l, maybe you need to toughen up. Women have been doing this for centuries. It’s just what we do.”

I turned to Eric.

“This is exactly what I’m talking about. You’re so stuck in this outdated mindset where women are expected to handle everything. It’s not fair.”

“Life’s not fair, Katie,” Eric shrugged.

“Deal with it.”

I stared at him, feeling like I’d hit a wall. He wasn’t going to change. Neither was his mother or sister.

Later that night, after Brianna and Amber had left, Eric brought up the third child again.

This time, his tone was more insistent.

“You’re making a big deal out of nothing,” he said as we got ready for bed. “We’ve got a good life. I take care of you and the kids.

We should have another.”

I turned to him, finally at my breaking point. “Eric, you don’t take care of me. Or the kids.

You barely even know them.”

He just stared at me, his expression blank.

“You’re not the great dad you think you are,” I continued. “And I have zero interest in being a single mom to three kids. Two is hard enough.”

Eric’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t say anything.

Instead, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.

I heard his car start, and moments later, he was gone. Off to his mother’s house, no doubt.

The next morning, I was up early, sipping my coffee in silence. The kids were at my sister’s place.

I’d called her the night before, knowing I needed someone to lean on.

I didn’t expect Eric to come back right away, but I wasn’t surprised when Brianna and Amber showed up instead.

They didn’t even knock.

“Katie,” Brianna began, stepping into the kitchen. Amber followed, arms crossed and lips pursed. “We need to talk.”

I leaned against the counter, keeping my face calm.

“I’m not sure what there is to talk about. Eric and I need to work things out ourselves.”

Amber scoffed. “That’s exactly what we’re here to help with.”

“I don’t need your help,” I said, my voice steady.

But Brianna wasn’t backing down.

“Katie, dear, you’ve changed. You’re not the sweet girl my son married.”

That comment hit me harder than I expected.

For years, I’d been trying to live up to some version of myself they had in their heads. I wasn’t that girl anymore.

I was a grown woman with responsibilities they couldn’t even begin to comprehend.

“You’re right,” I said, locking eyes with her. “I’m not that girl anymore. Eric married a teenager.

Now, I’m a woman who knows her worth.”

Brianna’s face turned red. “Excuse me?”

I crossed my arms. “You heard me.

And honestly, if Eric has a problem with how I run my household, he should be here talking to me. Not sending you two to do it for him.”

Amber’s voice was sharp. “That’s not how family works.

We support each other.”

“Really? Funny how that support only ever seems to go one way.”

At that, my sister walked in. She took one look at the scene and immediately sensed the tension.

“Everything okay here?”

Brianna turned on her. “Who are you?”

“Her sister,” she replied with a sweet smile. “And you guys need to calm down.

Otherwise, I can call the authorities.

Brianna’s face twisted with rage, and I braced myself for the onslaught of insults. Sure enough, she launched into a tirade about how I was “ruining” her son’s life, how I was a bad wife, and how my kids would grow up hating me.

But I didn’t flinch.

They finally left a few minutes later, slamming the door behind them.

Later that day, Eric came home. I heard his footsteps before I saw him, and I could feel the tension as he stepped into the kitchen.

“So,” he began, his voice cold, “you insulted my mother and sister?”

I folded my arms.

“I didn’t insult anyone. I told them they had no right to interfere in our marriage.”

Eric’s expression darkened. “You don’t love me.

You don’t love the kids. You’ve changed.”

“I haven’t changed, Eric. I’ve grown up.

There’s a difference.”

Our argument spiraled, going in circles until he finally exploded.

“Pack your things and leave,” he demanded, pointing to the door. “I can’t live with you anymore.”

I was stunned, but I didn’t argue. I packed my bags and stood at the door, ready to leave.

But before I stepped out, I turned to him one last time.

“The kids are staying here,” I said. “Whichever parent stays in this house will be responsible for them. They’re not going anywhere.”

“Wait… what?” he asked.

“That’s not happening.”

“You heard me,” I said calmly. “You wanted me gone, fine. But the kids stay.”

Then, I walked out with my sister without listening to anything else Eric had to say.

He tried calling me later, but it was too late.

Ultimately, Eric refused to take custody of the kids, and I filed for divorce.

In the end, I kept the house, got full custody, and received substantial child support payments.

I’m glad I stood up for myself before it was too late. Do you think I did the right thing? Or did I go too far?

Source: amomama