Early this morning, a neighbour rang me and asked, Have you heard what your cousins done?
No, whats happened?
It seems shes planning to file for divorce at 54, after thirty years of marriage.
That sort of news truly stunned me. Honestly, I couldnt believe itafter all, theyve always seemed like a typical family. Her husband isnt a drinker; hes now retired, nine years older than her. They have three grown-up kids, each living separately, and five grandchildren already. All of a sudden, she’s decided to call it quits.
I wondered if thered been some misunderstanding. So I rang my cousin straightaway and suggested we meet up. We agreed to have a talk in the park where it would be easier to chat quietly. Heres what she told me
I just cant do it anymore, she said. All my life Ive felt like a hamster on a wheel. My husband worked, I worked too, but after a day at work, hed flop onto the sofa and watch TV, unwind, or maybe go out for a pint with his mates, while I started my second shift at home. I reckon a lot of women know exactly what I mean.
You get back from the office and it begins: laundry, cooking dinner, putting something together for tomorrow since the kids will need food after school. Then theres cleaning, washing up, hooveringbecause apparently my husbands too tired and the kids dont have time; theyre busy with schoolwork and clubs. There are a dozen things every housewife knows by heart.
I always believed that once the children grew up, things would get easier. I was wrong. The kids moved out, my husband retired, and Im still working.
Now, my dear husband is either at home all day or off fishing, but he never lifts a finger around the house. Each time, he waits for me to come home and expects me to do everything.
The final straw came when I caught a cold. He came back from fishing, didnt even ask how I was or if I needed anything, but went straight to the fridge and started moaning about there being no food, saying I could at least have boiled some potatoes since its not exactly rocket science.
I told him, if its so easy, he should do it himself. His reply? Why on earth would I need a wife if Im expected to cook for myself?
That was it. I told him Id had enough, were divorcing. Well split the flat and live our own lives. I want to finally do something just for me, even if its only a little.
The kids werent happy with my decision. They told me Im leaving him on his own, that hes useless in the house and would end up lonely or worse.
But honestly, I dont care anymore. Hes brought this on himself. If he cant appreciate what he has, let him experience the other side.
So, thats it. Maybe things will settle down, but my cousin seems determined.
I cant help but feel uncertainbeing by yourself in old age isnt easy.
What do you think?
