I think a lot was read into what I wrote that wasn't intended.

There are several prominent people in my life who are women who endured and overcame huge obstacles on their own. Some of them raised their families alone. I've supported and mentored tradeswomen on the job. I work with educated accomplished women, and have been told repeatedly how they feel treated as equals by me. I have recommended women for positions of responsibility above me, even if I have seniority, if they are capable.

I'm not implying women need men.

My wife has berated me for my uselessness for years. My wife has had a lot to say to me about how much she contributes, whether financially, child rearing, meals, house work, etc, and how poorly I contribute by comparison.

I believed her. I wrecked myself for years to do more, and apologized I wasn't accomplishing more in those domains.

Well, one month apart, and I'm doing ok. And I think she's realizing maybe this wasn't a well thought out idea.

As for what's wrong with being alone... Nothing.

But she isolated herself a lot, and those times spent ruminating effected her thinking. I imagine it's worse now. She assumed the kids would be with her at least 50-50, despite them telling her no. They don't trust her, won't drive with her, and don't want to live with her. And they are old enough to choose. She has about 2-3 hrs a week of interaction with the kids.

Her insistence that her friends were her family and that she was better off relying on them than me is now also being tested. I did a lot to support her in every way. The women who encouraged her to join them on the dating scene and leave me are now her circle.

Again... No, women don't need men. I was told I was useless and her friends told her it was easy to exploit men for free help. She seems naive that women can be exploited and preyed on as well.

Again... Nothing wrong with living alone. But I worry about how it's effecting her. I know this isn't what she was expecting. I worry FOR her with that thinking, and I worry ABOUT how it's going to emerge.

I don't hate her, I'm not angry at her. She was my partner at one time. I wish all this was different.

I'm sorry that what I said caused this misinterpretation.

RDMercer