Well the time has come, I have been living in the same house as my wife but downstairs in a small room since feb 2000.

I have been here mainly because of the kids, I was unwell for a time and because financially it was unviable to do anything else.

Well yesterday she came home and blasted into my daughter for not taking the washing off the line when it rained (Natalie was reading a book and is like her dad, she got absorbed and did not notice anything going on around her) I got home and was blasted for not getting it in even though I was not home.

I went downstairs to get away from it all and she got on the intercom and ordered me to help her hang out the washing in front of the heater. I went up and got the usual "I do everything for everyone else and no one does a thing for me" the well worn broken bloody record. She doesnt work and never has, always lived off my earnings so I said if you are so unhappy why don't you leave.

She really got into it then and I finally snapped and told her a few home truths LOL.

So the upshot of it is I am moving out as soon as I can find a place to go to. Something that for my health and piece of mind I should have done long ago.

Had a talk with the kids and they accept it and I will not go far from them, probably the next suburb.

I feel relieved and hopeful I will get some control of my life back again. Since getting over my depression I have been dominated and it is not a pleasant thing. I am sure the stress of being where I felt so uncomfortable has aggravated my health problems.

I have has several Pixies friends give me good advice and support something that has helped me appreciably. thank you dear friends

So while it is sad that 16 years of being with one person is over, it will give me the space to move on and have a life again.