I just wanted to say "thank you" for all the support I've gotten from this subreddit over the past three years. I went trough all the familiar, crazy emotions that you see posted here every day. It's been a gut-wrenching test of character and mental fortitude, but it's over, it's finally over, and I'm finally enjoying my life again!

I'll spare you the gory details and just say that, in the end, we settled in court. I felt we were unable to settle for three years because she was being entirely unreasonable. In the end, the judge handling our settlement conference seemed to agree and managed to talk her down. While I may be a man, I still got most of what I wanted: no alimony, I didn't have to pay any of her legal fees ($50K), and I ended up getting a great deal on the house (mostly thanks to my lawyer).

My biggest fear was being alone when it was all over. Now, I live alone and I actually prefer it. It's peaceful, quiet, and there's never anyone dragging me down.

At my age (50s) I wasn't sure I'd ever meet anyone else, but I've already been in two longish relationships since the divorce started. (And even if I never met anyone, I think I would've been happier being alone than living with my ungrateful ex.) It's nice to be in a relationship again with someone who actually wants to spend time with me. I feel free again, I feel loved again, I'm having fun again, and as difficult as it was, I'm glad I made the decision to get a divorce.

Anyway, thanks for the support and best of luck to those of you still going through it: it gets better!