One of the things that I did correctly was to protect myself financially. When he had erratic spending, I filed for divorce so the assets would be frozen. If I would not have done this I would be literally out on a park bench with the kids. Protecting yourself financially is essential, because they will not.
Me: 46 H:44 Together: 25 years Married: 20 years Separated: 11-30-06 Divorced 12-21-07 OW: EA began 2005 PA began end of 2006 3 children,20, 16, 6 ex asked for forgiveness 01/16/11