`Other woman' leaves mess in her wake

The following column was originally published in 2016.

Dear Annie: Can someone explain to me how a man can take a 33-year marriage and just walk away? The heck with his children, grandchildren and wife.

We must sell our home of 30 years, as this is a no-fault divorce state. I have not worked in 30 years, and at age 55, I must find a job, probably one that pays minimum wage. I have many health-related problems, but my husband's response is, “too bad.”

I have loved my husband since the first day we met, and this is tearing me apart. To be forced into leaving my home, putting the grandchildren in daycare and knowing that I will now grow old alone is terrifying.

Of course it's another woman. How can any woman look at herself in the mirror, knowing she has come between a couple married 33 years? How do she and my husband get up every day and continue their lives as if no one is being hurt? My question to the Other Woman is, don't you have any compassion, respect or dignity? I hope all you Other Women one day know the pain you have caused a wife somewhere. Thanks for listening.

A Discarded Wife

Dear Wife: Most Other Women convince themselves they are hurting no one. They want to believe a man who says his wife is cold and unresponsive, and they don't consider what the deception may do to his children. Women of character do not seek out married men, and those who accidentally become involved end the affair as soon as possible. The others, well, they can have the comfort of worrying that a man who cheated on his wife is likely to cheat on them, as well.

We hope you are receiving therapy and good legal advice. Good luck to you. Annie's Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.