On my 30th wedding anniversary, I told my husband I was divorcing him.He was stunned, “But why? I love you, Kelly, I always have, and I never cheated on you, not ever!”Yes, by all standards, he seemed like the perfect husband. But before you judge me, understand that I had good reasons for the divorce, and I knew there was no turning back. And here’s my story. đ
My husband Zack was stunned and profoundly wounded when I broached the subject of divorce after three decades of marriage. He had always believed himself to be a devoted and supportive partner. However, there was a revelation loomingâsomething he never saw coming: the underlying truth behind my decision.
Itâs intriguing how two individuals can perceive the same relationship so differently. While Zack viewed our marriage through the lens of contentment, I found myself silently grappling with feelings of discontent.
The culmination of our contrasting outlooks occurred on our 30th wedding anniversary, just a fortnight following the departure of our youngest child. It was then that I mustered the courage to disclose my desire for a divorce to Zack.
His reaction was one of disbelief and confusion. “What?” he uttered, struggling to comprehend my words. “Whoâs divorcing whom?”
“You,” I responded calmly. “Or more accurately, I am.”
Zack sank into a chair, still reeling from the shock. “You’re divorcing me?”
“Yes,” I affirmed. “I am divorcing you.”
“But why?” he implored, tears welling in his eyes. “I love you, Kelly. I always have. I’ve never betrayed you, not even once!”
“That’s true,” I conceded. “You’ve never strayed, indulged in vices, or taken risks.”
In any relationship, it’s crucial to truly listen to what the other person is communicating.
“Then why?” he demanded, frustration creeping into his tone. “I’ve done nothing wrong, yet you’re leaving me? Is there someone else?”
The reality was far more nuanced than a mere affair or conventional betrayal. It encompassed years of feeling unheard, the widening emotional chasm, and the unaddressed needs I had silently borne for far too long.
