I was married for 18 years. Divorced about 7 years ago. I really didn't know how I was going to do it. I have 2 daughters and am basically a single mom. I accepted a very low sum in child support and no alimony. He was a poor excuse for a husband and even a poorer excuse for a dad. Over the past 7 years he has bought every big-boy toy he could want, and had a new home built. (Funny how he had this money when he wanted something...but didn't have it to help his kids.) So, what did I do? I downsized to a smaller home. I learned how to make repairs myself. I advanced my career and became a hero to my daughters. I have built up my credit and paid down my debts and started seriously saving for retirement. I also renewed my relationship with my family that had suffered during my marriage because we tended to always do things with his family and not mine. I found new hobbies and have learned to be my own favorite person.

And next month I am closing on a fully restored home built in 1925. It is the home of my dreams. (Fully updated and still all the charm of a historical home.) I will be debt free except for my house. My girls (now 21 and 13) are my 2 biggest supporters. I am so excited for the next chapter of my life. I am about 10 years away from retirement and can't wait to see where my life will take me.

Ladies, it's hard getting out of relationships. It's hard to move on and imagine life being different when you are with someone who is dragging you down. You may see them be successful, find love and move on. But concentrate on yourself. You can be happy and fulfilled and NOT HAVE A MAN IN YOUR LIFE! I promise!