When my husband, Eric, suggested we have a third child, I realized something had to give. I wasn’t willing to shoulder more responsibilities while he acted like a king in his castle. After telling him exactly how I felt, he kicked me out — but not before I made sure the situation worked in my favor.
Eric (43) and I (32) have been married for 12 years, and we have two kids together: Lily, 10, and Brandon, 5.
Recently, Eric started pushing for a third child, which left me feeling completely overwhelmed. While I adore my children and had always envisioned having a large family, the reality of our lives is exhausting. I’m the one who handles everything—cooking, cleaning, childcare, and working part-time from home.
Eric’s role as the “provider” stops at earning money. He’s never changed a diaper, never done nighttime feedings, and never taken the kids to the doctor. It’s all on me. The idea of going through another pregnancy and raising another child essentially alone was unbearable.
Last night, after yet another one of his monologues about how great of a provider he is and why we “should” expand our family, I finally lost it.
“We have a good life. I take care of you and the kids. Why not have another?” he said casually as we were getting ready for bed.
I couldn’t hold back anymore. “Eric, you don’t take care of me—or the kids. You hardly even know them,” I snapped.
He looked at me, stunned and silent.
“You’re not the amazing dad you think you are,” I continued. “And I have no desire to be a single mom to three kids. Two is already hard enough.”
His jaw clenched, but instead of responding, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
The next morning, he came back angrier than ever, called me ungrateful, and accused me of not loving him simply because I didn’t want more kids. Then, to my shock, he demanded that I pack my bags and leave. Hurt but resolute, I did as he asked.
As I stood at the door with my bags, I turned to him and delivered a single sentence that left him speechless. His face drained of color, shifting between shock and fury.
“The kids are staying here,” I said firmly. “Whoever stays in this house will be the one responsible for them. They’re not going anywhere.”
“What? No, that’s not happening,” he stammered.
“You heard me,” I replied, keeping calm. “You wanted me gone, fine. But the kids stay here.”
Without waiting for a response, I walked out with my sister, leaving him standing there stunned.
In the end, Eric refused to take custody of the kids, and I filed for divorce.
I kept the house, secured full custody, and received significant child support. Looking back, I’m proud I stood up for myself when I did.
Do you think I made the right decision, or do you think I went too far?
