I am 34 years old. My husband is 37. We’ve been married for 9 years and have two children.
Last year, my husband lost his job. It was hard, but I stood by him. I picked up extra shifts at work, took loans, and held the house together. I never complained because I believed that’s what marriage is: supporting each other in difficult times.
For almost a year, I carried the financial burden alone.
Three months ago, he finally got a new job. The salary is even better than his old one. I was genuinely happy for him. I thought this was our fresh start.
Then things started changing.
He became distant. Protective over his phone. Staying out late. Suddenly talking about “needing space” because the period of unemployment “affected him mentally.”
Last week, I overheard him on a call in the bedroom. He didn’t know I was at the door.
He said, “Don’t worry, I’m sorting things out. She won’t take anything from me.”
I froze.
Me? Take anything? How?
Later that evening, I confronted him. After hours of back and forth, he admitted he has been seeing someone else; a woman he met during the period he was unemployed.
According to him, she “motivated” him and “believed in him” when he felt useless.
I asked him what that meant for us.
He said he is confused. That he loves me because I’m his wife and the mother of his children… but he also has feelings for her. And because I “became too strong” during his unemployment, he started feeling insecure around me.
Too strong?
I held the house down. I protected his pride. I never insulted him. I defended him in front of family.
Now he says he feels “less of a man” with me.
He has not asked for a divorce. He says he needs time to “decide.” Meanwhile, I am still cooking, cleaning, working, and pretending everything is normal for our children.
I am tired.
Do I step aside and let him go find his ego?
Or do I fight for a marriage I carried on my back?
Dear readers… when supporting your husband becomes the reason he resents you, what do you do?
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