I’m new here, so here’s my story. I married because I grew up in the South and was very religious. When we learned she was pregnant, I proposed, and we tied the knot two months later. Before the ceremony she seemed different, but I chalked it up to hormones. After our daughter arrived, nothing improved. I went from disliking my wife to hating how she treated me. She quit her job to stay home with our daughter. I stepped up—pursued promotions, added hours, did the whole nine yards. Her behavior didn’t change, though she was a good mom. We moved back to her home state. I left my dream job for a higher salary so we could buy her dream house, and I was miserable. I barely saw my beautiful daughter, the only reason I stayed. Last November I switched to night shifts, so I was home by noon and could see my kiddo. I quickly realized my wife wasn’t handling basics—by noon our daughter wasn’t fed, dressed, or on a routine, and some days she didn’t even try to get her to school. I talked it through with her, but nothing shifted. After fight after fight, I told her I was taking our daughter and leaving. I was awarded a 60/40 custody split in my favor—something rare for dads these days. My daughter and I are thriving, and her mom is now putting in more effort during her time.
Now I have a question. I never planned to date soon, but I’ve met someone and started seeing them. One part of me thinks it’s too early; another part feels I’ve never been cared for by my ex during our five-year marriage. Is it normal to feel guilty about dating again? I’m not introducing my new partner to my daughter yet and have no plans to do so soon, but I feel like!I’m doing something wrong even though I finally feel loved and cared for after years. Any advice?
