Dear Annie: Parents shouldn’t stay married just for their kids

I read the letter from the woman who was saying her parents were celebrating their 50th but felt they should have ended the marriage years ago.My parents were the same. Several times growing up, I asked my mum why we couldn’t leave my dad and basically got, “You need to have a dad.”

I’m 60 years old. What that “need” got me was years of therapy for the way I was treated, and I’ll probably be in therapy for the rest of my life. For any parents thinking they’re doing the right thing, let me leave you with this closing thought. My mum passed away 32 years ago. I still miss her but have not and will not ever forgive her for sticking me in that mess because it was supposed to be better for me. Do you want your kids to have that thought about you long after you’ve passed on? -- I’m Still StandingThank you for your letter. I am sorry about your childhood. That must have been very difficult on you.

You can choose what thoughts to have about your mom now that she has passed. Forgive her, knowing that she did the best she could. If she had known better, she would have done better.Dear Annie: My elderly mother has started seeing a married man 30 years her junior“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology -- featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation -- is available as a paperback and e-book.

Annie-Lane @Exmeter @Mrose @Lll

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Dear Annie: In praise of a loving mother-in-lawAdvice from Annie Lane.
Source: adndotcom - 🏆 293. / 63 Read more »

Dear Annie: It’s time to change the negative stereotype about mother-in-lawsYou recently said you rarely get letters praising mothers-in-law. Well, here is one!
Source: PennLive - 🏆 463. / 53 Read more »

Dear Annie: Grandparent feels trapped between son, his exes and his childrenI don’t get to see four of my grandchildren because my son remarried and started a new family.
Source: PennLive - 🏆 463. / 53 Read more »

Dear Annie: Heartbroken grandma feels stuck between son and ex-daughter-in-lawIn today's Dear Annie column, Annie Lane offers advice to a reader who still is in contact with her former daughter-in-law and grandchildren even though her son wants nothing to do with them.
Source: clevelanddotcom - 🏆 301. / 63 Read more »

Dear Annie: I’m suspicious of my 77-year-old mom’s new relationshipAdvice from Annie Lane.
Source: adndotcom - 🏆 293. / 63 Read more »

Dear Annie: My ailing, older mom has fallen for her much-younger (and married) nurseI don’t want to spoil any happiness that comes into her life, but I have a bad feeling about this.
Source: PennLive - 🏆 463. / 53 Read more »