I noticed that as I became more independent, my ex showed far less support for my personal growth. He seemed to resent any change that moved me towards an equal footing with him. This bothered me a lot.

When he finally confessed to an affair, that was it. I was scared to be on my own, and his divorce attorney was a nasty jerk, but I wanted out. Self-respect and personal dignity are far more important to me than a marriage.

I don't dwell on regrets, but if I had the opportunity to do it over, I would have never married the man.