I Had an Affair with a Married Man — Now Our Daughter is 7

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It’s astonishing to think back to 2013 when I felt utterly hopeless. My journey began with an encounter online with a married man—a self-proclaimed spiritual blogger who reached out to me via Facebook. What followed was a whirlwind romance that was anything but wise.

From the outside, it’s easy to say, “That was foolish.” And you know what? It was. The affair was undeniably ill-fated, but being in the midst of it made things far more complex. I didn’t willfully overlook the glaring warning signs; I probably ignored them because I so desperately wanted a happy ending. At that time, my life felt devoid of anything fulfilling or meaningful. My routine consisted of work, occasional outings with friends, and merely getting by. Fresh from a toxic five-year engagement, the attention from this intriguing stranger drew me in.

He was married with three children and, let’s face it, incredibly self-centered. Yet, many women, myself included, often seem drawn to such men. Their selfishness can create a twisted sense of validation, a way for us to “prove” our worth through love. I too was selfish, believing that my fleeting happiness justified the secrecy. In truth, I was naive and yearning for affection.

Like many others who struggle with their sense of self-worth, my value felt tied to whether or not someone loved me. Without that love, I felt like I was nothing. Society often stigmatizes single women while simultaneously pushing the narrative that romantic love is essential for happiness. The conflicting messages made it challenging to break free from the belief that my worth hinged on finding a partner.

In my desperation, I became addicted to the rollercoaster of our toxic relationship. The affair ended abruptly six months after we began living together when I discovered I was pregnant, leaving me feeling utterly lost. The thought of raising a child alone filled me with dread, and I feared I might become a resentful parent.

The dissolution of a relationship often signifies the collapse of dreams. For me, the loss felt monumental. I worried that every glance at my child would remind me of her father, and I dreaded living with that constant reminder. I feared becoming a figure like Miss Havisham, trapped in sorrow and unable to move forward.

Society has a way of ridiculing women who are left behind, especially during pregnancy. We are often expected to handle parenting alone while our children are shuttled between homes. If we don’t facilitate a relationship with their often absent fathers, we are unfairly labeled as bitter or spiteful.

Embarking on motherhood was laden with these feelings of despair and the belief that my future had vanished. The stigma of being a single mother was palpable, especially when people inquired about my husband or suggested ways to find a suitable partner. It felt as though society viewed me as incomplete without a man by my side.

Despite all this, I never resented my daughter. Over time, I realized that she didn’t constantly remind me of her father. However, I did harbor resentment towards him for moving on so easily while I struggled to rebuild my life.

Yesterday marked my daughter’s seventh birthday, a milestone that struck me more deeply than previous ones. I’ve been a mother for seven years now, and it feels surreal. My daughter was buzzing with excitement about her birthday, and as we discussed our plans, I reflected on the challenges we have faced.

Her father has been a distant figure, almost like a casual acquaintance in her life. He stopped by briefly to wish her a happy birthday, but his involvement is minimal—just a monthly contribution to her expenses. Initially, I hoped I could change him and make him more present in her life, but I eventually accepted that I couldn’t control his actions.

My bond with my daughter is incredibly strong. It’s hard for me to believe how lucky I am to have such a wonderful child. Her teachers rave about her kindness and creativity; she consistently brings home glowing reports. Despite the challenges of single parenting, I realize that none of it stems from her behavior.

I often wonder when the typical “brattiness” of childhood will emerge, but it hasn’t happened. Whenever issues arise, we discuss them and move forward without lingering resentment. Recently, I had to tell her “no” about attending a birthday party due to safety concerns. To my surprise, she handled the situation with maturity, quickly redirecting her excitement towards our own celebration.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how fortunate I am. Seven years ago, I couldn’t envision this life, tangled in a toxic relationship with her father. Now, her seventh birthday feels like a miracle, a stark contrast to the pain I once experienced.

In the past, people would say cliched things about how I wouldn’t know love until I had a child. While I found such comments infuriating at the time, I can see now how profoundly my daughter has impacted my life. Parenthood is about prioritizing the child’s needs over the parent’s desires, breaking unhealthy family cycles.

How did we create a relationship where love and understanding seem effortless? Perhaps it’s a conscious choice to embrace happiness together. I know I’m not a perfect parent, and I’m still growing, just like anyone else.

Seven years ago, I could never have imagined this life. Now, as I celebrate my daughter, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and wonder at how far we’ve come.

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Summary:

Reflecting on her journey, a woman recounts her tumultuous past involving an affair with a married man and the birth of their daughter. Despite the challenges of single motherhood and societal stigma, she finds joy and fulfillment in her bond with her child. As her daughter turns seven, she marvels at the miraculous love they share, contrasting it with her painful past.

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