‘The grass isn’t always greener’
Sheryl Guntrip, 56, a support worker from Milton Keynes, missed out by marrying young
Imet Geoff at my best friend’s 18th birthday party in June 1981. Things moved quickly and, by February of the following year, I was pregnant.
James was born in November 1982 and, in February 1983, Geoff and I married. It snowed, which made everything extra beautiful. Kirsty arrived 11 months after James, then Julie, in April 1986. In many ways, we were playing at being grown-ups because we were so young.
I loved being a mum, but part of me grew frustrated. While he’d play with the kids when he got in from his job as a painter and decorator, Geoff never changed a nappy and found time to go fishing and see his friends. I had no breaks or any time for socialising.
Then, at a toddler group, I met a divorced woman who was out partying all the time. Her life seemed so much fun, and I was jealous. I’d missed that chapter of my life.
When she invited me on a night out, I saw how she lived and I wanted a piece of the pie. It might not have been a sensible decision, but I ended my marriage. I was still only 25, and I thought the grass would be greener.
We separated amicably, and Geoff would look after the children at weekends while I let my hair down. And we stayed friends, attending parents’ evenings together and tackling family issues as a team.
Inevitably, I grew out of partying my weekends away. I’ve had other longterm relationships, but I’m currently single.
I’m just grateful Geoff and I stayed friendly. We were proud parents at both Kirsty’s and Julie’s weddings, and spent the last three Christmases together. If I’m holding a party, I always invite Geoff and his wife along.
It’s a shame I ended our marriage, but I’ll always be happy I met Geoff – I count him as family.