Sometimes advice columns hit really close to home

@dawnald (85135)
Shingle Springs, California
February 14, 2011 1:25pm CST
http://www.sacbee.com/2011/02/13/3393754/secretive-friendship-is-harming.html No, he doesn't have a secretive friendship, but the parts about needing validation, knowing I'm being wronged, and not wanting to leave the comfort of home sure struck me where I live. See part of me doesn't want this divorce. But it's the wrong darn part of me. It's the part that likes having help with the children and the housework. It's the part that likes having him take care of the autos, helping me medicate the pets, make dinner when I'm feeling crappy, etc. The part of me that doesn't love him, that's really disgusted with him and his temper and manipulation is sitting here working on filling out those divorce papers so that I can get things moving. He went off on Cary last night for having an accident and tossing his messy underwear in the trash last night, but that's another story. It's also a reminder to me of why I'm doing this. Thanks Carolyn. lol
4 people like this
13 responses
• United States
15 Feb 11
Great article. I now know why so many women find out about the lover and yet they stay.They don't want to face the truth.Because if they face the truth , they would have to leave.It must be tiring to snoop. Me? I really don't care what a husband does. The thought of Having to snoop akes me feel tired. As for you , you Have to sit down and think what will truly make you happy. If it is staying and raising the kids , then do it.If There is a way for you two to coexist And be happy , then do it. But if it is really over, then you have to end it. It will be a huge adjustment but it is worth it. A happy mom is better than a miserable one. Your kids Need a happy mom. All I can say is follow your bliss. You deserve to be happy.
1 person likes this
• United States
15 Feb 11
Ok. then it is time to go. I have no words. I have never had to end a marriage. All I Can say is I'll be here if you ever need to talk. Just send me a private message.
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@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
k thanks...
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
Can't co-exist because of the way he behaves....
1 person likes this
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
14 Feb 11
That is a difficult part of any divorce.. not only the fact that you have help with the kids, housework, and all that, but also the financial support as well. It's understandable that you'd want to drag your feet a little bit. You're giving up a lot here, not only all the attitude, anger, manipulation, but also the support and help. It will take some time to transition to doing it all yourself.
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@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Feb 11
Well realistically I have a 14 year old and two 10 year olds, and they are old enough to help too.
• United States
14 Feb 11
Ha Ha! That's wishful thinking! I am still struggling to get my 13 year old and 8 year olds to do their minor chores!
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Feb 11
So am I, but they do help as long as I don't just say "do this" and then go off somewhere else and assume they'll do it.
@paula27661 (15811)
• Australia
18 Feb 11
You are doing the right thing by the sound of it. Sometimes when you begin to doubt your decision something happens to remind why you are doing what you are doing at the moment. I know that it is difficult to be a single parent without the help but you know what? You can buy take out when you feel crappy, you can hire a maintenance man to repair things around the house or mow the lawn, someone to clean the house and a good babysitter. It sounds expensive but it is worth your piece of mind. Your child does not need someone yelling at him for having an ‘accident’ it is very detrimental...Stick to your resolve...
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
23 Feb 11
sticking....
1 person likes this
@saphrina (31552)
• South Africa
15 Feb 11
Don't read advice columns?
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
Nonsense, I get a lot of good insight from them!
@saphrina (31552)
• South Africa
15 Feb 11
Okay then.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
15 Feb 11
It's not going to change and it's not going to get better. And yes, it's scary thinking about having to do things you haven't done, because someone else took care of it, but... You're smart enough, have the initiative/drive, etc. and you'll get it all done...and probably even better. The faster this divorce goes through, the better for the kids, you and even R. He just doesn't know it yet.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
yeah, I really believe that. Got the doc notarized last night, and a good head start on filling out all the papers, I could have this all into the court in the next day or two....
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
15 Feb 11
I can't imagine all the mixed feelings/emotions you're having, but just keep trucking. How long do you think the court may sit on it?
• United States
14 Feb 11
dawn this situation reminded me of why I stuck it out and wasted twenty years. Somehow we can see what is wrong and do not let go. I tell you that I wished I had not waited so long as I did but now I can't take back time. Although it was clear as day I somehow could not let go and life past me by. So please remember that 10 more years will be going by and exactly where you want to be.
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@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Feb 11
28 years is enough... though it hasn't been bad for 28 years. I'm not quite that crazy!
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Feb 11
10 more years, no way!
• United States
14 Feb 11
@dawn, 28 years is way more then enough... I was merely pointing out that while the feelings now are not that great consider while weighing what it would be like in ten more years. @Oceanna, oh how I wish I felt this way twenty years ago, although I knew 20 would go by, however at the time I suppose I was not one hundred percent validating myself so it took me that long to do so. We live and learn.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157675)
• United States
14 Feb 11
The screaming is not called for. Is the stress causing Cary to have accidents? I do not think it is good for any of you and you will do better once it is all over with. I think you need to hear this from all of your friends.
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Feb 11
He was mad about Cary not saying anything, and I said, "has it ever occurred to you that it's because he's afraid of you?" That got him to pause a bit....
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
15 Feb 11
IS he still living there? yup ya probably will miss that but you wont miss the bad parts the anger
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
yes he is and yes I won't!
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
14 Feb 11
I understand your predicament since I have been divorced. And let me tell you that's its not easy being on your own....but being single has it's rewards. To find someone now would be a miracle for me. I have bought and paid for my own home...drive a nice car. Have very little debt. Travel alot..most of the time when a man comes into my life they feel the need to "tell me what I need to do"????? WTF...like I have made it on my own...published three books...have my own business? So it would take a real saint at this point to interest me....oh..and they have to like doing craft shows too! LOL
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
14 Feb 11
I like doing things "my way" too...
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
17 Feb 11
The screaming at the child for having an accident is something that was uncalled for. All children have accidents from time to time and it is something as a parent that we need to know how to deal with. I can also see why Cary was secretive about it because something like this is embarrassing to everyone. The part of you that doesn't want the divorce is the selfish part of you. However, I think that life for you and for the children will be far better once everything is said and done.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
17 Feb 11
Yep, uncalled for, yep selfish, yep it will be better (mostly). lol
@katland05 (136)
• Guam
15 Feb 11
dawn hi! How r u & family? I haven't been here lately due to my laptop crash & had to get it repaired.... Your a strong woman even without R u can do all those others, I think it's just getting used to the idea that u have to handle the adult stuff yourself.. But yes u have your kids to help with little stuff.. I think you will always have the memories good & bad... I don't think anyone will like going thru handling the process of a divorce but once it's done & completed you can take care of other important stuff... I think so much anger & temper from a parent can have an affect on the kids & soon when divorce is final maybe the kids & u can relax a little & enjoy their parents even if living in different places... The kids can feel it too when the parents aren't getting along even if they don't hear u yelling at each other.. Hope everything gets better after the divorce & for the kids well being so they can enjoy both their parents.. I do read advice columns but I don't always listen to them, but that's just my opinion.. Have a great day mylotting...
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
It isn't the adult stuff, it' the MALE stuff. But I'll manage...
• United States
15 Feb 11
I could imagine what a difficult situation you must be in, after probably so many years of being married and with the same person. But if the love isn't there anymore and all that's left is disappointment, arguements, temper and his manipulation you are probably better of alone. A friend of mine is going through a similar situation and every night we talk and she is practically in tears,but a few months ago she made the decision she was leaving. And she hasn't regreted yet, she is actually enjoying life a bit more with her two kids.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
Tears, lol. Sometimes I wish I could cry...
• United States
15 Feb 11
Wow! Awesome article...no sugar coating at all lol. I'm sorry for your situation with your marriage. It's not good on your nerves and not good at all for the kids, even if ya'll don't argue in front of them they can still sense something's not right. As for all the little things that having a husband around for, you will very much miss that part. I know when I got divorced I felt so lost and alone. But eventually I found my footing and became stronger. I was able to find friends that could fix the "honey-do" projects rather than depending on my ex.
1 person likes this
@dawnald (85135)
• Shingle Springs, California
15 Feb 11
I'm sure I'll get there eventually.