I just found out that a friend of mine from childhood, who happens to also live about 1/4 of a mile from me, his wife has left him for another man. They have been together for 16 years and they have 4 children. Three boys and a girl. The littlest boy was friends with my DS. They will go to school together next year. I always liked his wife and she was very motherly. She just up and walked out on her four kids. Hardly sees them now. She left him for a man at her work, a pizza delivery guy. Her BS was working 3 jobs to keep up with the bills and pay the mortgage, so she could stay home with the kids. I don't know why this made me so sad, but it really did. I guess I could just feel for him sooo much, and those poor kids. It just brought all the pain back again that I went through. He is so nice and they seemed so happy together.

If I see him I am going to send him here. His sister says he is devastated. Lost, confused and sooo hurt. I cant believe that really nice woman just did that and left her kids. We were at a football game together last year and our sons were playing together and she was such a great mother. I can't understand it, and I never will.

What sadness <img border="0" alt="[Teary]" title="" src="graemlins/teary.gif" /> .

HINY

Of course the news has hit you hard. You, unfortunately, know exactly what that man is going through. I'm not sure whether you would feel comfortable speaking to him about it, but it could turn out to be very positive for you. You would not only have someone to commiserate with, but you may end up supporting each other through the rough spots.

Best Wishes,
-BS

Remember that even though you are very aware of the dangers of crosing the boundary of sharing personal things with a member of the opposite sex, your male friend probably is not and you could unintentionally make him emotionally dependent on you to the point of him falling in love with you [remember he is very vulnerable]. I would recommend that you share with him this website and tell him how much it has helped you with your own ordeal.

I'm changing my response to agree with Coffeeman. I got a bit confused on the gender of the invovled parties.

I too would caution against putting yourself in a situation where a improper relationship could develop. Sorry about the confusion.

-BS

Thanks for the replies. I actually haven't talked to him about it. His sister told me. I don't have any feelings at all for this man. Just as a neighbor really. I am going to direct him here by email if I ever get his address. I was just really surprised at how hard it hit me. It was like a ton of bricks. Esp when she started talking about how sick he is and devastated and hurt. I really felt it.

HINY