It’s always wonderful when your significant other not only remembers your special days but also values and treats them with care. Unfortunately, this was not the case for Emilia, 38, whose husband of 15 years, Adam, showed a very different attitude. In a heartfelt letter, Emilia shared how her husband ignored her birthday party to attend his colleague's celebration instead. Despite the hurt she felt, Emilia's response was unforgettable, and she didn’t hesitate to share the details.
Emilia, one of our readers, felt compelled to tell her story. She reached out with an emotional letter, asking us to share her tricky family situation. While some of her friends and family think she overreacted, others strongly believe she was justified in her actions. Emilia, now seeking more perspectives on her situation, presents her story for consideration.
"Hello, Bright Side," Emilia began. "I’m 38, and my husband Adam is 45. We’ve been married for over 15 years, and I never imagined that our relationship would be shaken by such a blatant act of disrespect. We had a happy marriage, built on respect, empathy, and mutual support. Until recently, I thought nothing could threaten our bond. I was naive.”
She continued, “When I was 37, and my 38th birthday was approaching, life had not been easy for me. I had serious health issues, and my mother passed away when I was 36. For the past two years, I didn’t celebrate my birthdays at all; I simply wasn’t in the right place emotionally.”
“But after finally coming to terms with everything, I decided it was time for some joy. I wanted to host a party for my family and friends, to celebrate life again. I was excited and had been planning the event for months. This birthday was important to me, and I thought it would be to Adam too. I was wrong.”
Emilia explained that her husband's work colleague, Denise, was also having a birthday on the same day. “She invited Adam, but didn’t even acknowledge my event. Then, just before my birthday, Adam said something that devastated me: ‘Her birthday is more important to me than yours. She’s turning 35, and that’s more of an anniversary than your 38th. I’ll be going to her party instead. I hope you respect my choice, and I promise I’ll celebrate your 40th with you.’”
Shocked and hurt, Emilia tried to convince Adam that her birthday party was special and that she needed him to be there. But he refused, saying, "Denise is throwing a big themed party for all our colleagues. We’ve worked closely together, and it would be a shock to her if I didn’t show up. Our boss is going to be there too, and I don’t want to miss out on this chance. Please understand.”
"I was heartbroken," Emilia recalled. "This wasn’t the behavior I expected from the man I had supported through thick and thin for 15 years. Instead of being the loving husband I needed, he chose to prioritize his 'work wife.' But I didn’t argue. I smiled and pretended everything was fine, even though I was planning to celebrate my birthday without my spouse.”
On the day of her birthday, Emilia hosted her party at home while Adam attended Denise’s. In the evening, she sent him a message, asking him not to come home, stating that “his place was already taken.” Adam, clearly alarmed, called her repeatedly, but Emilia didn’t answer. He eventually left Denise’s party and rushed home, only to find Emilia calmly hosting her guests.
When he confronted her, Emilia made her feelings clear in front of everyone: “You are no longer my husband, Adam. I’m not filing for divorce, though. On paper and on social media, we look like the perfect couple. But you’re not my partner anymore, and you won’t be making decisions for me. I respect your choice to prioritize your work wife’s event, and you should respect my choice to do what makes me happy too.”
Then, to Adam’s shock, Emilia pointed to one of the guests—Derek, one of Adam’s best friends, who had been helping Emilia with her startup. “Meet Derek, my ‘work husband,’” she said. “He’s been there for me in ways you should have been. In fact, Derek and I are going on a trip tomorrow to celebrate my birthday together. Nothing personal, Adam. I just enjoy his company more than yours right now.”
Furious, Adam stormed out of the house. Emilia hasn’t heard from him since, and after two weeks, Adam’s mother informed her that he was filing for divorce because he felt “humiliated.”
Now, Emilia is left wondering: “Did I go too far in teaching my husband this harsh lesson? What should I do in this situation?”
This story paints a picture of a deeply hurt woman who sought to reclaim her dignity and self-worth in the face of neglect from her spouse. What are your thoughts on Emilia's actions? Do you think she was justified, or did she cross a line?
keywords : Inspiration, Creativity, Wonder
