Tell me straight, am I mad for staying with a serial adulterer with a long time mistress?
Okay, I need frank and straight talking opinions and advice. I have been married for nearly 30 years, most of them good, but the last 10 to 12 years have been seriously marred by my husbands addiction to affairs. He has had two mistresses and the latest one he has had for at least 10 years, with many girlfriends and short affairs at the same time. We no longer have a sex life, our children are aged 19 and 21, so quite grown-up.
He has been an excellent provider, has a very good highly respected job and is a genuinely highly respected man. My family and close friends know what I’ve been going through the past few years and everyone can’t believe I’m still with him. I know it’s an abusive relationship, as sometimes he is so kind and sweet and lovely, which reminds me of the old times.
But he can be cruel and unkind and worst of all he started having his affairs when I was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. Thankfully I have recovered and am trying to keep as healthy as I can. But emotionally my journey has been very hard. I have cried many tears, shouted and screamed to no avail. I even met up with the mistress one time and hit and kicked her I was so angry, but it made no difference. In fact it just made me feel absolutely awful and ashamed of myself! The mistress is well aware of the fact that I wanted to save my marriage from the early days onwards, but she didn’t step away if anything it made her cling to my husband even harder. I know I can’t blame the mistress, as it takes 2 to tango, I know…
I’m not young, I’m 59, am I too old to separate and divorce?
I have asked my husband to leave many times but he absolutely refuses to and I have never left because I wanted to be there for the children. But what’s stopping me now? Am I used to being treated as a doormat? Maybe I like being treated as a doormat?
Be as hard as you like, I need to hear it. Thank you.