Middle-aged Divorced Couples, Whose Later Life is More Miserable?

Love is the process of marriage; marriage is the goal of love.—Schopenhauer
When it comes to marriage, everyone has high hopes. But in reality, not every marriage turns out to be as perfect as imagined. Some couples can share joy but not hardship, a common phenomenon in real life.
The fundamental reason why some marriages end is often due to a lack of love. So, when people reach middle age and divorce, who will have a more miserable later life? These three experienced individuals provide honest insights.
45-year-old John
Just a few years ago, John divorced his wife due to conflicts between them. John worked outside all year round, with only his wife and parents at home. Except for holidays, he had no time to be with his family.
Although he sent living expenses to his wife every month, he thought she would be faithful to him. To his surprise, she betrayed him, crossing his bottom line. Upon discovering this, he decisively chose to divorce his wife.
After the divorce, he met his current wife, and they lead a happy and sweet life. The failure of his previous relationship had a significant impact on him. Facing a second chance at love, he still feels some fear and shadows. However, his wife provides him with a great sense of security, earning his trust.
To reassure him, his wife chose to work together with him. This gesture deeply moved John. Now, his only goal is to earn more money to give this woman by his side a better life.
40-year-old Sarah
Sarah and her husband met through work. Initially, her husband treated her well and was very considerate. However, after marriage, his violent temper emerged. They argued many times daily, and he even resorted to physical violence. Due to their children, she chose to endure at that time.
Now that their children are in college, Sarah found some comfort. She decided to divorce this man because she couldn’t bear to stay in such a marriage any longer.
After the divorce, she lived alone and didn’t rush into a new relationship. She started a business, focusing all her energy on work. As a woman, she believes it’s never too late to start something new. After the divorce, she has more energy to love herself, making it the best decision she ever made.
Initially, she put all her happiness on him when she married him. But later, she realized that the only person you can truly rely on is yourself. She now enjoys her current lifestyle, where no one restricts her, and she can strive for the life she desires every day. This, to her, is a form of happiness.
The failure of marriage is not regretful for me. I believe that loving yourself first will attract others to love you.
47-year-old Mike
Mike, 47 years old, divorced his wife two years ago. He admits the fault was his—due to work, he interacted with many women. When life improved, he became more arrogant.
He often lied to his wife but eventually, she found out about his affair. She promptly chose to divorce him. He thought his life would be better after the divorce, only to realize that those women who claimed to love him were after his money. When he lost everything, everyone deserted him.
He started to miss his wife’s kindness and even considered remarrying her, but she firmly refused. He sees this as his retribution. After the divorce, not a day goes by without him missing his wife. Now that everyone has left him, he deeply regrets his actions.
Love is like the moon, with its ups and downs. Love is full of sour, sweet, bitter, and spicy flavors, which we must experience ourselves.
In real life, being together with someone is fate. Regardless of the reason for divorce, we should understand that genuine people who treat you well are scarce. The person who accompanies and supports you in your toughest times is the one worth cherishing.
Today, the world is full of temptations. Those who claim to love you may not genuinely do so. Giving up someone who truly cares for temporary excitement is the height of folly.
Life is fair—gaining something means losing something. If you fail to grasp this, life will be tough for you.
A trivial truth is that couples may argue at the head of the bed but make up at the foot. Some fail to cherish the bond between spouses and end up hurting each other in the name of love, ultimately harming themselves.
So, cherish your marriage, as it’s not easy. Value the person willing to unconditionally accompany you. Don’t abandon the one who sacrifices for you for mere novelty.