W came back a little later all angry, telling me that I wasn't going to 'take the house from her, that she gets half the equity'.
I told her I had no intention of taking anything from her that it owed her. I said that right now our net worth is negative and I can turn it around which will help HER out too.
I said I'd help her pay off some of her credit cards when I get my income up.
I told her I love her, I don't wish her any ill will, I won't steal any equity from her, I just won't live with her while she's having an affair.
She said that she would try to find a place to go.
Then she went for a walk with D17. She's back now and I see she is on the phone with somebody. I expect her to push back again but I'm standing my ground. Lovingly, demanding respect.
For the first time in my life, I'm asking for what I want, no, demanding what I want without feeling guilty about it. I'm not a victim any more.
I feel sad, hurt and empowered. I know I did the right thing because I did it with tough love, not anger.
I don't know if this is an LRT, or just me protecting myself from prolonging the hurt. We'll see.
So, pray that she doesn't keep fighting me but instead just leaves.
