DEAR ABBY: I am writing to share a positive experience I hope will help others. It's what a relief divorce can be.
I was miserable married to my husband. I used to hear people on the radio talk about their beloved husband or wife, and my heart would twist with regret that I never felt that way. I spent years almost numb because I was lying to myself about my marriage. I spent years reading books on how to improve our relationship, years going to workshops. Nothing changed.
I was always walking on eggshells waiting for him to yell. I didn't trust my husband to be kind to me, and frankly, I don't think he ever loved me.
After much therapy and a lot of very hard work, I finally got out of the relationship. I thank God every day for my freedom. Sometimes I'm so happy being by myself reading a book or making my own plans that I feel I'm going to burst with joy. My days are precious to me now. For me, divorce has been an awakening. -- PATRICIA IN MASSACHUSETTS
DEAR PATRICIA: While divorce can be therapeutic, it isn't the answer for everyone. Because you were married to an angry, abusive man, it's for the best that you finally ended the marriage. I can't help feeling that what you did was a positive step for both of you.