I've been separated from my husband for 6 months now. It did all start with me being unfaithful, but everything happens for a reason, right? We've been married for 20 plus years, and I've "settled" on a lot of things in our relationship. To outsiders we are the "perfect couple". I'm tired of being perfect. I don't want to have someone elses happiness depend totally on me! It's stiffling. My problem is that I can't seem to move forward and tell him I want out. He is dependant on me financially ( did I say I'm the one who left) and I can't continue to support both households. I fear talking to him because he manipulates my feelings, yet I respect him too much as the father of my child to not tell him face to face. How can I get the courage to move on?

Maybe find someone else? Or just a good friend who you can depend on if you need someone to talk to, or to get out, etc. I'm assuming you have a job/career. Try to work your way up there? Or get a promotion. Maybe it's just time for a vacation from it all. =/