29 Yrs

JB, you sound like a very sincere and nice person - and you are another Aussie - so OF COURSE you are wonderful!! LOL :)

Many of us here know the depth of sadness and loneliness of which you speak. The sense of loss - not so much of the dysfunctional relationships we have left, but the dreams of what could have been . . .

This forum is supportive, kind and very helpful. I encourage you to read widely and share your thoughts through stories and by commenting yourself.

Many great friendships (and some love affairs!) have started here. This is not the purpose of this forum, but people posting here are sharing very intimate parts of their lives, so it seems inevitable that many of the bonds formed are strong and lasting.

As for crying, it takes a REAL man not only to cry but to admit to it. I think most women would be like me and admire your ability to be in touch with, and express, your emotions. Never feel you cannot cry here - ILIASM is a place where many tears have been shed. . . And sadly, many more will be shed here in the future.

But there are lots of (cyber) shoulders to cry on - and lots of cyber {{hugs}} to be shared. And these go some way to making each of us feel better. May that include you as well. Welcome to the group that everyone would prefer not to belong to!!

Good for you mate! Go ahead and get this out of your system and then move ahead. Remember, there are more women than men on this planet so you have a good chance of finding someone who's better suited to you.

Thank you Enna for your kind comments.

You make me smile being an Aussie, the first thing I've had something to smile about in a long time. Yes 100% Australian and proud of it! and glad you are too.

The sense of what might have been..... :(

Thanks for welcoming me to a group that everyone would prefer not to belong to.

Hopefully I can count you as an EP friend. JB

Thanks DGD

Only men who have problems with their masculinity don't admit crying.
Its time to call quits and move on. The crying will be replaced with laughter down the road so hang in there for now.

I have always hated the idea that men shouldn't cry. I have always told my sons that if it hurt, it is okay to cry. Repressed tears very often turn to anger which can be a very destructive emotion and much harder to control.
You are a real man crying real tears for the very real dreams and expectations you started your married life with. Letting go of the what is is not that difficult, letting go of the what it could have been is the killer.

STBH - Thank you. Hopefully the future holds that for me

JJ - What might have been......[sigh]...Thanks great insight