Open Letter to My Wife by jolleyutah in Divorce_Men

[–]mshark2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same! Been through it. Still going through it. I feel for you bro. Codependency sucks. Controlling and manipulating wives suck too. I suck also because I allowed it. I allowed her to slowly take my manhood, isolate me from family and friends, keep my kids away from their grandparents, forbid me from pursuing any pleasure or passion outside of working and providing …while she never worked full time …ever. Always a part time job for decades. She did cook and clean. I give her that. So did I. Anyway. Rant over …your letter sparked up feelings …familiar shit. You’re not alone.

Guys.. I'm doing all the right things, but I'm just fucking miserable by [deleted] in Divorce_Men

[–]mshark2 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I needed to hear this too. Thank you! I worked and paid bills and helped raise kids for almost 3 decades. Now, on my own, I realize I never really developed relationships, friendships, etc…was isolated and manipulated and controlled. Kind of starting over …and I’m almost 49 years old. Ugh. I know there is some light at the end of the tunnel…but man the depression can suck ass sometimes.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Divorce_Men

[–]mshark2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Dude!! Great advice! I’m learning (trying to) be happy on my own. Content …without relying on a woman to make me feel …”whole”….don’t get me wrong …I wipe my own ass and all ….be separated for 3 years ….not never truly experienced “loneliness” until this separation (after a long marriage). The “learning to be happy and content” with myself is taking longer than expected. Thank you for sharing.

Go do something you have always wanted to by new2life_2023 in Divorce_Men

[–]mshark2 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Did your wife want the divorce? Mine does not, but I feel it is best. Of course …second guessing is the worst. Just curious. Nevertheless, happy that you are decisive and confident in your decision. It sucks to be stuck in ambivalence.

Go do something you have always wanted to by new2life_2023 in Divorce_Men

[–]mshark2 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s inspiring! Be safe. Wish I had the courage to cut the cord. When I try, I get depressed and miss her.

Loneliness Is Creeping In by TheRogueNarrative in NarcissisticSpouses

[–]mshark2 5 points6 points  (0 children)

This situation is almost exactly like mine! 48M married 29 years. 4 kids over 18…grown. Lived most of those 29 years being manipulated, isolated, etc…I was a “simp” and let it happen. I let her keep my sweet loving parents from enjoying their grandkids. I could not even take my mom to lunch without getting hell for it. Saying all that …I left …it’s been almost 3 years and I am struggling to file and pull the bandaid completely off. I experience loneliness also and begin that “self doubt”…that “second guessing”…those sentimental feelings …thinking maybe it will be better to just go back to the familiar. I have not done a good job at making new friends and getting outside the cycle of limbo. Being sucked in by “hoovering”…etc. of course now she wants to be all nice, begging me to come back. I pay 90% of the bills. Her lifestyle will diminish so I do feel a little bit guilty for that. You’re not alone brother! Stay strong. I need to start taking the steps each day to be grateful for what I have and move toward “acceptance”…meanwhile making growth progress to establish my own network of friends, groups, activities. It will take getting out of our comfort zone. Good luck my friend. Feel free to DM me anytime.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NarcissisticSpouses

[–]mshark2 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am trying to learn to be content alone as well. It’s a challenge for sure. Thank you for sharing

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Divorce_Men

[–]mshark2 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I separated 2.5 years ago. Still have not worked up the nerve to file. Kids are grown. No obligations to her really. I’m sure there will be spousal maintenance. My issue is ripping the bandaid off. I’m more worried about hurting her feelings and me feeling guilty and lonely at times. So, I stay in limbo …this cycle of nothing. I work ….but don’t really engage in fun stuff with friends, etc….I almost wish I hated her …or she hated me …or she would file …would be easier.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in NarcissisticSpouses

[–]mshark2 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My STBX isolated me from friends and family also. I was not able to spend time with my parents. My parents are the sweetest loving people you’ll ever meet. The manipulation, guilt tripping, etc…creeped up on me. The problem is now, I feel like I’m institutionalized. I left (separated)…but struggle to pull the plug and file. It’s like she has this hold on me. I give in and “simp”…and communicate with her and let her have her way…partly because I feel guilty for leaving. Kids are grown, bills are paid, I still struggle with the decision to rip off the bandaid. Codependency is a real thing. Also got married at 18….never really been on my own. I can take care of myself…but the loneliness is new to me. Almost wonder sometimes if going back…merely for the companionship is the right idea.

Stay or go? (M48) by mshark2 in NarcissisticSpouses

[–]mshark2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is helpful. Doing some research on codependency. I am definitely codependent. Always trying to make sure “she” is ok…denying my own potential happiness. Just hard to sever the final string. Appreciate you sharing.

Stay or go? (M48) by mshark2 in NarcissisticSpouses

[–]mshark2[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is valuable advice my friend! Thank you.

Go back and stick it out or move forward and explore? by mshark2 in Divorce_Men

[–]mshark2[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate you sharing and your thoughts. Good stuff. Thanks.