I wouldn't trade the pain for what I've learned ..

[irishblessings]

PEI -

Congrats on living authentically. I know it is not easy.

I think deep down I remain a stander - today. God gave me the strength to do it. No one else (friends and family) know this is my objective - they just know my feelings about divorce.

You are further ahead than I am - but 28 years of a relationship with this person and realizing all that I have given of myself and all that I have become - good and bad - prevent me from seeking another relationship. I am beginning to want a relationship with myself and a stronger one with my kids.

I found myself laughing the other day because in one of H's tirades before he left he said he "didn't want to be accountable - he wanted freedom" - now he's in a relationship and I am free:) Funny...