I’ve Become Selfish – and For the First Time in My Life, I’ve Felt Truly Happy!
A Life Devoted to Family
My name is Susan, I’m 42 years old, married, with two grown-up sons.
This is the story of a woman who spent her entire life living for others, until one day she decided: “Enough is enough!”
I got married at 19, and from that moment, my life revolved around my family.
While my friends were out, attending parties, and enjoying their university days, I rocked the cradle, did the laundry, cleaned the house, and prepared for exams at night because I was studying part-time.
My grandmother warned me,
“You won’t be able to handle it all, you’ll break.”
But I was stubborn and determined to prove otherwise.
And I managed to do so.
I had my second son, earned my degree, continued working, and cared for my husband and children, all while neglecting myself.
Yet, I never complained.
Three Men in the House – All on My Shoulders
I loved my men, so I endured everything.
They scattered their belongings all over the house, left dirty dishes on the table, forgot to turn off the stove, and never wondered who cleaned, who did the laundry, who cared for them.
It felt as though it was my duty to make their life comfortable.
But because I loved them, I stayed silent and continued to care for them.
Until one day, I realized they had simply taken my efforts for granted.
It didn’t matter to them whether I was tired or not. What mattered was having dinner on the table and clean shirts in the wardrobe.
They didn’t see me as a servant or maid, but as a woman who, like them, wanted to live.
And one day, I had enough.
I Escaped to the Theatre
It was just another winter day.
I came home from work, and as usual, the place was a mess.
“That’s it!” I thought. “I’ve had enough!”
I turned around and left the house.
I caught a bus, went to the city centre, and bought a ticket to the theatre.
For the first time in years, I did something for myself.
On the way back, I saw dozens of missed calls from my husband and sons.
I switched off my phone and returned home with a smile.
When I got back, they bombarded me with questions:
“Where were you? Why didn’t you say anything? Why isn’t dinner ready?”
I calmly responded,
“You’re adults. You can handle it. I’m now living for myself too.”
I’ve Changed – and I Love It
And I stuck to my word.
From that day on, I stopped washing their clothes, cooking, cleaning up after them, or ironing their shirts.
They can learn to do it themselves.
And I remembered how to live for myself.
I bought myself some beautiful clothes, instead of another pot or kitchen towel.
I booked appointments for a manicure, visited the hairdresser, and joined a gym.
I started meeting friends, wandering around the city, and taking trips to the countryside.
And you know what?
I loved it!
Initially, my husband and sons couldn’t believe I had changed.
They thought I was just being difficult and would soon go back to old habits.
But when their clean clothes ran out, and the fridge was empty, they quickly learned to use the washing machine, stove, and iron.
And I suddenly realized:
How wonderful it is to be selfish!
It’s such a pity I realized it so late.
