They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder and that’s true of me and my husband, Earl, 53. We’ve been married for 15 years and I love him more now than the day I met him. Our relationship is the strongest it’s ever been, and that’s all thanks to us splitting up.
I first met Earl at a New Year’s Eve party in 2008 when I was 35. I was drawn to his smile and personality; he was hilarious and really made me laugh. Things progressed quickly between us and, caught up in a whirlwind of romance, within weeks he had moved in with me and, just 10 weeks after meeting, we were married at a register office in March 2009.
Things didn’t slow down either, because two weeks after our honeymoon, I fell pregnant. It was a huge shock, but Earl was delighted and couldn’t wait to be a dad and, after digesting the news, I shared his enthusiasm. Overnight, my attitude changed – life was no longer about being carefree and having fun; our baby was my priority and I threw myself into eating healthily and getting things ready for our new arrival.
Earl, on the other hand, when he wasn’t working in construction, continued partying with his friends while I stayed at home. He calmed down when Caden was born in 2010, but was back to his old ways within weeks. While I cut back on spending, trying to put money aside each month to build a savings pot, Earl spent money frivolously. One day, he came home with a designer watch, which I knew cost hundreds, but when I confronted him, he shrugged off my irritation, telling me it was just a little treat to himself for working hard.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The benefits of waking up early
I can almost feel my daughters rolling their eyes at the thought of me writing about the joys of waking up early.
'Rylan makes me MILLIONS!
The presenter talks about his love life, professional success and his alter ego
GATSBY
He needed a home, but was Maria barking to even consider taking him in?
My mindset MAKEOVER
After losing 4st, the future is bright for Hazel James
Eat more WEIGH LESS
Feel fuller while losing weight with our exclusive plan from Slimming World
Autumn tricks YOU NEED TO KNOW
Stop cold, dark nights disturbing your sleep with these expert cheats
'HARRY WILL NOT BE BACK'
Reports of Prince Harry wanting to return to the UK and royal duties are, I’m told, ‘completely wrong’.
'I'M HONOURED to still be part of Strictly'
Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke on the hit show and why he'll never retire
Would you keep CANCER A SECRET?
Model Elle Macpherson revealed she kept her battle with the disease hidden - we find out why many others choose to do the same
'Ruth has handled the split WITH DIGNITY'
Coleen Nolan on grief, supporting Ruth Langsford through divorce and moving in with boyfriend Michael Jones