Do I want a divorce? That is the question…?
I’m contemplating divorcing my wife of a little more than 2 years. We have a 21 month old daughter. I’m active duty military, and have been gone for a good chunk of my daughter’s life. I don’t want to lose her, but I can’t stand her mother any more. We don’t agree on anything, and her idea of a “partnership” in marriage is her controlling everything. She doesn’t want to get a job and put my daughter in daycare, when we really need the money. I wonder what she does all day. The house is a mess, she doesn’t belong to any clubs/organizations, nor has really any friends. I’m the sole income, and I feel that I’ve come up with a few ideas that would great for our family, but she didn’t think of it, it won’t fly. I’ve really had enough. She is gorgeous, but is rarely interested, when I am practically an addict. I haven’t cheated on her, but honestly, I would have if the opportunity presented itself. I do love her…I just want to have some say in our lives…and I don’t want to lose my baby.
Thanks for the honest answers. I understand that she’s had to run the show by herself for a good period of time, but all people need to have some semblance of control in their lives. I get told to do at work and at home. Home should be a getaway. Well, ideally it should be. I just feel like we don’t match up well at all…and we’ve been together (somewhat off and on) since 1998. Counseling is out of the question…we don’t have anyone to watch my daughter…because my wife won’t give her up to anyone. She has serious trust issues, and besides me contemplating divorce, she shouldn’t have any issues with me. I want us to work. I don’t WANT divorce…but like one of you said, it is better to do it earlier than later.
Ok more background. I’m already seeing a shrink. She’s been helpful and it really does feel good talking to someone openly. I can’t see the chaplain…I know them too well and work with them often. I know I’m not the best catch, and I really want to improve myself for my (ahem, our) daughter and my wife. I have frustration and anxiety issues, but I have never physically hurt anyone in my family. And I won’t let it get that far. Emotionally, we’ve both had our battles. We started dating in high school, and a had a few break ups and returns prior to our marriage before basic training. I found out about our addition to the family at BMT graduation. I’ve told my wife everything that I’ve mentioned here, but she shows no signs of changing. She is well aware of my desire for her, but I don’t want to look back on my twenties (and life) as unfulfilled in any way. I think I’ve provided her with a good life, all I ask is equality (and affection) in the home. Thanks again to all.
Ok, I’ve been married for over 30 months. My daughter just hit 21 months. A wedding night miracle. I wouldn’t trade her for the world. My wife and I have lived together in the past. On two separate occaisions. She is a good mom, maybe too good. I DON’T want my daughter in daycare full time. If my wife gets a part time job 3-4 days a week in the afternoon/ evening (that means our daughter only will have to be in day care about 10 hours a week), 1) that will provide more income (daycare isn’t expensive on post) 2) she will get out more, make friends, get out of the house, 3) I have to take a more active role at home, I wouldn’t have a choice. I don’t see any negatives, but like I said, because I thought of it, she hates it. What else am I going to do? Get a second job myself, while going to school and work, to pay for our spending (which isn’t really that bad, we have very little debt, but no savings)? I would never see my daughter then!
Pureheaven mentioned all I want is what is good for me…that couldn’t be further from the truth. I want a happy home for all of us. I choose to see a counselor voluntarily. No one made me. I recognized a problem and am working on it. I’m not the one who has refused assistance. And how will I see my daughter if my wife moves back home? We aren’t from this area, and no judge will ever keep a child away from its mother unless abuse is involved. Being military, I can be gone at a moments notice. Am I wrong for wanting to be happy in the time spent at home?

February 22nd, 2011 at 8:36 am
“The poor wish to be rich, the rich wish to be happy, the single wish to be married, and the married wish to be dead.”
-Ann Landers
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:41 am
you need to sit down with her and have a serious talk – maybe even a moderator.
Have you asked her how she feels?
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 10:36 am
Ok…so maybe I don’t have experience, but I’m the kid of divorced parents. If you’re gonna get divorced, I think you should do it early. My parents got divorced when I was younger, and it didn’t hurt as much. And, btw, I live with my mother.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:37 am
When you are gone, she has to take care of everything, so she’s used to being in control. Then you waltz in and want to play man of the house, and that’s gotta be hard for her.
It’s not your fault you are gone, but it’s something you need to accept.
You need to communicate with her and work on your marriage.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Your wife sounds like a typical woman. You have to stay in your daughters life, but you must have a life for yourself. If you can’t stand her anymore, you probably have to do it.
Remember: There’s a very fine line between love and hate.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 1:36 pm
You’re active duty military so I am assuming you have access to marriage counselling, start there. You haven’t been married that long and have a child to consider. Counselling may help you both to understand the things that are bothering you and to work them out.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 2:36 pm
Go to counseling it could do you a world of good, if she’s not interested you go alone and maybe she will go eventually. If you love her do whatever it takes. Especially for your child, she desperately needs both parents. However, don;t stay together for her, kids are too smart for that.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 3:36 pm
lay down the law and give her an ultimatum tel her to shape up or ship out dont sound like she can handle being on her own and she cant stop u seeing ur daughter
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 5:36 pm
Does she have any idea of how you feel? The communication needs to flow between you both. If that isnt happening, and it sounds as tho it’s not, then perhaps you both need to consult a professional. But if she’s as controlling as you say, she may not agree to it. At any rate, you do need to consult with a 3rd party to resolve issues, if you’re unable to do it between yourselves.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 6:38 pm
I think you should try to work things out and or get a good job [ you can do acting and modeling it makes alot]
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 7:36 pm
She’s going to clean you out. Good luck with that.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 8:36 pm
Wow…you alone know whether you want a divorce. It doesn’t sound to me like you really want one. You have a right to be as frustrated and disappointed as you are. Suggest to your wife that you both attend marriage counseling. Try to determine what will make your wife happy. It is really frustrating to be in a marriage where she chooses not to work when you both need the money, but she may be wary about childcare. If that’s the case, can she start off by getting a PT job? I know there are bigger issues… I’m also concerned about her always being in control. This is something that needs to be addressed by a professional. If things really don’t work out, then divorce may have to be the answer. But you really do owe it to yourself, to her, and your daughter to fight as hard as you can to keep your marriage together. Try to find out whether your wife is willing to try. If she is – go for it. If she isn’t… and refuses to change her mind… well??? Go ahead and file the paperwork.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 9:36 pm
My brother got a divorce from his wife in this EXACT same circumstance a couple months ago. I think you should just let her know that you’re really really serious about this and give her an opportunity to change. If she just flat out won’t hear of it and she is making you miserable…separate yourself from her. We all have the right to seek happiness.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 22nd, 2011 at 11:36 pm
first, if you haven’t told her everything you just told us on here, you need to, and i mean everything. you need to give her an ultimatum. a relationship needs to be 50/50 and if finances don’t allow her to stay home she needs to pitch in.
i do however recomend a mariage councelor just for the sake of trying. that way, you can tell her everything you just said but with the help of a mediator to make it less awkward and prevent a huge argument in front of your daughter as well, you daughter needs to be kept out of it at all cost.
i hope what i’ve said helps at least a little. best of luck to you and your family.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:36 am
You need a marriage counselor !! She is way out of control. Call Dr. Phil he really does a great job with this type of thing . By the way I thank you for protecting us and fighting for freedom. I know that you guys get a lot of flack and I am not one of those folks. Good luck you sound like a great guy.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 3:37 am
Try this set up an account primary yours and secondary her, but she can not touch your. Third one for the baby, only have it monitor for every transaction that your wife buys. IF she refused, so now you know she is a real b1tch. This is the first process of kind of semi-divorce test to see who she really is. Another plan you can try is marriage counselor. If that’s not working, dang it you are in a tough spot. Try simple divorce in order to agree what she wants and change you life by going into another country change your SSI number what you can. Now you know what to watch out for the next wife.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:36 am
Doesn’t sound like you love her at all to me, either that or you aren’t clear on it yourelf. Did you discuss things like jobs, money, kids and housework before you got married? Or did it come as a big surprise that there was a life after the wedding? Doesn’t sound like it. Did you even really know each other when you got married? Did you get married just because she was pregnant? Your wife can only control things as long as you are willing to let her. You have two choices give up on it or let her know that things WILL change, besides if you are active duty and gone a lot being in control of things is probably how she deals with you being gone. You can NOT ask someone in this situation to be dependent on you and rely on when decisions need to be made, what would happen when you are gone then? She’d be helpless. Doesn’t sound like you have given this any chance at all, she’s been pregnant or had a young child and you have been gone most of the marriage and I’m betting you didn’t know her long before it. Both of you need to grow up and learn to negotiate.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:36 am
This is a tough one. But don’t sacrifice your own happiness over her control issues. You may love her but you’re falling fast out of love with her. It’s time to sit down with her and lay your cards out on the table. Make an honest attempt at resolving things before you do something rash like having a one night stand to satisfy your sexual urges. Place a reasonable timeline on the matter for things to change, and if she doesn’t comply, the relationship should end. I hate to see marriages break up, but neither party should spend the rest of their lives miserable either, if they’re truly not happy. You won’t lose your daughter; if anything, working things out in a way that benefits you all would be the best thing for her, and you can still be an active participant in her life. Try getting some counseling before you consider ending things for good though. Good luck!
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:36 am
This sounds so cliche but, have you tried counseling? It sounds like your wife could be depressed (a medical condition) or unhappy about things as much as you are. You could always show her this post you have put up. That would definitely jump start something. Maybe she feels some things about you that she would like to post somewhere. You know, like maybe she is just as unhappy about somethings, but is not sure how to fix them. If you two could talk (maybe with a counslers help) and be a united team, then decide on give and take from both sides, it will be the best scenario for your sweet daughter in the long run. Good Luck.
P.S. you keep calling the baby “my daughter” when in reality you should say “our daughter”. That says something about you.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:37 am
First, have this tattooed in reverse on your forehead so that you will see it every time you look into a mirror: “The one option I will not accept is failure.”
You need start doing anything and everything necessary to keep your child’s family intact. Anything else is a failure. Consider reading the book “10 Stupid Things Couple Do To Mess Up There Relationship”. Also, if possible, call 1-800-275-2872 from noon to 3, Monday thru Friday to talk about it. Have your wife on the line, also. Have the base Chaplin come by for dinner and a talk.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 1:38 pm
Hi,
You will not lose your daughter. Unless you’ve done something criminal, the law won’t allow it. If you cannot stand your wife, definitely get a divorce. You said that you would have cheated on her if the opportunity arose…well…that’s a big huge sign that your marriage is over. . Marriage is not about making eachother miserable. It’s about love, respect…treating eachother with dignity and decency. If you don’t treat eachother this way, then your marriage is over…and I’m very sorry for that. And I can tell you that if the parents are not happy in their marriage, the child will not have a happy childhood.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 4:46 pm
You should only divorce if there is physical abuse. If not then don’t do it. Look, this is a phase in marriage that happens to all of us. You can’t just have expectations of another person to do what you think is right or wrong. Women don’t have to clean the house. They can l lay around all day if they want. Do your part in always being there. It will come around and fix itself if you wait long enough.
Remember you are dealing with a human being who works of thoughts and emotions. Their is no way you can expect one human being to behave in front of you just so you can be happy. Do her a favor and let her know its ok. That’s all she wants to here.
If it all goes down hill where you cheat on her or she cheats on you then you can curse and spit on the ground at the bad hand you were dealt with. Hey sometimes life sucks and it doesn’t.
You cannot contol or expect people to make you happy. they have fellings too. Someone has to wake up and be the one with an open mind in the marriage.
How many more ways do you want me to say it? I hope you got my point.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 6:37 pm
If you were gone almost 2 years, then that entire time, she’s been through pregnancy, had the baby, taken care of the baby by herself, etc. She hasn’t had much time to go out and do things as she has been, essentially, a single parent throughout the baby’s life. This totally transformed her and your whole relationship. She’s depressed. that’s why she doesn’t feel like cleaning, doing anything, going out, joining a club, and even having sex. She doesn’t respond to the idea of getting a job because she has done little but take care of the baby for 2 years, so to immediately give that up and turn her whole life around seems overwhelming, especially when you are ‘expecting’ her to. Even though she understands that you had to go b/c of the military, she probably has some small pinch of resentment that you haven’t been there for her and the baby physically. She also thinks that you don’t understand what she’s been through this whole time and everything that she’s had to do.
Encourage her to go to a doctor or counselor. I understand the military has programs dealing with the specific issues you’ve mentioned, because the divorce rate is so high among young, active duty soldiers. Look into that.
Things won’t be the way they were before you left, and you can’t expect things to “get back to normal”. You basically need to start over, and see a counselor if you want to save your relationship. Best of luck to you.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 8:36 pm
try to talk things over with your wife. it’s your family and you are supposed to be the one in control of everything. parents should only be there to guide us not control us, help us not rule on us. It’s different now, it’s your family not hers[mother-in-law].
your wife doesn’t understand fully her responsibility as a wife, she should know that being married doesn’t only mean being good in bed, it should be a total package, she should know how to do the things at home, and the baby too. you said you love her, and you don’t wanna lose your baby, it’s enough reason not to give them up, because if you do[go on a divorce], her mother is winning on you. goodluck.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 9:37 pm
She sounds depressed to me, and I could see how that could happen when you have been away so much. It can be very stressful to raise an infant alone, which I am sure you already realize.
Remember, the only thing that has helped her get by without you for so long is doing things her own way. If she was not like that, she wouldn’t have been able to deal with you being gone so long. It has to be really, really hard to give up that sort of control when it was part of her daily life.
I think you should consider marriage counseling if you really want to do what is best for your daughter. Bring your daughter with you if your wife won’t leave her. She is young enough where she won’t comprehend what it is all about. I have a feeling that there are a lot of things that the both of you aren’t telling each other. You’d be amazed how much of a relief it is to get your deepest concerns out in the open, and counseling is a safe way to make sure those issues come out in a fair way. And once she realizes how serious your reservations are about your marriage, it might help her open up to your ideas.
I would definitely do some research about the signs of depression. It is treatable, and many of the symptoms you listed (a lack of interest in sex, cleaning, or social involvement) are strong indicators of the illness. If you are home for good now, you might be able to help her get the help she needs. Here is one link about depression:
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/hw30709/aa25647.
You sound like a caring man to ask the question. Marriages take work every single day, so it is to be expected that they will have problems if you have been gone. Now is the time to work as hard at repairing the damage you you worked serving your country.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 10:39 pm
Speak to the military chaplain/counsellor that is available to you and insist that your wife attend counseling sessions with you. It is not just the two of you in this marriage, there is a child involved.
Tell her you are going to stop paying for the day care and she can hire a part-time cleaner to help with the house. Tell her you want her to be spending at least 3 hours each day playing with your daughter in the house and the yard or in the park and you will pay for your daughter to attend a gymnastic class or Gymboree. Help her find other opportunities for play groups with your daughter (the park, MOM’s clubs, Mommy and Me, library reading times, etc.) There are many play groups that would be good for Mom to meet other mothers and for your daughter to begin learning how to socialize with children her own age.
Please also see this from her viewpoint. She is feeling like a single mother who has to make all the decisions every day and it’s hard to include you in those decisions if you are away or if you don’t ask her about them.
Step up and get this together for the sake of your child.
Thank you for your service to the United States
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 23rd, 2011 at 11:38 pm
Thank you for your service to America first of all.
Oh boy… sounds like you’re pretty close to the edge on this. Hopeless and getting no help from her. Have you told her straight up you’re ready to go? Are you at that point yet? If you are you need to tell her and ask once more if she’ll work with you. Is counseling available? If she won’t work with you you should check your legal options. Actually you should do that first to see what can be done to try to keep a relationship with your daughter. If you are simply going to lose your daughter you may want to rethink it. I’m sorry for your pain.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 24th, 2011 at 1:37 am
Nobody who has never met you and does not know you family can answer your question directly (“Do I want .. .”). I can say, however, that the signals are not good that the marriage will survive, and that there will be a divorce — if not now, than years from now. I remember, years ago, my mentor telling me that “so many family court judges send home couples seeking a divorce with the admonition to “stay married for the kids’ sake”. The result was, my mentor said, that the same couple would be back in court next year — again seeking a divorce — only this time with one more child.
That was in Harlem, 1964. Your life is — or should be if the USA weren’t in two extended, faraway wars — more stable than that. (Traditionally, in peacetime, there are rather few unaccompanied tours.)
Another argument in favor of a swift divorce is the formula for sharing out military retirement benefits.
I can do the arithmetic, and it’s obvious why you got married. I don’t know how much more than 2 years you have invested in the relationship, but it’s doing neither of you any good to put off getting the kind of life you would like.
You do not specify your rank. I am well aware that junior enlisted personnel have earnings below the food-stamp level. The one advantage you do have is that your medical costs are covered, supposedly 100%. There are also various tax benefits. But unless you are a special case (a medical doctor, say; or an officer with some tenure) or have inherited money, you are poor.
I am not telling you what to do in the matter, but the signals suggest that divorce is inevitable. Meanwhile, what I would advise you to do, is to take advantage of military education opportunities, especially with the University of Maryland, which I think is the best of the offerings in terms of national recognition and quality of courses.
As for “losing” the baby: it doesn’t seem to me that your spouse is compatible with military life or would survive long amidst other military spouses. You may want to try marital counseling; after all such things are free or cheap in the military, but I am dubious that anything will change. And if you were driven to, say, alcoholism or insolvency, things would be far worse. I have seen that happen — not only in the military but in the diplomatic service.
I always tell people contemplating divorce that the first thing to do is to get a separate bank account. Because your spouse could do real economic damage to you if she continues to hold your credit cards, you should (1) get separate cards so you are not responsible for her spending (except, in some or most states, for “necessaries” (a term of art that is self-explanatory — food, clothing, gasoline, car repairs, etc.) for the family) or (and better) (2) use only debit cards on your separate accounts. (You may have to wait to make the break until your finances are in order. But there is nothing wrong with pre-divorce planning, any more than there is in pre-bankruptcy planning, which is something I have a professional knowledge of.)
Good luck.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 24th, 2011 at 3:37 am
U say she doesn’t have trust issues with you? Hmmmm… you did say that if the chance to cheat presented itself that you would cheat, and also you are contemplating divorce…right there are two BIG trust issues. I was in the military for 10 years my husband is now a contractor for the USMC he is gone 4 months and home 1 month. TRUST has to be a two way street, sounds to me like your wife is depressed. Being a military wife if hard. She has a small daughter and her family is probably far away. You can get counseling your on a military base I KNOW there is a mental health proffessional on the base. You can call family services there are a number of places to help. I might also suggest parenting classes there are many classes offered right on the base all you need to do is ask your supervisor, first sargent or medical provider they can all help you.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 24th, 2011 at 4:37 am
You have been married 2 years and the child is 21 months old. Are you sure she is YOUR daughter. DNA tests are cheap nowadays. If she is not your daughter quit now, it will definitely be going downhill, and the child’s father may be able to become involved, if you act promptly.
How long have you two actually lived together. It sounds like a few months at most. Marry me before I go to war – whoever you are???
Try marriage counseling first, but be the first to file for divorce, it is an advantage. Actually, you should probably file first, and then try counseling.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 24th, 2011 at 5:36 am
No divorce immediately. Suffer a little more till your child grows up. She needs you as much as she needs her mother. Try to adjust. Everyone thinks differently. Life is an adjustment. You have to adjust. Divorce is never the solution. It can worsen your problem. I am 24 years married (age 50+) I am enjoying my life in my own way. Of course, without troubling my family.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 24th, 2011 at 7:38 am
I’ve seen some good answers but still have something to contribute.
First I would say part of this is the price you pay for marrying a gorgeous woman. Second I would say be sure you don’t get her pregnant again. If you stay, this will be a one kid family. Third I would say stay until your daughter is at least 3, preferably 6. It sounds like your wife is a good mother, so by staying and letting your daughter get the best care (at home by her mother), you are doing the best thing you can for her.
I would also say that I’d guess part of what is going on is perhaps you are jealous of your wife’s relationship with your daughter. That’s just a guess. The other guess I would have is that your wife is tired of you. How old are you? Read some good self-help books (I saw a few listed in another answer) and try to gain some maturity. You need to nuture and support your wife when you come home, not bicker with her over how things should be done. You say you want your wife to work, but she is the one who is making ends meet with what you make. Obviously, she values your daughter more than money and knows that she can always work and make money, but she can’t ever return to this important time in her child’s life. Sorry, but I take her side in this. Good luck, and make any effort you can. You’ll regret a divorce if you don’t.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 24th, 2011 at 8:36 am
OK, so all you can think about is your feelings and your wants, huh? Well contemplate this one, you get a divorce, she gets full custody of your daughter, she decides to date or even get married again. You have absolutely no say in how the other guy raises your daughter, and if he will abuse her or not. Your daughter gets to see you every other weekend so she wont really know you a whole lot. But that’s okay, because all you have in mind is what is good for you.
Feline Trainer
Report this comment
February 24th, 2011 at 9:39 am
Wrong? No – but you can’t expect anyone or anything to fulfill you. It sounds like your anxiety level is interfering with just about everything in your life.
You guys are young and both probably scared to death of the responsibility you face. Learn to turn to each other for support. Relationships that start at a young age are very difficult – you have to make an effort to learn to relate to each other as adults. It IS worth it. You both need desperately to trust and to communicate or make a decision to go. The longer you two drag this out without a firm decision to make it work, the worse your child will suffer.
school of hard knocks
Report this comment