I am a 37 years old government employee. I have been married for 9 years and have a 7 years old daughter. Coming from a lower middle class family, I struggled very hard to attain a government job. Two years after getting the job, I married my wife through an arranged marriage setup. She was unemployed at that time but was a graduate. I always had beautiful expectations of married life.
Being a man, I always expected to provide for my family, and I only expected appreciation and gratitude in return. A few years went well. Our daughter was born. When she was one year old, my wife got a job in the government sector. I was so happy that the extra income would provide a better lifestyle. I was genuinely happy.
As years passed, my wife started changing her attitude toward me. She became more controlling. She started to dominate me and interfere with my individuality. All my income was asked to be deposited into a joint account. Out of love, I did that, expecting a better future for our daughter too. After that, her attitude completely changed. She started completely controlling me. I couldn’t even spend a day with my friends.
I couldn’t take money for my personal needs. Still, I worked hard and provided my income to the family. She didn’t even appreciate my efforts. It took a huge mental toll on me. I felt like I was being suffocated. I endured all this hoping for a better future and for love. When I could no longer tolerate her ungrateful behavior, I asked for a divorce. That’s when she completely destroyed me.
She said she would file a domestic violence complaint against me if I filed for divorce. She said she would ruin my reputation. This struck me so hard. I felt like I was living in a nightmare. After that, I just continued my life as a broken man until I met a new colleague. Yes, a new colleague at the office. An unmarried 35 years old vibrant lady. She was in my section. We became friends very quickly.
We became so close that I shared my problems with her. She was always so assuring and comforting. She always motivated me by saying, “You have your daughter to live for.” Somewhere along the way, this relationship turned into an affair. But I really wanted it. It was more of a mental support than a physical thing.
She always supported and encouraged me. Now, in this nightmare of a life, this relationship is a light. I’m just living my life now, as I can’t get out of the marriage due to the threat of being labeled an abuser.
Question: Am I wrong for this?
Option 1: Yes
Option 2: No