AMM : I am watching here with interest ,following the great advice to a modelling problem.A problem to be evaluated as with any problem .Procedure may dictate a pause and assessment of the situation ,which will inevitably incur a 'looking around' at your enviornment ,relationship and current mental state. There is nothing wrong with a pause, even if it lasts ten years ,especially if one is reflecting on an important issue. I personally am very aware my creative gas tank is emptied, by production of excellent work , and re-filled by 'walking away'. This is a means of control over my output. There is nothing wrong with an 'empty tank' it means its time for a break rather than continue in an improper manner . I came back to modelling after 25 years or so to 'empty my tank ' as dealing with never-happy customers resulted in frustration and an inability to 'empty my tank' ,as an unhappy customer translates into a job not finished,period. A creative person needs that tank emptied or there is a general feeling of ,for me anyway , uselessness .I went into this modelling thing we have full force ,joined the local IPMS club and participate in some of the best threads on here ,I post my wips, I offer productive advice and I cracked into ,this year , 7 kits the night of our last IPMS show. I am also aware of where to go on here and where to stay away from ,your post is an excellent one ,and a definite ask for help, therefore I am ok with participation.
I put the kits through a procedure that is born of my work habits basically : Selection of subject/materials , inspection , directional decision , fabrication , primer , paint , decaling , basework , and final finish .By the time I go through steps on one my eye/mind is onto the next ,keeping a flow of fresh thoughts ,uh , flowing.I also think of the models as a 'piece' like an artist would ,this gets me some funny looks when I say it!
I feel for ya man ,and urge you to focus on the positive encouragement offered by a number of people on here.Your tank is empty ,it fills in many ways ,some you control,others you can't ,but you will have to wait till it fills again.
One word on the gf thing ,opening the door to touchy subjects on here( gf , wife , mummy ) is an invitation to unwanted and unnesseccary comments . Dont take the bait .The best advice on this post so far is to direct some (if ya got any left in the tank!) creative output into your gf , they love the creation of an item just for them and you will feel way better ,as I 'get' from you a little guilt perhaps that you enjoy your modelling but cant share it with her.Justa thought.
Finally: I wish you the best of luck in your work ,hobby and life ,it takes a real person to ask for this kinda advice.