I don't know if actually filing for D gave me relief, but actually deciding to D was the relief part for me.
What's not my problem anymore?
His bad hygiene.
His complete disrespect of people, animals, and even things.
His emotional abuse.
His intimidation.
His FOO issues that he never even realized he had. (And still doesn't realize he has).
His dirty laundry.
His inability to figure out the dishwasher, washer, or dryer.
His inability to fix anything, even if it just takes a screwdriver.
His horrible attitude about everything, but especially his complaining about adult responsibilities.
His cheating (duh).
His constant watching of ESPN and yelling at the Yankees when they lose (like they can actually hear him, dumbass).
His disrespect of women.
His inability to just have a few drinks at a party, always turning into that person you can't reason with anymore.
His inability to handle finances or fill out paperwork.
His obsession with collectibles, always having to have EVERY LAST PIECE of a set. Even the kids toys, every Thomas train, every superhero, every McFarland figure, etc....
His expectation of me to be the perfect wife and mother and a career woman at the same time.
His expectation of me to always be the one to say "sorry" for something after an argument and bring us back to some sort of communication.
His expectation of me to handle school/homework/extracurriculars/doctor/dentist/parent-teacher conferences, etc....
His short-man syndrome.
His constant excuses for why he didn't do things.
His constant promises that he was just about to do <ABC> if I just hadn't <XYZ>.
His complete lack of appreciation for my family.
His complete lack of appreciation of ME.
I could go on and on, but YES, I definitely felt relief when I finally decided it was time to divorce. It was an emotional relief. I was DONE trying to "fix" him and "help" him through his issues.
Is there complete "relief" now? Not really. This divorce has been going on since November, I've already spent over $12,000 in legal fees, and we aren't anywhere near being finalized with trial to be scheduled soon. I will feel more relief when things are settled and the rules are set in stone, but I'm still feeling emotional relief that he fired me from many, MANY jobs that are NOT MY PROBLEM anymore..
It's hard to let go of someone you love and care about so much. There is definite relief when you finally decide that it's time to let go, and you are confident in that decision. I always wanted to help him feel better about himself, help him enjoy his life, help him appreciate the things he has in his life and stop being mad about the things he doesn't have. (Wasn't it my job to do that as his wife?). But there is definite RELIEF that I don't carry the burden of dealing with those things anymore. Considering we have children together, there will be issues for quite a while having to deal with him, but there are so many things that are not my problem anymore. I don't give a rat's ass how he is "feeling" anymore. Forcing our relationship to be about kids and finances only is a definite relief.
Hugs to you girl. I hope your divorce goes smoothly and you continue feeling at peace with your decision.