I don't know what the rules are here regarding politics, so I won't be too specific. However, my husband of 40 years has stated that he'll divorce me if I vote for a certain candidate this November. Same thing happened four years ago. Our marriage has been a pretty good one, at least up until the national political divide opened the hairline crack of our differing opinions 4 years ago into a gaping faultline. He's not a bully. He's a good man, kind, and has always treated me well. However, his political and religious beliefs are extremely rigid and simplistic, and he isn't capable of tolerating beliefs and behaviors of which he disapproves. He doesn't do nuance.

I was originally going to post this in an anxiety forum, because I've been so anxious, unable to get any decent sleep for the past few nights and have been having nightmares when I do fall asleep. The idea of divorce at my age (mid-70s) leaves me terrified, while the idea of not being able to vote at all (I'd NEVER vote for his choice of candidate) makes me so angry. Women fought hard for the right to vote, and here it is, basically taken away from me as if I were a felon. I also feel like I'm failing in my civic duty by not voting, even though I'm extremely cynical about the whole political process. I've decided to not vote again this year because the alternative is so much worse, but I do need help coping with this mish-mash of emotions. I could probably take a small hit of Valium to help me get to sleep now and then, but that's just a band-aid temporary solution. I have other band-aids I can apply as well, like the distraction of projects, funny movies, fiction, games, breathing exercises, etc. But I don't see a real fix. There's no point mentioning couples counseling. He won't go.

Thanks for listening. I don't expect any miracle answers, but really need someone to talk to about it.