I regret divorcing my wife. We married young after high school. In college and later at work I met another woman, and I had an affair. I told my wife I didn’t love her anymore and she quietly agreed to divorce. At the time I thought I’d finally be free.
After the divorce I moved to a bigger city, lived the single life, but quickly realized I was miserable and alone. I missed my wife but was too afraid to reach out. Then the woman I had the affair with moved to the same city, and we started living together. I didn’t love her—I just felt guilty and lonely. After two years she refused to move back to care for my aging parents, so I eventually broke up with her.
I quit my job, left the city, and came home. My ex-wife still visits my parents, and when we saw each other recently we hugged and talked briefly. She hasn’t dated anyone since the divorce, and I selfishly want her back, but she deserves better. For now I’m just grateful we can talk and that we’ll spend Christmas together with our families. I’m not looking for advice or sympathy—I just want to share that leaving your life behind for something you think is better doesn’t always work out.
If you want it even shorter or in a specific tone (formal, emotional, etc.), just tell me!