I thought I knew Ethan after being married to him for four years. But what he did showed a shocking truth. After saving for months, I was finally able to fulfil my dream of visiting the grave of my late father in Europe. I thought Ethan knew how important this was to me.
I caught Ethan taking from my secret stash one bad night. He told me he was working late when he wasn’t, but I followed him to a fishing shop. That’s where I found out his real plan: to buy fishing gear for a trip with some friends. He was obsessed with me with my hard-earned money, which I had meant to use to end things.
When I talked to Ethan, I felt lied to and ashamed. He asked me to put off my trip so that he could go fishing instead. I said no because I knew I had been putting his needs ahead of mine for too long.
I thought of a plan. I gave him back his stuff, sold his fishing gear, and then I left for Europe without telling him. I finally felt better when I stood in front of my dad’s grave. I was so happy that tears ran down my face.
I sat in silence and thought about how unclear the future of my marriage was.
This trip taught me how to protect myself and be free. I took charge by putting myself first. There was no clear way ahead, but I knew one thing for sure: I was calm.
Would you put your own goals ahead of those of your partner?
