I found out just before the COVID lockdown in 2020 that my wife of 24 years was having an affair with the husband of one of our couple friends. She worked with the wife and we hung out with them at least every weekend. I had suspected for almost 5 years but gaslighting, didn't want to believe, etc. So I decided to give her another chance because of the length of our marriage and I'm a forgiving person. We've been together since we were 17. I caught her messaging him and later actually meeting him again so I moved out last June and filed in July.

Broken heart, suicidal, drinking, etc. was my lifestyle for a while. I had a great therapist since the first time I caught her and we worked through things. Working on my Master's, playing golf, being with guy friends, and hanging out with my adult son.

Unexpectedly I met a lady who has all the same interests, smart, funny, beautiful, etc. and we clicked. She's quite a few years younger than me but is mature and age doesn't seem to matter. Last week was the first time I could actually say to myself in over two years "this is why you didn't kill yourself".

Anyway, I have zero expectations of this relationship but I love every minute we're together and think about her all the time. I'm happy again and everyone notices that "I'm back". Where will it go? I don't care. I'm just happy.

So my brothers I just want to tell you that one day you'll be happy again and the pain will be just a memory. I cherish the memories of my first marriage and I got two amazing children from it.

Divorce will be finalized by the fall and I'll truly be free and at peace.