Any success stories from people who left unhappy marriages?

[Tuti]

We have 4 DC, ranging from 2-15, one with suspected SN. I know I’d really struggle as a single parent but I am just so miserable with DP. He’s moody, grumpy, passive aggressive and rude.

Watching with interest.

Separated from my husband late last year but he only moved out two weeks ago due to various reasons.

It was hard telling the children but I honestly have no regrets, he’s not a bad man we just didn’t get on anymore and I was so lonely and unhappy. Living together while separated was awful too.

You only get one life OP

My ex-H left us 3.5 years ago. My kids were 13 and 16 at the time. I was devastated but actually it was the best thing that could have happened. It's been hard being a single parent, as he's not been very hands on. But I've managed it.

It was about 18 months after he left that I realised how toxic our marriage had been and how much happier I am now. I've become the person I used to be in my 20s.

It's not easy, but whilst it's a cliche, it's so true that time is a great healer.

ExH and I split about two years ago. I just couldn’t take it any more. We had a bit of a difficult time at first (to put it mildly) but that all seems to be in the past now. We get on well and are both devoted to doing the best we can for our DCs.

God that all sounds so trite, but I’m so much happier now.

I left my husband a year ago. He was abusive, occasionally violent, controlling, no intimacy, no fun. I found it really easy to leave because there was literally nothing left to stay for, so it's a bit different for me.

But, a year on I couldn't be happier. I have a part time job that I love, I live in a new city with new friends, I have a new boyfriend who is incredible. I'm happy, got my confidence back, lost a load of weight, have the best sex life I've ever had, have fun. I was worried about the time the kids would be with their dad and whether I'd feel lonely - quiet the opposite, I'm so busy that I'm exhausted when they come back! It's honestly the best thing I've ever done.

Absolutely, I asked ex to leave 7 years ago.
The first 18m were hard, I felt very guilty (which he also made me feel). I had a lot of counselling.

Since then I've been through some shitty relationships, but 2 years ago I met someone who has changed my life.
I still pinch myself every day.
He is great with my kids and they like him more than me

My ex is happy (I think) he just bought a house with his girlfriend who used to be a friend of mine but I know she's a nice person and is kind to my kids.
And I'm deliriously happy with my partner, if I died tomorrow I feel so lucky to finally have experienced such love in a relationship

Life is too short

I left my husband 9 years ago while pregnant with our youngest. Best decision I ever made. He was an abuser, and really ran me into the ground emotionally, financially and physically. A pathological liar who makes everything about him...drama, abuse, shouting and no gratitude at all. I was never in great health, but that has declined a lot in recent years and I am left with full-time care for 2 children as he only sees them for an hour or two once per week. One has SEN (dyspraxia, auditory-processing disorder and suspected autism) and the other has a physical condition. Neither can be safely accommodated or have their needs met at the local schools so they are home-schooled. So, if in poor health I can juggle home schooling two kids, working part-time, caring for elderly mother, and doing the DIY on our falling down house...anyone can manage this. It is not easy and you will get bad days, but none are as bad as being stuck in a failing relationship...that chews on your mental health and stress levels more than anything in the world. Good luck!

I finished it completely when DS was 3 (after throwing him out, having him back etc etc for three years) and I can say hand on heart that the last 12 years have been the happiest of my life. I didn't realise how unhappy I had been until I wasn't anymore.