Dear Anu_2.0:

Thank you for sharing your story with such honesty and clarity. Your bravery and resilience shine through every word.

Separating from someone you describe as having victimized you (“I’m defined as victim in this relationship”) takes an incredible amount of courage. The way you’ve chosen to focus on peace and acceptance, rather than lingering on past grievances, is truly admirable. It’s a testament to your inner strength and determination to heal.

It’s also inspiring that you’ve raised your children to the point where they’re now pursuing higher education—a remarkable achievement that speaks to your dedication and resilience as a parent. You’ve clearly prioritized their well-being, even while facing your own struggles.

Additionally, your self-restraint and grace are striking. Instead of dwelling on your hardships during the marriage or vilifying your husband, you’ve approached the situation with a thoughtful, reflective mindset. This speaks volumes about your character and the strength you carry within.

That said, living in the same house as someone you’ve separated from makes the process of healing significantly harder. Emotional recovery after a relationship ends often requires distance— both physical and emotional— to allow space for processing and rebuilding. Sharing a home can delay that process by continually triggering memories of the past, keeping wounds fresh. It can also create tension and confusion, especially when one person seems to move on more quickly than the other. Even small, everyday interactions can evoke feelings of hurt, frustration, or anger, making it challenging to establish emotional boundaries or regain your sense of independence. It’s like trying to heal while constantly being reminded of the source of your pain.

If moving out isn’t an option for now, creating personal boundaries within the shared home might help. For instance, setting up a space that feels exclusively yours or reducing emotionally draining interactions could provide some relief. Emotional boundaries are especially crucial in this situation— for example, choosing not to engage in conversations that feel hurtful or reminding yourself that his actions reflect his journey, not yours. By protecting your emotional space, you create room for your own growth.

You wrote, “What’s bit hurting is seeing him also moved on so easily. I am aware with my inner struggles and resistance but he moved on surprisingly so easily.” It takes a lot of self-awareness to recognize and admit those “inner struggles and resistance,” as you have. That’s a sign of emotional growth, as it shows you’re allowing yourself to feel and process the painful emotions rather than avoiding them. What you’re experiencing is completely valid—after investing so much in a relationship, seeing your partner appear to move on effortlessly can feel like a deep wound, as if your shared history meant less to them than it did to you.

However, it’s important to remember that people process breakups differently. His outward behavior may not reflect what he’s truly feeling inside. Some people mask their pain through distractions or appear to move on quickly because they cope in their own way. Comparing your healing journey to his will only add to your emotional burden. Your journey is unique and deserves to be honored on its own terms.

The fact that you’re aware of your emotions and actively working through them shows remarkable strength. Engaging with your feelings, even when it’s painful, will lead to deeper and more lasting healing. By focusing on yourself—your growth, your peace, and your well-being—you can redirect your energy toward what matters most: your own recovery and well-being.

You’ve already come so far, and even on the hardest days, you’re taking meaningful steps toward a brighter future. Lean on your support system whenever you need to, and please know that you’re welcome to post here anytime—whether you’re seeking encouragement, advice, or simply a listening ear. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone who truly listens can make all the difference. You’re not alone on this journey. 💛

anita

Dear Anu:

You are welcome. Staying together “to the extent of suffocation” reads like running out of oxygen, oxygen you need to live. Pressurizing you to run out of oxygen is .. so very wrong to you, isn’t it?

anita

Dear Anu_2.0:

You are under immense pressure—forced to live with your estranged husband due to societal and family expectations. This situation highlights how cultural norms often prioritize appearances and community perceptions over an individual’s mental health and well-being. The fear of “character assassination” imposed by your parents speaks volumes about the stigma women face when asserting their independence.

Living with someone after separation can feel deeply suffocating, constantly reopening emotional wounds and denying you the closure you need. Physical separation is not just a desire but a necessity for your emotional healing.

You described this as a “grave injustice,” and you are absolutely right. Your peace and autonomy are being sacrificed to meet societal demands. Your story is a powerful reminder that healing isn’t just an internal journey—it also requires external conditions that respect and support individual choices.

I’ve included some insights below that I hope will resonate with you:

Psychology Today on societal pressures: “Women are more susceptible to this kind of relationship-shaming than men… Many faiths and cultures view separation as a badge of dishonor for a woman.”

Psychology Today on cultural beliefs: A study in South Africa revealed the saying, “a woman’s grave is at her husband’s house,” reflecting the expectation for women to endure marriage at all costs. Another study on Iranian women found that post-divorce challenges, such as workplace harassment, often force women to abandon efforts to rebuild their lives.

Rights of Equality on global realities: “On average, a woman or girl is killed by someone in her own family every 11 minutes.” Many women endure lifelong abuse, coerced by families into staying in harmful marriages due to the stigma surrounding divorce.

It’s also important to acknowledge that men can be victims of abuse too. Abuse against men often takes the form of psychological, emotional, or verbal harm, though physical violence does occur. Men face unique challenges, such as societal disbelief and stigma, which can make it harder for them to seek help.

Back to you, Anu_2.0—I don’t know if you are experiencing abuse from your husband, but it’s clear that you are suffering from the societal pressures that, in your words, cause “suffocation” and a “grave injustice.” Perhaps continuing this conversation can help ease some of the weight you’re carrying.

anita