I am sorry that our last meeting ended on such a sour note, but I am even more sorry to tell you that I do not believe that it would make much sense to meet again. I would thus like to cancel our meeting scheduled for Monday, January 17, as well as our Monday morning slot.

I myself have been a little surprised by the strength of my feelings the last time we met. The misery that had accumulated over the holiday season came out with a dash of vehemence because it was bottled up for too long, perhaps in the vain hope that it would somehow go away, as if by miracle. However, my feelings reflected perfectly well my growing conviction that counseling had become a fool’s errand. As I insisted a couple of times already, I am convinced that Lauren must deal with her own problems, rather than attempt to present them as shared problems of marriage. Besides, Lauren and I have grown apart to such an extent that life together is ever more difficult to imagine. At this stage, counseling only prolongs the agony.

As you can imagine, I feel a bit guilty about our failure vis-à-vis you, as well. Although a dispassionate mediator, you got involved, and our failure to find a way forward must affect you, too. I must say that it was a pleasure meeting you and spending Monday mornings with you. I will miss at least one aspect of our endeavor.