quick BG. My wife (of 13 years and 2 toddlers )has been distant for a while, despite my attempts to do all I can do to improve our relationship as well as the family. Beginning of this year she tells me that she doesn’t love me anymore and wants a ”trial separation” to have time on her own to gain clarity and such. This was a big kick in the face for me because all I do is try and try and put myself last. I have a very hard time being my own person. Meaning I’ve alway got happiness from acts of service towards others. Fast forward to today, we are still working out the details of the separation. There is this woman who I have met and talked to in social situations a few times. I don’t want to assume, cause it’s been awhile since I’ve been in a situation like this, but I seems like she is trying to get into a relationship with me. This is based of her wording in casual texts. I am scared of how I’m going to naturally react if she tries to make a move. I want / need this kind of connection so bad, but I know it won’t help the separation. I also get very guilty feelings (irrelevantly) in general and I don’t want to do something that seems like I’m hurting my marriage, although my wife has been hurting the marriage for quite awhile. I am pretty sure my wife would never cheat (she had said so), but I don’t think she would tell me even if she did. I really need help because my head, heart, and body and pulling me in several different directions. Thanks.