How does he deserve to be happy with ANYONE?

I recently had a conversation with a close friend, Erin, who shared a strikingly similar experience with her husband’s addiction to painkillers. It struck me how our stories mirrored each other, albeit with different substances at the center.

Erin, determined to reclaim her life from the grips of deceit, expressed her intention to file for divorce once she completes her college education. Like many addicts, her husband’s addiction is intertwined with a web of lies and infidelity, eroding the foundation of trust in their relationship.

Her words resonated deeply with me, particularly when she expressed her reluctance to witness her husband move on with someone else. It’s not jealousy that fuels this sentiment, but rather a profound sense of injustice—how can someone who has caused so much pain deserve happiness?

This sentiment may seem selfish, but it’s born out of the emotional turmoil endured by spouses like Erin and myself. Over the span of 24 years, my marriage to Blend has been marred by deception and betrayal, leaving my heart shattered time and again. The toll it has taken on my family’s well-being and stability is immeasurable, forcing us to rebuild our lives from scratch.

As I grapple with these conflicting emotions, I can’t help but wonder: after all the pain he has inflicted upon us, how can Blend believe he is entitled to happiness? It’s a question that perhaps only those who have walked a similar path can truly comprehend.