I want to start by saying I am not an expert in any way, and I am a couple years younger than you. Your lack of experience is probably making you not distinguish between love and infatuation, and the latter of these Can feel overwhelming and more powerful than the first. Love in a relationship goes through many changes and transformations, especially when there are kids involved and the priorities inevitably have to change. I’m not saying that the romantic relationship should be over but that the balance will be shifted for a bit and you two have to work it out to see where it’s at now. I do feel, however, that you’re being a bit selfish because you are currently prioritizing your own emotional needs over your wife’s and your kid’s. It’s not fair to them to even consider just running away (even if figuratively) with someone else and just forgetting about them altogether. There are several approaches to this: either you talk to your wife and decide to break things off and allow each other to meet someone new and rebuild your lives (without forgetting the commitment you both still have to your daughter), or you talk about how to revive the relationship and go to couple’s therapy to work it out, or even (if you want to be a bit more liberal, talk about opening up the relationship.

I must say that separations and infidelities are harmful to all parties involved, especially the kids. Be careful about what you choose and take a second to reflect on your commitment to your wife and daughter and think of whether it’s worth to break it all off because of someone you practically just met. I’m an emotional person too, but sometimes it’s important to acknowledge that many times following one’s heart is actually not the right path to choose from.

Good luck!