Dear Annie: I had a suspicion that something was going on with my husband, but I didn’t have concrete proof for a long time. Then, one day, everything came crashing down. I came home to find a note: He had left.
After some digging, I found out he was living with another woman in a nearby town. It was devastating, and I was blindsided by the betrayal. To make matters worse, I have no idea how long he had been deceiving me.
What struck me as particularly strange — and almost darkly ironic — was that when I finally saw the woman he had left me for, I was surprised to notice that she looked like a younger version of his mother! When I pointed this out to him, he wasn’t happy about it at all.
Ultimately, their romance didn’t last. A couple of years later, she asked him to leave. Despite everything, I don’t feel much satisfaction in knowing that it didn’t work out for him. The whole experience left deep emotional scars, and even though I made the decision to file for divorce, I often wonder how long I had been living a lie without knowing.
My relationship is beyond repair. How do I start anew even though it feels like the ground has been pulled out from under me? — Betrayed Wife
Dear Betrayed Wife: The best way to begin anew is by taking it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about what the future might hold, focus on meeting new and interesting people, and allow yourself to feel excited about the possibilities of new connections.
Starting a new chapter in life can be both frightening and rewarding, so embrace the uncertainty with patience and curiosity.
Remember to continue taking care of yourself — stay active, and spend time with friends and family who uplift you. With time, things will begin to fall into place. Best of luck to you.
Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.
“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].
