Hello all, I’m 35 and wanted to share one last update on the saga of my failed marriage. We had “amicably” decided to separate—or so I thought. At first, it seemed like a healthy choice, but what I’ve just experienced only confirms that moving forward is the right path for me.
I was always the steady income. My wife’s industry is seasonal, and though I wanted to leave, I felt I couldn’t abandon her to figure out survival alone. She suggested we separate but live under the same roof until May. I refused. That would only poison our already toxic relationship further. I needed to break away to heal and rebuild.
I bought my own house but offered financial support until she could stand on her own. For a brief time, we were cordial, even friendly. My new home was empty, and I celebrated something as simple as buying a couch. It felt like the start of peace.
Then communication went dark. I enjoyed the serenity, but I still had responsibilities. A water heater leak at her house needed fixing. Plumbers canceled twice, so I went myself. While tossing debris in her trash, I found a box of used condoms. My heart sank. I had been gone barely a week—still legally married.
I texted her about the repair, and later we spoke. I didn’t confront her directly, but I told her I knew she had moved on. I removed myself from all shared accounts. She exploded—gaslighting, insults, accusations. She claimed we had agreed to “needs being met.” I thought real needs were financial security and respect, not rushing into someone else’s arms.
Why am I writing this? First, to close my story. This is the lowest I’ll ever feel, and now it’s healing from here. Second, many suspected she was cheating before—I didn’t believe it, but seeing how quickly she moved on, maybe they were right. Third, I needed to vent. Hours before this, I had to put down my cat with cancer.
It’s been a brutal day, but I’m glad to leave that toxic mess behind. I want to believe I’m making the right call to cut all ties.
