5 Days of Silence — What Does It Mean?

It’s been 5 days with zero contact from my (soon-to-be ex) husband. The last time we spoke was right before he left for yet another solo trip. I called him out on his usual BS, he got mad, ended the conversation abruptly, and I haven’t heard a word since.

We’ve been separated for 4 months now. I was the one who made him leave after months of emotional betrayal and manipulation. Since then, it’s been a constant roller coaster of him going silent, then reappearing just enough to stir up hope or confusion. He's completely obsessed with another woman — who is married and, from what I can tell, doesn’t even feel the same about him. Yet he still clings to this fantasy.

This sudden stretch of silence is messing with my head more than I want to admit. I know there’s a good chance he may have found another source of supply, but I'm also wondering — what else could be behind the silence? Is it punishment? Is he just buying time while figuring out his next move? Is he really done this time?

I’ve told him more than once that if he’s so miserable, he should just go ahead and file for divorce. He hasn’t (as far as I know). So now I’ve made an appointment with an attorney and I plan to do it myself.

Just curious if others have experienced a long period of silence like this. What did it mean for you? Was it the calm before another storm or the beginning of actual detachment? Would love some feedback from anyone who’s been through something similar.