Hey Dan,
I totally understand where your coming from. A lot of what you have written relates to some of what I feel. I don't have a wife or kids but I also have certain things going on in my life that tend to, shall we say, wear me down.
I only started IM about a year and a half ago and am not doing as well as I thought I would by now. I have a ways to go but I have committed to getting to my goal.
Like you, I have left friends behind as since starting IM have have been so focused on getting to my goal that I have had to sacrifice a social life. I know it wont be forever but not everyone understands.
On some days I just want to vent some thoughts on what I am doing with work or life and it is hard to find someone I can relate to.
Anyway, I wont go on.
All I will say is if you want someone to view your thoughts with and vice verse then you can give me a try.
Just
PM me.
Andy