Dear Annie: Betrayed wife struggles with starting over after divorce

Dear Annie: I had a suspicion that something was going on with my husband, but I didn’t have concrete proof for a long time. Then, one day, everything came crashing down. I came home to find a note: He had left.

After some digging, I found out he was living with another woman in a nearby town. It was devastating, and I was blindsided by the betrayal. To make matters worse, I have no idea how long he had been deceiving me.

What struck me as particularly strange — and almost darkly ironic — was that when I finally saw the woman he had left me for, I was surprised to notice that she looked like a younger version of his mother! When I pointed this out to him, he wasn’t happy about it at all.

Ultimately, their romance didn’t last. A couple of years later, she asked him to leave. Despite everything, I don’t feel much satisfaction in knowing that it didn’t work out for him. The whole experience left deep emotional scars, and even though I made the decision to file for divorce, I often wonder how long I had been living a lie without knowing.

My relationship is beyond repair. How do I start anew even though it feels like the ground has been pulled out from under me? — Betrayed Wife

Dear Betrayed Wife: The best way to begin anew is by taking it one day at a time. Instead of worrying about what the future might hold, focus on meeting new and interesting people, and allow yourself to feel excited about the possibilities of new connections. Starting a new chapter in life can be both frightening and rewarding, so embrace the uncertainty with patience and curiosity.

Remember to continue taking care of yourself — stay active, and spend time with friends and family who uplift you. With time, things will begin to fall into place. Best of luck to you.