Bring it, bring it, bring it, bring it, bring it – I’ve heard this all my life. I’m sick of it. At 54, I’m getting divorced.

Early this morning, a neighbour rang me up and asked, Have you heard what your cousin did?

I replied, No, whats happened?

He told me, It seems shes going to file for divorce at the age of 54, after thirty years of marriage.

That news left me speechless, as the saying goes, my jaw dropped. How could this happen? They always seemed like a regular family; her husband doesnt drink, is retired now, and is nine years older than her. They have three grown-up children, all living their own lives, and already five grandchildren. Suddenly, shes chosen to get divorced.

I thought perhaps there had been some misunderstanding, so I rang my cousin straight away and suggested we meet up. We arranged to chat in the park, hoping for a calm conversation. Heres what she told me…

I just havent got any strength left. Ive been running about like a hamster in a wheel my whole life. My husband worked and so did I, but after a day at work, hed lie down on the sofa, stick the telly on, or relax however he fanciedor hed go out for a pint with his mates. Meanwhile, I started my second shift, at home. I imagine plenty of women know exactly what I mean.

You come home from work, set about doing the laundry, preparing dinner, sorting something for tomorrowbecause the kids will want something to eat after school. Then theres cleaning up, washing up, running the hoover around, because my husbands too tired, and the kids are busy with homework and their activities. And theres so much more, as all housewives know.

I always thought itd get easier as the kids grew up. But I was wrong. The children are grown; my husband retired; and Im still working.

Now, my dear husband is either at home or out fishingnever lifting a finger in the house. Every time, he waits for me to get home so I can do everything by myself.

The final straw was when I caught a cold, and when he returned from fishing, he didnt even ask how I was or if I needed anything. Instead, he flung open the fridge and started shouting about why there wasnt any food and said I shouldve at least boiled some potatoes, since its hardly strenuous.

I told him if its not difficult, he could make them himself. And he retorted, Whats the point of having a wife if Ive got to cook myself?

Hearing that, I finally snapped and said Id had enough, that were getting divorced. Well split the house and live separately. Ill at least have a bit of life for myself.

The children werent happy with my decision. They said Im leaving him on his own, that he cant do anything for himself and will probably keel over if left.

But frankly, I dont care any more. He brought it on himself. If he cant appreciate what hes got, let him find out what its really like.

Thats that. Maybe things will settle down, but my cousin is firmly resolved.

I admit, I have doubtsbeing left alone in old age isnt exactly appealing.

What would you do?