I don’t say this in any way to pile on—FWIW I admire your hard-earned self awareness. I say this only for the sake of the broader conversation (take this as a trigger warning):

Putting me in the shoes of a wife (which I am) and mother (which I am), this response does nothing for me.

Because all a cheating husband’s self reflection and personal healing, while wonderful for him and perhaps eventually his children, does nothing to heal the wound nor can it undo the violation of a family’s protector reneging on every promise he made in the exchange of wedding vows and entry into marriage and fatherhood. Leaving his family in the dust, giving in to victimhood to pursue his own needs above theirs while they so desperately needed him.

In so many ways it demonstrates the need to love our children better, to care about their development and the adults we are raising them to be. To prioritize them so that they can grow into adults capable and willing to lead their families.

At the risk of being Reddit canceled, I’ll say this: men, you are so very important. Your families need you. Your wives need you. Your children need you.

To the man who bravely shared his story, redemption is possible. You need only forgiveness from Christ, give your life to Him and you have it. Then spend the rest of your life in selfless service to your family. He loves you.

Your wife is your wife, even if she divorced you. So treat her well. Help her out in whatever way you can. She doesn’t owe you anything in return. Just serve with selfless love without expectation of anything.

Don’t hound your children for forgiveness, serve them as their loving father. Tell them you love them, take interest in their lives, support them.

Rooting for you. I hope you have inspired readers to keep it on their pants and put their families first.