After 35 years of marriage, my husband left me for a younger woman,  and I realized that I had spent all those years forgetting myself for the sake of my family. 

 My husband and I spent 35 years together. I am now 55, and he is 57. Over the years, we had three children: a son and two wonderful daughters.  To others, our marriage seemed perfect, but the reality was far from it.

 My husband never really put effort into working. He occasionally helped out as a mechanic for a friend, but he spent most of his days sitting in front of the television.  He constantly complained—about the government, about the neighbors, and even about me, criticizing the lack of order in the house.

These complaints became so routine that I eventually stopped paying attention to them. 

When he left me for another woman, someone barely in her forties, I was deeply hurt. It was a shock, both for me and for our family. Yet, against all expectations, I made a decision that transformed my life.

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Today, I live alone—or rather, I am free. I feel fulfilled without a partner and have no desire to enter into a new relationship. This shift allowed me to realize something fundamental: during my marriage, I always prioritized the needs of others over my own.

I sacrificed my own desires for my husband and children, forgetting to take care of myself. Now, I understand that in a relationship, it is essential to take care of yourself as much as you take care of the other person.

My husband had grown used to me constantly looking after him without ever acknowledging it. But when I needed his support, he turned his back on me, and his criticisms only intensified.

After the divorce, my daughters became my greatest source of support. They reminded me that life doesn’t stop there. Today, I make the most of my time for myself. I have learned to savor each moment, and I now understand that happiness does not depend on a partner.

One thing is certain: I will never forgive my ex-husband, and there is no chance I will ever let him back into my life.