My wife and I have been married for five years. After a couple years worth of ups and downs and an inability to communicate effectively through what I think are some pretty normal marital problems, my wife decided a couple of months ago that she wanted a divorce. The decision came on the heels of a seemingly insignificant argument. We have gone to counseling only a couple of times and we have briefly lived separately which really amounted to me being home all the time, but sleeping somewhere else; not a whole lot changed – this is the extent of our therapy. My wife is adamant that she wants this divorce and will seek no further therapy, advice, or anything that would suggest the contrary; she also refuses a stricter trial separation to really test the waters. We have a 3 year old son and I’m trying to avoid this from happening but believe its now out of my hands. I’ve tried to amicably hash out a separation agreement and she is trying to secure a refinance on our house but I think she’s sort of dragging her feet. She got really upset the other night when we were talking about how we would divide our belongings. Oddly, if the subject doesn’t come up, watching us you would never know we were seriously contemplating divorce. Except for there being no outward affection everything is normal and we get along fine. I’m really concerned about how well she has thought this through and if her feelings could change once the ink dries, which I think, is likely to happen. She recently turned 33 and I believe she is having a premature mini mid-life crisis which plays some role in this decision. She’s at the point where she does not want the daily responsibilities of being a wife, mother, etc. She would rather be shopping, dinning, or partying to the sun comes up with friends.
I’ve been an outstanding husband and father and have really gone through a lot of grief standing idly by, taking care of my son, while she’s pursuing what makes her happy (above), but feel in my heart that if she thought this through she would see it’s not our only alternative, with help we could overcome this. Unfortunately I have not been able to rule out an emotional (maybe more) attachment elsewhere, can’t be sure. Talking to her has gotten me nowhere; she’s very proud (especially with me) and half the time she says A but really means B. She has expressed concerns to her friends that have gotten back to me and although it made me feel better knowing she still had some feelings, these concerns weren’t show stoppers. What would be the best course of action right now? Should I kill her with kindness and love and see if I can’t clear up some of her confusion in a good way? Should I make it easy for her to proceed with a divorce? Should I sit tight and I wait it out? Is she confused as to what she really wants or am I kidding myself? Anyone out there who regretted their decision to divorce? Do any women even identify? I need some advice!
2007-04-25
12:20:23
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7 answers
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asked by
Ryan
1