she wants just half the value of the house and will leave everything else behind? no visitation? she's just walking away?

I can see how men walk away when a woman wants them to, but I can't see a woman walking away from their kids.

It would appear that SOMEONE in the relationship was indeed NOT happy for 13 years before this.

I'm sorry she didn't do a better job communicating that to you. But, time heals all wounds and time will eventually reveal to you (when you get over the shock and reflect) some hints were there; you just didn't see them or want to see them.

No matter why she chose to leave there is only one half of the relationship or future outside of the relationship you should now concern yourself with and that is you. Find you and be happy with just you.

Good luck to you and I'm sorry you are hurting.

She is exhausted and wants her freedom. Simple as that.

Sounds like communication broke down quite a while ago. People reach a 'breaking point' and there's no going back from it. I'm sorry she's reached that point at it's blindsided you.

Sounds like she ran away from home. How was her stress level before she left?

@ geocacherNY -

"I can see how men walk away when a woman wants them to, but I can't see a woman walking away from their kids."

Really? How do you see a man walking away from his kids? Tell me how you see that!?!? I don't see any fathers walking away here - I see Mark, Dale, and Rman just to name a few all working hard to remain engaged and totally devoted to their children.

Keep generalizations to yourself...

"you can have the kids" is a sad sentence. Someone who says that is beyond reproach (i think thats the right word)

I miss my kids when their away way more than the ex. Be thankfull.

Take Care

I'm with Actx.

@Geo: Wow, dude. Re-think or re-word that opinion. Not cool.

Is there someone else making the grass look greener?????

why is it that it seems to that people are more willing to accept or at least be less concerted when a man walks away from his children than when a woman walks away from her children?

I think that any parent that chooses to walk away from their children is a useless and worthless piece of crap... regardless of gender... male or female.

I agree with Eugene. This sucks for either gender.

It does sound like she is giving up a lot financially, and may have some guilt..

I am sorry if you're hurting. However, men walk away from their children all the time. To be quite honest, I have been waiting for this for so long...it's about time women start leaving and paying the child support and have visit. Let the men do all the heavy lifting. Women are getting so sick and tired of being unappreciated and doing most of the work in relationships. I know I speak for a lot of women.

Wow... Leona, that was the most ignorant thing i've ever seen written here...

I AM a full time parent, AND a man, so i'm qualified to speak to this(in case you're wondering). My ex left me AND my daughter and has not looked back... she hasn't seen my daughter in 3 months, has only seen her 3 times since christmas, doesn't pay child support and last time she saw my daughter, she told her "don't call me mommy"...


I can't believe you think that women should leave their children... I don't believe that ANY parent should EVER walk away from their child... they should BOTH support their children...

Apparently to you though, your children are just DEAD WEIGHT to be dragged around and are not worth the effort...

I'm glad i'm not in a relationship with you... I cherish my daughter and would have fought tooth and nail to have 50/50 custody if my ex had wanted to keep my daughter...

decent parents WANT their children in their lives... unlike someone like you.