I left for my kid.

When she was 4 I realised that I was responsible for modelling what love looked like and it was on ME to make sure she grew up seeing healthy boundaries and healthy relationships. I realised that if I didn’t do that she was going to end up in the exact same marriage when she was grown because that’s what she would think love looked like.

I left for her and no she didn’t hate me, not at all. She took it all like a champ and all these years later she is a happy, healthy, well adjusted kid.

I’m remarried now and completely in love with my husband. I am overjoyed that now she gets to see what proper, connected, happy, healthy love looks like and if she marries someone as great at my husband I’ll be over-the-moon-thrilled for her.

Leaving was the best thing for all of us. Even if I didn’t meet my husband she would have seen that it’s ok to be single, that it’s ok to fight for your own happiness, and that you should never settle for less than you’re worth in your romantic relationships.