kcowan
Give me a museum and I'll fill it. (Picasso) Give me a forum ...
I was happily-married for 20 years but did not get separated until 26 years (after the marriage of my first-born). Paid alimony for 10 years and deferred ER for 5 years. The early years were rough. My new GF wondered why I took so much crap from the kids. I said "Because it will be worth it!" and it has been. Now have 5 Grandchildren from both sons. Been with the new DW for 20 years. Been retired for 12 years. All good now.
The alternative would have been a life sentence. My friends said at the time "Why not just have an affair?" I said "You don't understand me!"
I did get a set of new friends though. That was one of the impacts I did not anticipate. Probably the hardest one. I think the old friends who were couples felt threatened by my bolt to freedom. I also relocated which made it harder, although most of the friends have also relocated to retirement-friendly cities.
Good luck with your transition. This too shall pass! And remember that money never buys happiness.
The alternative would have been a life sentence. My friends said at the time "Why not just have an affair?" I said "You don't understand me!"
I did get a set of new friends though. That was one of the impacts I did not anticipate. Probably the hardest one. I think the old friends who were couples felt threatened by my bolt to freedom. I also relocated which made it harder, although most of the friends have also relocated to retirement-friendly cities.
Good luck with your transition. This too shall pass! And remember that money never buys happiness.