My “dedicated” wife of 12 years recently decided to abruptly throw in the towel on our marriage, and alienate just about everyone we considered friends throughout our 18 year relationship. Without getting too far into the sordid details of this disaster, I was completely blindsided and thrown into the tailspin of my life. My primary and enduring concern through all of this has been, of course, our two children (ages 7 & 11). It bears mentioning that both kids are surviving remarkably well through this life-changing experience.
Although we are not yet divorced, I was re-acquainted with a wonderful woman from my past, and we’ve been dating with increasing frequency over the past several months. Coincidentally, she’s also going through a divorce and has 2 children of her own – also aged 7 & 11 – and the kids have lots in common. We decided to introduce them, but made a commitment that none of the kids would be witness to any “affection” between us – at least until things become official. The get-together was framed as a new friend experience. Well as expected, they instantly hit it off and became fast friends. In fact they enjoy each other so much, they are constantly asking for each other.
The problem is, I’ve been getting the crooked eye from some of my friends and family members. My feeling is, “Hey…I never asked to be rudely (and I mean RUDELY) dismissed by my perfect wife who consistently proclaimed herself to be the “Luckiest Person in the World”, only to be betrayed in the name of extreme selfishness.”
Why shouldn’t the kids have the opportunity to share in Dad’s happiness? They’re obviously enjoying the experience.
Am I (we) out of line here??
— Betrayed in Boston, Boston