On February 3, 2024, an anonymous female poster shared a compelling story about her 13-year marriage taking a bewildering turn. Her husband, once seemingly content, suddenly expressed frustration with his current job and his plans to apply for a position across the country.
An unexpected and harsh suggestion quickly followed this announcement. “Out of nowhere, he suggested a separation,” the Original Poster (OP) recalled “and went on a tirade about how terrible I am.” Despite their history of ups and downs, she found this outburst extreme and unfounded.
An upset woman | Source: Getty Images
In the weeks that followed, OP discovered her husband’s extensive communication with an old friend, a recently divorced woman, who was instrumental in helping him secure this potential job opportunity. The intensity of their interaction was staggering, amounting to over 500 texts a day, totaling approximately 24,000 in just a month.
OP’s story received an overwhelming response online, with many people deeming her “NTA” for her actions and decisions in the face of her husband’s betrayal and plans.
Suspicious woman watching her husband read a message on his phone | Source: Shutterstock
The husband’s plan was clear: he expected to relocate the entire family, including their two elementary-aged children, his mother, and OP herself. This decision was not taken lightly by OP, who reflected on her past sacrifices, including relocating for his graduate school and his current job. She expressed her dismay, saying “Moving away from the kids’ school and friends, as well as my work and friends, is unconscionable.”
Loving couple hugging in their minivan | Source: Shutterstock
The situation escalated when her husband traveled to the potential job location for what was supposed to be a one-day interview but turned into a four-day trip. During this time, OP found evidence suggesting he was planning on engaging in a physical relationship.
Upon his return, when confronted, he defensively admitted that he had been “unhappy for 15 years.” This revelation left OP questioning whether she was at fault for considering divorce and pursuing physical custody of their children to remain in-state.
Happy father hugging his little daughter on the beach | Source: Shutterstock
Her husband insisted on the importance of the children having their father around, citing his own experience of growing up without a father figure, and argued that she needed to be there for the sake of the children.
OP’s story received an overwhelming response online, with many people deeming her “NTA” for her actions and decisions in the face of her husband’s betrayal and plans. The online community rallied around her, offering support and insights into the situation.
Unhappy couple sitting apart after an argument | Source: Shutterstock
One commenter wrote “He’s mad cause he lost his advantage when you figured out what was going on and got yourself a lawyer. Sounds like he was gonna move y’all and then anchor those kids to his new location. So you were stuck with the kids. Great job! You are definitely NTA [sic]!”
Meanwhile, another one noted “Nta. He doesn’t get to upend everyone’s lives because he’s having an affair and doesn’t want to be inconvenienced [sic].”
Serious woman lost in her thoughts while sitting next to her partner | Source: Shutterstock
What do you think about this story? Is OP’s husband justified in asking his wife for separation while also pressing her to move across the country for him? How would you handle the situation if you were in OP’s place? Would you accept the husband’s decision or take a stand against him?
Here’s another story you might like about a woman who wondered if she was wrong for checking her husband’s dashcam footage on his car without his consent.
