Early one morning, a neighbour rang me up and asked,
Have you heard what your cousins done?
No, what happened?
Apparently, shes planning to file for divorce at the age of 54, after thirty years of marriage.
That news really floored me, as the saying goes. How could that be? They always seemed like an ordinary family; her husband never touched a drop, hes now retired and nine years older than her. Theyve raised three grown children, all off living on their own, and already have five grandchildren. And suddenly, shes decided to seek a divorce.
Could there be some mistake? I wasted no time and rang my cousin right away, suggesting we meet to speak properly. We settled on a walk in the park, to talk things through quietly. And there, this is what she told me…
I just havent any strength left. Ive been running in circles all my life, like a hamster on a wheel. My husband worked, and so did I, but when we got home, he would flop onto the sofa and watch the telly or unwind, perhaps go off to the pub for a pint with his mates. Me? Id start my second shift at home. I think many women know precisely what Im talking about.
You come back from work, and then it begins: the laundry needs doing, you cook dinner, have to sort things for tomorrow because the children will need something to eat after school. Then theres cleaning, washing up, vacuuming, because the husbands worn out and the kids are busy with homework and their clubs. And countless other jobs all housewives know well.
I’d hoped it would get easier once the children grew up. But I was wrong. The kids left home, my husband retired, and I still carry on working.
Now, my dear husband is always in, or gone fishing, but never lifts a finger in the house. Hes always waiting for me to come home and take care of everything.
The final straw came one day when I was ill. He returned from fishing, didnt ask how I was or if I needed anything, but went straight to the fridge and started shouting why there wasnt anything to eat, that I could have at least boiled up some potatoes, since its hardly a difficult task.
I told him if its not hard, he could do it himself. He replied,
Why do I need a wife if Ill have to cook for myself?
Hearing that, I said Id had enough. Well divorce, split the house, and live separately. For once, Ill live a bit for myself.
The children werent happy about my choice. They said I was leaving him alone, that he didnt know how to do anything, he’d waste away living by himself.
But I dont care anymore. Hes made his own bed. If he cant appreciate what he has, let him see for himself what lifes really like.
Thats how things stand. Perhaps the situation will settle, but my cousin has a determined spirit.
I do have my doubts, for its not pleasant to grow old alone.
What are your thoughts?
