Chelsea! I don’t think I’ve ever related to something more. My husband and I belonged to a really tight-knit group of friends — mostly couples. Plus, I loved his family and mine love him. Leaving was much more than leaving my husband, it meant sacrificing most of the connections that meant the most to me in my adult life. While it was absolutely the hardest and most emotionally taxing chapter of my life, people (eventually) understood and chose to still love me. I’m positive this would be the case for you, too.

I’m over a year out from all of this, and while I still have days where I miss my home and not having to share my friends, I wouldn’t trade the lessons learned, the person I am now, and the new life I have for anything.

I’d encourage you to be honest with your husband about your feelings and see where it goes. When I finally did this, it felt like the weight of the world (and maybe universe) had been lifted from my shoulders. Maybe it will lead to some conversations that bring you guys closer, or maybe it’ll validate your need to be on your own! But, it’s a solid first step.