Bring, bring, bring, bring, bring – I’ve heard this all my life. I’m tired of it. At 54, I’m getting a divorce.

So, listen, this morning my neighbour called me out of the blue and asked, Have you heard what your cousins done?
I said, No, what happened?
He replies, Apparently shes planning to divorce at 54, after thirty years of marriage!

Honestly, I was gobsmacked. I mean, throughout all these years, they seemed like such an ordinary couple. Her husband wasnt a drinker, hes retired now and about nine years older than her. Theyve got three grown-up kids, all living independently, and already five grandkids. And suddenly, shes decided to call it quits.

I was wondering if thered been a mix-up, so I picked up the phone straight away and rang my cousin, Ruth. We arranged to meet at the local park for a quiet chatand what she told me was pretty eye-opening.

She said, Im worn out, honestly. My whole life has felt like Im a hamster on a wheel. We both used to work, but after the day was done, hed collapse on the sofa, watch telly, or pop down the pub with his mates. Meanwhile, my second shift began at home. I reckon loads of women get exactly what I mean.

You finish work, get home, and then its non-stop: wash the clothes, cook dinner, prep something for tomorrowbecause the kids will want a bite after school. Then its cleaning, washing up, getting the hoover out, since apparently the husbands tired and the kids are too busy with homework and clubs. And there are countless other things only those whove run a household really know.

I thought once the kids grew up, things would get easier. But I was wrong. The kids have moved out, hes retired, and Im still working.

And now, my lovely husband spends all his time either at home or fishingbut never bothering with any chores. Every single time, he waits for me to get home and expects me to sort everything out myself.

What really broke me was when I got illa nasty coldand when he got back from fishing, he didnt even ask how I was feeling, or if I needed anything. First thing he did was open the fridge, start shouting about why there was nothing to eat, and said I could have at least boiled some potatoes, since its not hard.

I told him, If its that easy, do it yourself! And his reply?
Why do I need a wife, if Im going to cook for myself?

That was it for meI said Id had enough, that we should divorce, split the house, and live apart. And for once in my life, Ill actually live a bit for myself.

The kids werent happy, mind you. They reckon Im leaving him in the lurch, that he cant manage, and hell just fade away on his own.

But honestly, I dont care anymore. Hes brought this on himself. If he cant value what hes got, let him see what its like.

So, thats how things stand. It might settle down in time, but Ruth is determined.

I do have my doubts thoughbeing left alone when youre older isnt the best thing.

What do you think?