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I Dont Think Marriage Is Necessarily the Answer to Happiness

Right now I feel like I made the right decision to separate from my husband although we are still married and talking.
He's supposed to go to rehab someday soon. I like him having his own place (which is really just the apartment my kids and I left) because he's focusing on his responsibilities that he is kind of forced to face... I couldn't keep up feeling like I had a man child and lifestyle changes had to be made my us both.
So, although I'm happy about this "break" from living together, I am starting to wonder if moving back together would ever be good, or if it would be better to continue to build my financial independence and live separately.
We have two children together- a 4 year old and a 1 year old. He also has a child from before we married, and she is 7. I've been in her life since she was a baby and her mom and I get along now. Unfortunately, she doesn't get to stay with me. He put her in his moms care- not her own mother because he only won sole legal physical custody by default. An address that doesn't exist was put on her notice of custody hearing papers, and she missed it. She didn't have money to get a lawyer and fight it but accepted overnight visitations. I wish my stepdaughter could be with me or her mom when he goes to rehab and not grandma and visiting us moms. It's a difficult time, but tonight she came over to my parents to spent the night where I live now, her dad came over too, and our children were so unbelievably happy to all be together. They were happy to see us together.
I know there's a million ways this could all go, there's so many choices to make, and life has no directions in writing. Directions come as intuition among other factors and experiences in life. I try to not think that far ahead, but I'm a dreamer for better things at all times. Some parents do divorce and live as roommates. Some divorce and live separately but still have family and sibling time. Then again, some divorce or stay together and it's just a mess.
We both need better friends that don't hold grudges against our marital problems and place blame and favor one over the other. We do not need our other family members and parents reminding us of all the negative bs we have been working through.
My husband and I both have lessons to learn and teach as does everyone. I want my babies to thrive whether or not their parents live together or are actually married on paper. Just some thoughts tonight. If you would like to offer opinions or advice I am ok with that and would much appreciate it. Anyone in similar situations or anyone that has already been through this type of thing could be a great respondent :)
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MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
Ive been through this situation. Moving back together was the best answer.
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
I know people on here will tell you to run, thats what they're all about. Running. That's because they dont want to care.
Starkizzed21 · 31-35, F
@MartinTheFirst: I ran and this is where I ended up. I can't not care. But maybe a piece of paper is just ridiculous pressure. How can you be more committed to love and fighting for everyone you love just because of paper?
Divorce is an uneasy subject. Some think it means eternal hard feelings and resentment, so you should have as little to do with the other party as possible.
Elegy · 46-50
@MartinTheFirst:
[quote]Moving back together was the best answer.[/quote]

For whom?

[quote]I know people on here will tell you to run, thats what they're all about. Running. That's because they dont want to care.[/quote]

Right because MTF is the only one with the rights to an opinion or real life experience that might give someone valid insight...
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
@Starkizzed21: Yes but you still have time to come back. I think it was good that you moved out, however I do not think it should be permanent. This will give you some time to think, and it will give your partner some time to think. I believe that a marriage is for eternity, divorce is not an option. The only thing that can justify a divorce is if your partner does something that would shred the marriage such as sleeping with other women, and no it's not just a piece of paper. It's a promise, it is everything you stand for, and breaking a promise as such is nothing to take lightly. Now I would strongly advice you to go back when you feel ready. It will be the best decision for you, your partner, and your children.
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
@Halcyon: Yes indeed, my opinion in this case, based on experience and knowledge, is more correct than one who would tell her to run based on what is said in this text she supplied us with.
Elegy · 46-50
There isn't enough information above to state anything definitively only give opinions and advise. Your instant decisions to discount anything anyone else says that is different than your own opinion is moronic. Divorce is not an option, what rubbish is that... I can assure you it is.
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
@Halcyon: Your view of life is flawed and not in line of order.
Elegy · 46-50
@MartinTheFirst: Your view of life is flawed and not in line of order.

See how easy it is to discount every other perspective in existence other than your own? What makes more sense Martin everyone else is wrong or just you?
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
@Halcyon: I never said everyone else, dont make assumptions. I said youre wrong.
Elegy · 46-50
@MartinTheFirst: I honestly thing that you are a really creepy dude and that your motives are suspect in just about any conversation you engage in.

The judgement can really pile up fast huh?
MartinTheFirst · 26-30, M
@Halcyon: Indeed it can.