I married a man after dating shortly, thinking we’d be happy. Some people might say that his forcing me to meet his kids within a few days of our dating was a red flag, but I didn’t see it. By the time I realized I was in too deep, it was too late, and I was forced to put my well-being first.
A married couple | Source: Pexels
I, Madison, was 22 when I met Will, 29, a newly widowed man with two children, a daughter Tamara, and a son Nick. Our romance blossomed fast, leading him to introduce me to his kids VERY early into our relationship.
I must admit, I found it a bit strange to meet them within the first few days after our introduction. But, he rationalized his behavior to me by insisting I was “the one,” not just for him but also for his children.
A woman reading a book to two children | Source: Pexels
Perhaps I was gullible because he swept me off my feet, and we married a year later. Our wedding day was different because it included special vows I made to his children and vice versa. It was a poignant moment that was entirely Will’s idea.
But not long after the wedding, the fairy tale cracked. Despite my full-time job, Will pushed ALL the childcare, cooking, and household responsibilities onto me. He used any excuse to justify his disengagement saying things like:
“I’m wiped out from work, you know how it is. You’re so good with them, it just makes sense for you to handle it.”
A lazy man sitting and watching television with a messy house | Source: Getty Images
His free time gradually became consumed by video games or nights out with friends. All the while, I juggled my job and the full weight of household responsibilities. “I’m bringing in the money and keeping the roof over everyone’s heads,” he’d argue when I brought up my exhaustion, adding:
A lazy man laying...
