Progress
Since my wife gave me an ultimatum—either I go to therapy or she leaves—I’ve been doing a bit better. Actually, ever since I started therapy, things have improved. If she hadn’t pushed me, I probably never would have gone, but now I’m glad it happened. Of course, I made her promise not to tell anyone; I’d be mortified if my dad, mother-in-law, or any of my buddies found out.
The Reason
The only reason I’m still here is that I don’t want to die a virgin, and I can’t do that to my mom—she’d be heartbroken.
The Usual
I’m hanging in there, just the usual... Our house has been half-finished for years because I lack the time and money to complete it. In three years, I’ve had three jobs; the last two ended due to layoffs, and I don’t feel secure in my current role either.
My wife hates me because I promised her a princess-like life. I barely see my kids because when I get home at night, they’re already asleep, and on weekends I’m either fixing the house, tinkering with the car, or catching up on sleep. This isn’t how I imagined family life, and it hurts to think that just a few years ago, I was a happy guy who thought life was on track.
The Plan
My wife and I had plans: work hard, raise the kids, and retire early to enjoy our remaining years. We managed that, but we didn’t expect her to get cancer and pass away within six months. Without her, I feel like nothing. Some days, I don’t even want to get out of bed. And I can’t talk to anyone about it—who would I burden? My kids, who have their own struggles? Or my two friends, who are also dealing with health and financial issues...?
Finally!
After seven years of trying, we finally had our baby. The past few years were hell—countless tough IVF cycles took a toll on both of us, nearly breaking our marriage—but now that our little girl is here, everything feels right.
Alone
Since my divorce, I’ve felt incredibly alone. I realized all my social life revolved around my wife—she organized everything. I used to be close with my two brothers-in-law and my wife’s friends’ husbands, but since the divorce, we’ve lost touch.
I could reach out, but those weren’t deep friendships, and it would feel awkward. I tried reconnecting with old buddies, but one has three kids and is always busy, another moved abroad. I have no kids, no friends, and I work from home as an IT specialist, so I don’t even have colleagues to hang out with. It’s lonely.
Lighting Up
I’m okay—well, when I’m not, I just roll a funny joint and that’s it. My dad was an alcoholic, so I never drank, but I need something to keep me from falling apart, and weed does the trick. Honestly, I don’t know what I’d do without it.
Rebirth
If you’d asked me a year ago, I’d have said I hated my life. But last year, I finally got divorced, and since then, I’ve been genuinely happier. I feel reborn, finally free from that money-hungry nightmare!
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Two years ago, I admitted to myself that I’m gay, and that brought me one step closer to inner peace. A year ago, I came out to my family and friends. Some cut ties, which hurt, but now I see they were just people who didn’t add value to my life. I feel so much better now, finally able to be myself.
Gratitude
Thanks for asking, seriously, no one’s ever asked me this before. I don’t really know how I’m doing—I guess not great—but I was raised to be strong and not complain, so I always say I’m fine, everything’s okay. (It’s not.)
