Hello everyone, it’s Hannah here. This is a difficult story to share, but I feel forced to. I am a 38-year-old mother of two gorgeous children (ages seven and five), and I have been married to my husband, Luke, for nearly a decade. We’ve had our fair share of troubles, as do all couples. But something happened on our recent vacation to Mexico that astounded me more than everything else we’d seen.
Now pretend we’re in Mexico, surrounded by beautiful beaches and weather. I was very thrilled about this vacation. I had methodically planned everything because, let’s face it, as a mother, I rarely have a break. This was intended to be a time to reconnect, unwind, and simply enjoy one other’s company. However, Luke had been acting strangely from the outset. Every time I requested him to take a photo of or with me, he brushed it aside.
“I’m not in the mood,” he’d reply. “Can we do it later?” At first, I didn’t think much about it. Perhaps he was merely exhausted from his travels? But it kept happening.
We were on this lovely beach, and I was wearing a new outfit I had purchased specifically for the vacation. I felt good about myself, which is unusual these days after having two children. I asked Luke, “Can you take a picture of me with the sunset?”
He groaned and murmured, “Not now, Hannah.” I glared, feeling little hurt. “Why not?” It will take only a second. “I said I’m not in the mood,” he exclaimed, walking away. That stung. We’re on vacation, and he can’t stop taking pictures? I felt degraded and perplexed.Throughout the drive, I saw that he was unusually careful about his phone. When I passed by, he’d hide the screen and carry it with him, even to the bathroom. My instinct told me there was something wrong, but I tried to ignore it.
One afternoon, while Luke was in the shower, I discovered his phone on the bed. My heart was racing as I hoisted it up. I understand that invading someone’s privacy is wrong, but I wanted to know. I immediately unlocked his phone and checked his most recent messages. There it was: a group chat with his friends. And what I read made my blood run cold. He wrote, “Imagine, people: despite her weight, she still wants me to shoot her! Where would she fit in the photograph? “She has not been the same since giving birth.”
Tears welled up in my eyes, and I felt unable to breathe. This was the man I loved, the father of my children, speaking such hurtful things behind my back. I thought we were partners, that he loved me for who I am, but now he’s insulting me to his buddies. I placed his phone back and sat down. How could he? I felt devastated and betrayed. Our marriage wasn’t great, but I never dreamed he thought so little of me. I cried quietly, not wanting the children to hear.\
My tears eventually dried up, and I was filled with wrath. I was not going to allow him to get away with it. I needed to teach him that his comments had consequences. That’s when I had an idea. I took out my phone and looked through the photos I’d taken on the trip. I selected the best ones and posted them on Facebook with the caption, “Looking for a new vacation partner.” “Am I really so unattractive that even my husband refuses to photograph me?”
Almost immediately, the post started garnering likes and comments. My friends and even some acquaintances offered supportive remarks. They praised my photographs, describing me as attractive, and voiced amazement at Luke’s behavior. I did not clarify what he said, but the message was clear. When Luke stepped out of the shower, he saw my mood had altered. “Everything all right?” he asked, possibly detecting the strain.
“Just peachy,” I responded without looking up from my phone. I was still angry and hurt, so I couldn’t establish eye contact with him. The next day, I was still reeling from Luke’s betrayal. I couldn’t get over the things he had spoken about me. But then something happened, adding a further layer to this already convoluted situation.
Just before our vacation, I received word that my uncle, whom I’d never met, had died and left me a big estate. I had intended to tell Luke about this during our trip, hoping it would be a pleasant surprise. But after finding out what he actually thought of me, I chose to keep it to myself. That morning, word reached Luke through his mother, who had learned of the inheritance. I was in the process of packing our bags, preparing to cut the trip short, when Luke stepped in with a bouquet of flowers.
He had this embarrassed expression on his face, one I’d seen a few times before when he realized he had made a mistake. Hannah, I’m so sorry for everything,” he said, handing out the flowers. I accepted them silently, waiting to hear what he would say next. He said, “I know I’ve been a jerk. I should not have uttered such things. But, honey, with your newfound wealth, you can hire a trainer and lose weight.
I could not believe my ears. Did he really believe an apology would suffice, followed by a request that I spend my inheritance to alter myself for him? I was filled with wrath and responded, “Maybe I will, Luke. But not so you may stare at me.” The expression on his face was priceless. He’d expected me to simply forgive him and go on. But I was finished. I had reached a breaking point. “Luke, I’m divorcing you,” I replied calmly, despite the turmoil within me.
His eyes expanded, leaving him dumbfounded for a while. Then, to my amazement, he started crying. “Please, Hannah, don’t leave me,” he begged. “I’ve already told my friends I was planning to buy a new SUV to go off-roading with them, and now, without your money, all my plans are ruined.” I was dumbfounded. It was then that I discovered how little he valued me.
It wasn’t about our relationship or our family; it was about how much money I could provide for him. I looked at him with empathy and determination.
“You seem to appreciate my money higher than I do. You can find another way to get your SUV, but not with my money or by embarrassing me. Hello, Luke. I walked away from him, relieved but sad. This was not the way I had envisioned my life, but it was time to reclaim control of my happiness.
I spent the rest of the day preparing to return home and begin the divorce procedure. My friends and family continued to show me their support. Each comment and communication boosted my confidence and belief in my own value. I understood I didn’t need someone like Luke to affirm my beauty or importance. I was enough just the way I was. I chose to get on with my life, focusing on my children and myself.
In the days that followed, I began exercising, not because Luke encouraged it, but because I wanted to feel healthier and stronger. I pursued new activities, spent more time with friends, and even pondered returning to school. One day at the mall, I ran into Luke. He stunned me with a partial complement. “Hey! Hannah, I almost did not recognize you. You look different. How are you and the kids doing?
“We’re doing great,” I responded, not wanting to continue the topic. “Hannah, I’ve been meaning to ask you if…” “I am running late, Luke. I need to be somewhere. “Excuse me,” I said before departing. From the corner of my eye, I noticed perplexity and agony on his normally serene and confident countenance. But that didn’t worry me anymore because I could now live my life on my own terms and be content in my own flesh.
Rather than lamenting my failed marriage, I was ready to move on with strength and self-love. So what do you think? Did I handle things right, or was my reaction a touch too extreme? What would you have done differently in my shoes?