My turn... Part 3

[Cole_]

Worse yet is how hard our respective families are taking the separation without even knowing about the infidelity. They simply know what my wife has told everyone - she felt lonely and unappreciated, didn't think I was contributing enough with housework and parenting/childcare, etc. etc. and over time the anger, resentment and loneliness became overwhelming and she needs out because she isn't in love anymore and isn't happy.

Every single one of our family members have stated that they were surprised by the news of our separation and don't understand it. In their minds, and mine, her issues are those found in every long term relationship and most don't believe her claims because they've seen how I am around my wife and kids. Our parents are taking it especially hard. Given how upset and emotional they've been, I can't really turn to them for support and I'm glad that they don't know about the infidelity. That really would have made things much worse than they are now and definitely would have made reconciliation impossible.

I'm hanging in there, but I'm still oscillating between the soul crushing despair of feeling like I've lost everything and the occasional small glimmer of confidence and hope.

I've literally lost everything in the past year (wife, kids, job, self esteem, etc) and it's just going to take time to rebuild. I can objectively look at myself and see that, but man is it hard.