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While marriage is a beautiful union built on love and commitment, it doesn’t always guarantee a lifetime of happiness. Life is complicated, and sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Many people find themselves reflecting on their decision to say "I do," wondering if it was the right choice after all.

Recently, men turned to Reddit to open up about the heartbreaking regrets that made them rethink their marriages. Scroll down to read their stories, and feel free to share if any of these experiences resonated with you.

#1

30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Not putting in the effort that is expected.

My wife put in all the effort and I didn't try hard enough.

daftvaderV2 , cottonbro studio Report

DennyS (denzoren)
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Props for acknowledging it...it ain't a one-way street.

deas vearest
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HELLO EVERYONE AM QUEENSLY FROM ENGLAND, I WANT TO GIVE A TESTIMONY OF A SPELL CASTER THAT BROUGHT MY HUSBAND BACK TO ME AFTER 2 YEARS OF SEPERATION, HIS NAME IS DOCTOR ONIHA, YOU CAN ALSO CONTACT HIM ON HIS EMAIL ON: DRONIHASPELL@YAHOO.COM OR WHATSAP HIS PERSONAL NUMBER ON +2347089275769.

Lee J Ross
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Marriage is not hard, nor a contest or anything to work at. It's a joyfulu union of cooperation and sharing.

RELATED:
    #2

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Getting married when I was too young, 21, not old enough to know a lot of things that I should have known.

    JerryTexas52 , Emma Bauso Report

    zak
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your brain isn't even done developing yet. I never understood why people get married so young. What's the rush?

    SAF saf
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep, I'm pretty sure the reason young marriages lasted longer for older generations is probably cause some women needed permission from their husbands to divorce. If they did manage to get that they probably couldn't even get employment or a even a bank/checking account. Texas still won't finalize a divorce if the wife is still pregnant. Gotta' wait 9 months ladies.....or just leave the state. Looks like they'll close up that loophole soon as well and keep you from leaving.

    Don Adams
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I, too, married at the age of 21. That is a mistake I will not repeat!

    Rosecat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cause you can be 21 again and choose 🤣

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    #3

    Being emotionally and psychologically abused by a narcissist....should have run many, many years ago.

    Old_Mirror_9506 Report

    Bewarethere@gmail.com
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same here trust me it'll be really hard initially (it's what's you've known for years) but trust me u will feel sooooo much better in the end

    S. K.
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It happens to men too... in fact the emotional and psychological abuse would be at least an even split between the genders.

    Nimitz
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I worry about my BIL. My eldest sister is the most manipulative person I know. She's a very cunning narcissist who is great at hiding how terrible she really is. Everything she says and does is with the intent to manipulate the lives of everyone around her. I just know that guy is going to need a friend when he finally realizes.

    Monica G
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    BTW https://youtu.be/4cJeuJqwd5E?si=G7L7cjtcItJ23Tju

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    SAF saf
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, no one teaches you to run away when you identify narcissistic behaviors. It's something you have to learn cause' most of us won't believe it if were told.

    Monica G
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me it was a great help to listen videos by prof. Sam Vaknin and dr. Ramani.

    Monica G
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same here. And I was 18 when it all started. Stayed 34 years. I'm grateful I still hava a small support system, even if narcisisstic abuse is incoicenvable for those that did not experienced id.

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    #4

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Shockingly, not much. My marriage only lasted 5 or 6 years. I made a poor choice in women, or rather I ignored the red flags that were waving in my face like a Communist parade.

    Thing is though, I wouldn't change any of the marriage part of it. My X-Wife turned out to be more awful that I thought though. When my gay kid came out (over a decade after we split), she actually told her "Why don't you try being normal" which still pisses me off to this day. But again, I don't regret the time I spent with her. It helped forge me into who I am. While it all went down in flames, I learned a lot in those few brief years and I ended up with a kid who I love with all my heart. She's the best part of my life. She also doesn't even see her mother anymore. Once that whole "be normal" thing went down, that was it.

    I regret very little of my life. I've had a great one. Even now at middle age, I'm not going to sit here and look back wondering "what if?". Of course I could have made some better choices. A lot of them in fact. But as long as you learn from your mistakes, these aren't wasted experiences. I'm not the smartest guy in the room, but I never make the same mistake twice. And I feel like regret, wondering what might have been, fawning over the past, it's all a waste of the present. At least that's how I try to live.

    ZZoMBiEXIII , cottonbro studio Report

    SirWriteALot
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a healthy way to see things. You are forged by what you went through and if you changed something in the past, you probably wouldn't have the great things you are now grateful for.

    Salvador Ciappara
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is life! With the ups and downs, what you learn you're far better off. Nobody gets a fairy tail life. Life just isn't like that. And hopefully we learn from life's experiences.

    Mumma Cass
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sending you & your daughter love & positive vibes <3

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    #5

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Thinking that the things that bothered me about her would fade. Or she would change. Boy was I wrong. Every single surface is covered in c**p, I am about to divorce someone for being too messy.

    MattClausePetit , Polina Zimmerman Report

    iseefractals
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've mentioned this on here before, but that's also my wife. She's not at the level of a legitimate hoarder, she's just very cluttered and disorganized, on the logic that "i'm not done with _____ so why would i put it away when i'm going to have to take it out again tomorrow" and then....things just snowball. Nearly 14 years of that. Early this year, i got fed up and built her a new room 200sq ft office/craft room, with the understanding that her mess would be confined to that room, and only that room. The trash goblin wing. Anything that is left outside of that room, either gets thrown into that room, or goes into the trash depending on whichever is closer to the offense. Has worked a treat. Shelves, built ins and space saving organizational features galore.

    Ash
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah, i've always heard "never go into a relationship expecting them to change." (do like Elizabeth bennet and make him change FIRST! lol)

    Panda Kicki
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does she have ADHD? I folliow a couple where she has that and her bf is sort of following her path cleaning up.

    Crissy Newbury
    Community Member
    Premium
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It happens, believe me.

    AR
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does he do his part?

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    #6

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For I was manipulated into marrying a woman that turned out to be profoundly violently mentally ill. I knew she had issues but had no idea how severe. I should have trusted my gut instinct. The final time 20 years ago she was committed to a psych ward I grabbed custody and a restraining order.

    Always trust your instincts.

    airbornedoc1 , cottonbro studio Report

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    #7

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For My wife and I both agree: we got married because our families, and society in general, expected it. We have no regrets--our marriage is pretty good--but the relationship isn't *better* in any way for us being married.

    Married or not, we're definitely happier together than apart, though.

    ProbablyLongComment , Dương Nhân Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This doesn't sound like they have any regrets at all.

    Pandaroo
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That sounds good, ngl compared to the others

    Nina
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Anyone who's married could say this. It's not a huge revelation. Being married doesn't change how you feel about each other. It's an act we like doing to celebrate being together.

    BenyA.
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    what are you doing here🫤

    #8

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Biggest regret is not pushing to meet her family sooner. We dated for 6 years long distance before I saw her mom and dad and sister interact at a dinner table.

    It revealed so much about my wife’s behaviors, mannerisms, stigmas that I previously could not wrap my head around. Her parents were unbelievably toxic to one another’s and her sister was unhinged.

    We’re still married and happy with a child on the way but it would have been nice to know about her family history of mental illness and her parent’s loveless marriage and all the neglect my wife suffered prior.

    I remember talking to my dad about her and the best way I could describe her was that occasionally for weeks/months on end she turned into a house cat.

    She would do nothing just eat and sleep, mindlessly watched tv and social media for 12-16 hours a day, refuses to do even simple tasks. And then like a switch she would be normal again and contribute as if nothing happened.

    Turns out her mom is diagnosed with ADHD and depression, her sister is diagnosed with bi-polar and BPD and her dad is a literal hoarder and while not medically diagnosed has done some pretty messed up things that has me thinking he has no ability to feel empathy….

    Pudii_Pudii , August de Richelieu Report

    Texmaam
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Horrible to find out later. Happened to me.

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Talk about your traumas, guys. Talk about the s**t you went through. Be honest with your trauma responses.

    Ash
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah, that sounds like bipolar. as someone who has bipolar, I can say she should probably get that looked out. life is so much easier on medication....

    Rosecat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    After my now husband met my family, I told him many times "I wouldn't blame you if you ran for the hills"..

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    #9

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Not cohabiting first.

    rolypolydoughy , Pixabay Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to be like, nah, but you know what, I've changed my mind on this lol even if you don't live together you got to be aware of each others living habits and how you do things if that makes sense. I'm a neat orderly person...so that isn't gonna mesh with a super messy person lol

    Mumma Cass
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've heard/read stories that there are married couples who live on the same street as each other. Not 100% sure if it was true.

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    brandyy17
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    this is a must. wen me and my husband realized we were the ones for each other id spend 3 or 4 days a week at his house to get a feel for wat itll b like. covid hit shortly after we got engaged. (a little tid bit i was 25 wen we met and still living with my parents cuz new york housing prices r ridiculous and he was in the same boat) but covid hit shortly after we were engaged so i spent lockdown at his house. we had no issues wat so ever. we loved being with each other everyday and night. after lockdown i spent every other week at his house due to my parents request. wanted to spend time with me before i moved out. i later found out that they were planning on moving to florida after i got married. my in laws changed their basement into an apartment for me and my husband and 4 years later still no problems living together. seeing if u can handle each others habits and lifestyles is a must before marriage. things we learned we had issues with werent big enough to pay attention to. like i have thick hair so i shed alot lol. he ties up his hair and i find hair ties everywhere. he doesnt have long hair so its those 1 use tiny hair ties. he leaves coffee mugs everywhere instead of putting them in the sink. im picky about where things go in the kitchen. little things like that. it doesnt bother us enough to care. i kno ppl who r in a marriage and have issues sometimes bc of pet peeves or habits they dislike all bc they didnt test the waters before living together after marriage. i mean im a plushie fanatic so ive got them everywhere and so is my friend. my husband finds it adorable while hers sees it as clutter. we both collect glass animals my husband found a great show case for mine hers is stuck in boxes in storage cuz her husband thinks its dumb. im still collecting while she stopped bc of her husband. ppls likes and dislikes also matter especially wen those things r part of someones life. like my glass animal collection is 30 years worth of collecting. i even have seasonal ones that i swap out every holiday. if my husband hated it idk wat id do cuz its part of me. knowing each other 100% is important

    Denise Melek
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Who on earth gets married before even having lived together? Is that from 1950?

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    #10

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For I don’t mean this in an “Aw sweet” kind of way, but I wish I’d just done it sooner. I wanted to have a good job before we got married. But getting married wouldn’t have changed that, except maybe making it a little easier for us tax wise. We’d been together for 6 years and knew about 8 months in we were done looking. But. I had stupid young man pride.

    My other regret, and she agrees, is the wedding. In hindsight it was a stupidly expensive party we didn’t get to enjoy.

    kbean826 , Jonathan Borba Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weddings are extremely expensive. Keep it small, private and then use the cash to do something as a couple. At least that's my opinion.

    Nichole Harris
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm with ya on this one!! Got my wedding for under $200😁

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    Scott Rackley
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    House down payment or wedding party. Choice seems obvious to me.

    Ripley
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We had our "wedding" on the 10th anniversary of our marriage. We knew by then that we were pretty solid, and it was nice to have a bit of a fancy party. We splurged on a car and photographer, and the rest was pretty inexpensive. Was great, and everyone had a really nice time.

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    #11

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Not talking about boundaries before and ensuring I have enough space and time to myself.

    SaysPooh , Ron Lach Report

    Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That seems to be a problem that happens a lot. I tend to need more space that what people are willing to give me. It's like if they aren't practically up my nose 24/7 they aren't happy. If I don't automatically like something they're interested in (like movies, or certain genres of books for instance) they stop doing it (even though I assure them they don't need my permission and should have their own hobbies as well as stuff we can do together!) and then they get resentful that I "made them give up" something they liked to do....

    #12

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Not divorcing sooner. I held out for years longer than was good for either of us and the children. It got ugly. In hindsight, I should have walked away with her saying that I gave up too soon rather than having put up with those last five years of truly vast quantities of money spent on marriage counseling that just made things worse, intense fights, bruises, concussion, and winter nights sleeping in the car.

    RickKassidy , RDNE Stock project Report

    AR
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So there was abuse? Yeah, that should’ve needed a lot sooner.

    #13

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Getting married so quickly. We got married when I was 23 and he was just shy of 25. We’d only been together 10 months.

    We had always planned to get married, just not THEN.

    But then his very proper grandparents said that we should get married or they’d be disappointed, essentially stop seeing us, and we’d see no help from them. To this day I’m not sure what kind of help they thought we wanted.

    So we got married.

    BUT…..been married for 21 years (together for 22) and very happy together so I guess it worked out in the end.

    Specialist_Risk2178 , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    #14

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For My gullibility in believing my wife and her family are capable of keeping their promises and saying what they mean.

    bubonis , Ric Rodrigues Report

    #15

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Divorced here -

    not trusting my instincts sooner.

    I vividly remember telling her that she had the ability to "steam roll" my emotions and feelings. that was *before* we got married in 2001

    cut to 4 years post divorce now in 2023, and her steamroller is larger and more abusive and meaner.

    Optimal-Judgment-982 , Ron Lach Report

    Agat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have no idea what this means...

    Mr.Li
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She was toxic and abusive. And it got worse with the years

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    #16

    Thinking I could cure his depression and PTSD and not realizing that he never was in love with me plus total sexual incompatibility.

    VetsWife328 Report

    Diolla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    " I'll fix him! ". A mistake as old as time itself. Been there done that.

    Kobi Carpenter (Up4chalng)
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Me too :( A month after a friend of mine said "You can't fix someone who doesn't want to be fixed" and those words had a great impact on me. I kicked my ex out. Six months later I found someone who didn't need fixing and have been with him for nine years now (married for seven.)

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    Learner Panda
    Community Member
    11 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Read this out loud: "Aisle, Altar, Hymn." You can't change them.

    Gabriela Cink
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is hard and mentally destroying even when he is in love with you.

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    #17

    The money spent on it. Worst part is, I kept telling my wife we could spend it on a nicer honeymoon, or a house, or literally anything, but to no avail. She now agrees, and in general is better with money than I am, but for whatever reason, that wedding venue, food and everything created a blind spot for her frugality.

    thecountnotthesaint Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Weddings are very very expensive. I realized this when my best friend got married years ago so I can imagine with inflation what it costs now.

    SirWriteALot
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would not have gone along with it.

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    #18

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For We’re married during Covid, so we didn’t get a wedding. Feels silly to do one now, but I hate that I missed out.

    DreadfulRauw , Dimitri Kuliuk Report

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I knew a couple who, for their 30th anniversary, had a really lavish wedding to renew their vows.

    SuperChicken
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That is so sweet and nice. I wish them many more happy and healthy returns.

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    Rocky
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I missed out on my planned baby shower. I knew it be my only one and well, I was rather excited to be sort of "center of attention" for once. I was excited to play that game of guessing how long of toilet paper I measured out to be. It was to be in two weeks and then COVID restrictions. I know people lost their lives.. I am only having a vent since the post opened the discussion about "missing out".

    Rosecat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am glad I had the small party I did, but with regulations and my family bring, well, my family, I would have been happy marrying my husband with just us, the priest, and a best man or maid of honor in a tiny church.

    brandyy17
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i got married in 2020 which was during covid and we had the perfect wedding. we found loop holes in the wedding restrictions. venues only allowed 50 guests no matter the size however restaurants with catering halls allowed 100. we changed our whole wedding plan. we didnt have a dance floor due to regulations but that was fine we arent fond of dancing and loud djs and stuff. the restaurant did allow the traditional dances regardless of restrictions. we had a dj and a pianist. mainly for atmosphere and wedding feel. alot of guests danced by the tables they were sitting at which the restaurant didnt mind. we were allowed a proper cocktail hour. it wasnt grand or flashy but everyone including us thought it was perfect. we never got a honeymoon but we did stay in a port town for a week before going home. after friends who rescheduled their weddings saw wat we pulled off they all followed our example instead. churches allowed ceremonies based on size. we were under the limit for the church we chose so it worked perfectly. absolutely no regrets wat so ever. wen i finally get over the thought of flying while covid is still around. ive had it twice randomly and im epileptic so it triggers seizures. ive also been asymptomatic both times so find out thru seizures yay. once i get over the flying fear we will have a proper honeymoon

    AR
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We eloped. No regrets. Was a lot faster, cheaper, and was drama free.

    iseefractals
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Missed out on....? The crushing debt that goes along with that pageantry? The stress that goes along with organizing that pageantry, and the stress that goes hand in hand with that debt? My wife and i went to the courthouse, had a couple of employees as witnesses and told no one, because every aspect of a wedding is our version of a personal hell (especially since weddings in Romania are like an organized racket, fueled by guilt and potential for social shaming) Her mother only found out several years later when she saw a piece of mail come for my wife with her new last name. If you really think you're missing out, do some due diligence and run down pricing for all the things you'd both want out of the wedding....then take that money and stick it in your savings, or at the very least put it towards something that will improve your lives for the foreseeable future.

    Rocky
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, it isn't the same process for everyone. If she feels she missed out on having a wedding, she feels she missed out. Her circumstances and outlook can be a lot different than the typical "debt for wedding".

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    #19

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For 1st Marriage, no regrets about getting married with what I knew at the time, but I do regret how I handled her infidelity. I was far too conciliatory, and I think if I had been more firm with her in setting boundaries afterward, maybe we'd have actually made it (I doubt it, but in retrospect I think that was our only chance).

    2nd marriage was just a mistake. We just weren't compatible. She's a good person, but we weren't good together. I knew this subconsciously before we got married, but I convinced myself that my misgiving were just "jitters." After I realized it (~6 months), should have ended it sooner (kept trying for 7 years-I/we had no chance).

    I'm engaged now to a woman who makes me feel VERY differently about the relationship than I ever have, and this feels like "it's supposed to," if that makes any sense, but I still learned a lot from my past, and I'm using what I learned to make sure I don't repeat mistakes (I definitely accept my portion of the blame for things that went wrong-I've had a lot of time to think about them).

    surgeon67 , Pixabay Report

    Ace
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good luck to this guy, he may need it!

    Natalia
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mum has been married to her third husband for almost 30 years, and I have never known a couple as perfect for one another as they are. Sometimes you have to kiss a few frogs!

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    Rocky
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't understand the w***y-nilliness of marriage. The second marriage for this guy? Who told you you had to? Society, right? Blaming society is the new "I have mental problems because of my mom". "I make the wrong choices because of society". While these may be true, we really need to work on accountability.

    Rocky
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol my God.. seriously w***y??? W***y! W I L L Y

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    #20

    That this woman thought she owned my bank acct and should run my life and that I actually cooperated with her!

    figsslave Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've never been married but with finances I assume you'll have personal accounts each and then like a joint account for bills etc.

    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's one way to do it. Recipes vary. I know one happy couple where the frugal housewife organizes the finances and gives the working husband an allowance that he can spend as he wishes. Another couple kept separate accounts because one of them would have blown a joint account. Another have a joint account because the normally stingy wife's splurges consist of celery with goat cheese or French pastries, LOL.

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    #21

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Letting my MIL push us around for a couple of years.

    Garage-gym4ever , Emma Bauso Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You should never let your Magical Idealistic Lemur push you around.

    Caitlin Davenport
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not true! They always have your best interests at heart; that's why they're magical.

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    #22

    Lack of sex, terrible finances, inconsistent child raising, and jealousy and lack of trust from her.

    KyorlSadei Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you ain't got two way trust you ain't got anything.

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    #23

    Not doing it sooner. We lived about 500 miles apart. I even resisted the long distance relationship for years. Everything can work. Everything can be worked around.

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    SuperChicken
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    True, things can work out. But sometimes, when the other person, even if still in the same relationship completely checks-out (emotionally and physicall) - It's doomed. It happened to me.

    Okiedokie
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, total emotional lockout can mean mental health issues, but, get that stuff figured out before marriage [or relationships in general]. This is, ofc, barring something completely traumatic that occures while married that triggers it. Nobody deserves to be legally stuck with someone who has no idea how to deal with life. & this goes two ways: marrying someone in the hopes that they'll eventually 'get better' will absolutely rock your world in a bad way, & can make you sicker than they are. never commit to someone hoping they will change if you love them enough.

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    Svenne O'Lotta
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No, not everything can work. This is complete nonsense.

    #24

    Marrying the wrong person.

    WoodsFinder Report

    Mumma Cass
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just do not believe marriage is right for some people. My parents have been together for 45yrs and are not married. In the eyes of our family, friends & even our Government, they are considered married. My mum was married but didn't last long due to DV. My parents never argued or fight about anying EXCEPT over us kids!

    #25

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For For me, it is the constant compromising I do mentally. It probably the same in any kind of relationship but I lose the sense of independence and freedom for mental compromise as a partner. Not a big regret for me but the biggest one i can think of. It's good to remind oneself to take a me day every once and a while.

    skullman_ps2 , Mike Greer Report

    Mia Black
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really think it's the norm in many relationships to feel like constant compromising and sometimes (I say sometimes!), if one doesn't feel this way, it's because the partner does more "compromises" (Which aren't if only one has to stay back). I think this work is somehow necessary but it should be easier and more equal than I see it in relationships. It's a little saddening that relationships are sometimes exhausting but maybe they feel more exhausting because we have to less free time and energy. If we had more, it maybe wouldn't feel like this... Just thinking

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly, if seeing your partner as the other half of the relationship, and compromising with them is a bother for you - just don't get married. It's okay, not everyone is cut for it.

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    #26

    Combining finances.

    anon Report

    Carrie B
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've been with my husband for 15 years married for 10. We've always had separate money/split the bills and have only had ONE disagreement, not even a fight, about money. We don't have kids so that might have made us combine accounts. If you can keep it separate, do it.

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But...but that's what married couples do, no? I mean, that's like regretting that you lived in the same house. Or did OP mean the wife's spending habits?

    #27

    The person I married and the person I became.

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    #28

    Getting married, getting married without a pre nup.

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    iseefractals
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When my wife and i got married, part of the paperwork included how we'd be treating our assets/money in the event of divorce: everything stays separate/join everything and split it down the middle or joint property is divided but everything we've brought that existed prior to the marriage remains our own. It wasn't a prenup, it was just like 3 check boxes on the paperwork while filing the marriage license.

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've always heard that pre nups aren't a thing here in my country, not sure how true. I'd sign one though just to make sure they feel comfortable.

    Mumma Cass
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    @DennyS, which country are you from? Is the divorce rate low?

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    #29

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Getting married. I love my wife and kids, and getting married probably saved my life. I feel like I'm not cut out for marriage, though, and I have so many days where I wish I just chose never to get married and have kids.

    paco1764 , Josh Willink Report

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For a person in this situation, I think it might be helpful to get therapy. They may think they're wishing they never got married and never had kids, and I don't know, maybe that's really what they wish for ... but it's also possible they have some unresolved issues and this wish is kind of a deflection off that.

    Tommy DePaul
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Marriage saved your life but you're not cut out for it. What . . . ?

    Gabriela Cink
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I understand it as he would probably not be here anymore, if he was not married. And he is regreting to be burden to family?

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    brandyy17
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i understand wat they r saying but im the opposite. i sometimes think i dont deserve to b married. ive got epilepsy, anxeity disorder and arthritis in my knees. wenever something happens with one of them i feel like a burden but my husband doesnt see it that way. he always tells me he loves all my flaws bc they r a part of me.

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    #30

    Spending on a videographer. Not researching a good photographer.

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    iseefractals
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When my buddy married his first wife about 15 years ago, they were shopping around for Videographers and photographers....and quickly decided it would be more financially responsible to spend the money on buying a pro-grade video camera, and just have the guests take turns on recording responsibilities. He still has the camera, that wife...not so much.

    #31

    That we had to move in with parents initially because the house we were buying together fell through. It didn’t give us the best start to our marriage, but things are much better now.

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    #32

    Settling for someone and not waiting for the right one.

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    #33

    As a divorced man, I regret all of it.

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    #34

    My first marriage, the only things i dont regret are my kids and filing for divorce. My current marriage, absolutely nothing. My marriage is as close to perfect as it gets.

    Traditional_Crew6617 Report

    #35

    The wedding, her family, her obsession with money.

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    #36

    Inviting family to the wedding.

    goaheadblameitonme Report

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hell to the no. A lot of my family aren't even gonna know lol

    #37

    Did a visa marriage so we could be together at all and she wanted it to be public and I conceded and that was a big mistake. Should have just stayed on paper in a drawer for the utility of it. Telling people about it will only and did bring more problems than we could handle.

    KlM-J0NG-UN Report

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    #38

    Wasted time and resources. All for nothing.

    rb577511 Report

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    #39

    Not being aligned with sex drive. Would've been good to know that 10years ago. Love her more than anything but jerkin the old gherkin get old on your own after a while 🤣.

    Accomplished-Bet-420 Report

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is one of the most common complaints among married people who feel unhappy or unfulfilled: sexual incompatibility. You're rarely going to find two people who want the same amount of sex at the same time. There will ALWAYS be someone who's not getting it as often as they'd like. What people have to do is sit down, think about it. Is it REALLY that important? Yes? Get a divorce. But if you look at your marriage and say "Yeah, I really wish we did have sex more often, but you know what? What I get from this marriage in other ways is worth more to me than the sex, and eventually, I'll get old and won't care so much about sex anyway." and maybe it won't seem so bad. But I do think married couples need to cooperate, communicate, maybe try to compromise a bit?

    SirWriteALot
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If your wife is a SAH mom with a kid or two, and you come home, expect dinner to be ready and then for your wife to be horny afterwards, you're in for dissapointment. NOBODY is in the mood for sex after a day of dirty laundry, diabers, cooking, cleaning etc.

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    #40

    The getting married part.

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    #41

    30 Men Share Why Marriage Wasn’t The Fairytale They Hoped For Losing my independence. And not having as much sex as I want. My wife decided to stop taking care of herself the minute we got married. Has gained about 15 pounds a year, every year, since we got married. Will not stop eating, will not work out, and any pushback from my side results in arguments and accusations of "fatphobia." her solution to this is for me to magically become attracted to obese women by listening to podcasts about fat shaming.

    hadriantheteshlor , Fernanda Latronico Report

    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So you're not attracted to her but you do want her to put out? We're not getting the full story here and I understand that, but it sounds like you two are incompatible on more levels than just this.

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree. The "not having as much sex as I want" makes me cringe. That's not really what marriage is about. Also, I suspect if the wife stopped taking care of herself, there could be a lot of reasons for that, but maybe it's depression? There's a lot I have questions about here.

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    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Somehow I doubt that Mr "I lost my independence"' told the whole story here. Should just get divorced, I imagine that will be better for his wife, too.

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    #42

    Having children too early.

    I consider 32 too early — for me personally.

    humanessinmoderation Report

    Crouching hippo hidden panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My neighbours had their kid at 45 and 60. I feel so sorry for him sometimes, they’ve never done a bday party or even anything kid centric. They take him hiking a lot, and he hangs around in the car park most days throwing stones. He seems bored and lonely

    Arcady Royzen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I disagree... having children too late creates more generational divide and if you take it in perspective, you might be depriving your kids from seeing their grandparents

    #43

    If anyone has regrets, it’s likely not about marriage, it’s about being with the wrong person.

    anon Report

    Con O Cuinn
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is f*****g stupid. How do you not regret the marriage if it's to the wrong person? Pseudo intellectual BS.

    #44

    Not sleeping with more women before I got married.

    TraditionalTackle1 Report

    SirWriteALot
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why? For that notch in your belt or a trophy or something? Grow up.

    Crouching hippo hidden panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like you shouldn’t have gotten married. Not emotionally mature enough

    DennyS (denzoren)
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sorry to break it to you but if this is a regret, maybe marriage wasn't the best decision.

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    #45

    That I went from broke to well off and my ex went from well off to broke, and now that we’re getting divorced it’s reversed again.

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    Aelin Wildfire
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds like you were taking advantage of her, then...

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    #46

    I expected more out of her improving on herself; not being false she is definitely better than when we were dating/engaged, its just not in the direction I expected.

    BreakerMark78 Report

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, she improved on herself (so, she herself wasn't enough for OP), but the issue is that she didn't improved the way HE wants?

    Crouching hippo hidden panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Urgh some of these are gross. Willing to bet he’s balding with a beer gut too

    #47

    The Wife!

    BTW thats not a joke.

    leanpatriarch Report

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    #48

    We're 23 years together and had close to 10 years of "deadbedroom" (used "" cause we did have sex like once, twice a month while i needed it daily). I regret i didn't push it hard enough and tried to solve it in wrong way.

    Nathaniel66 Report

    Deborah B
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So sex every two weeks or so? Not a dead beadroom, just different sex drives. TBH, more frequent than he'd probrably be getting as a single.

    Susie Elle
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you see it as something that you should've pushed for harder, I can fully understand why the wife is reluctant to fulfill your needs. It's okay to want more frequent sex, but it sounds very much like OP is only interested in scratching his own itch instead of engaging in sex that is pleasurable for both.

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree. This is not something on should "push". Sometimes people are not sexual, particularly after children, and there can be a lot of reasons for it, and adding stress and pressure isn't going to help.

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    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    you don't "need" sex. You like to have sex daily, cool. You NEED to eat and breathe. Stop making sex your whole world. Also, "Tried to solve it the wrong way"? Are we talking cheating or rape?

    Crouching hippo hidden panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He needed it daily? Is he like a rabid rabbit or something? Twice a month is quite average apparently. Sounds like he did her a favour removing himself

    #49

    When I get angry at Wifey, I can't tell her to get out and go home.....

    BECAUSE SHE'S ALREADY HOME!!!

    BALDBULLDOG1963 Report

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    #50

    Getting married in general, it's nothing more than an relationship insurance policy for women. Pre marriage, it wasn't bad. The more she got( house, marriage, child) she became one of those I don't do this, I don't do that women. I don't help, ice completely clocked out. I got to work, come home to my computer room, and only come out to use the restroom and eat dinner. Rinse and repeat. She sits complains about, all I see looking atbher is a false advertising sign on the coach. I stay for my kid because I enjoy seeing him daily, and over my f*****g did body she's getting half my bank account, I rather be 6 feet under.

    Odd-Flower-1861 Report

    similarly
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I got to work, come home to my computer room, and only come out to use the restroom and eat dinner." Yeah, I think I see the problem. Marriage is a partnership, and that includes making dinner, washing up, doing laundry, cleaning house, spending time with the kid, spending time with HER. This sounds really toxic. They should just divorce. This guy's "over my F+king did body ... I rather be 6 feet under" ... shaking my head. I'm just shaking my head.

    Arcady Royzen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    which part you didn't understand? let me guess - this one "The more she got( house, marriage, child) she became one of those I don't do this, I don't do that women" As usual you pick and choose what helps your cause but completely ignore the rest. you see a problem???? you are so blind its not even funny. There is always a two-people fault in any failed relationship. but you only see and blame half of it.

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    Earonn -
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As far as I can understand of his rant, he doesn't do anything at home, just works and plays on his computer, but she is the villain here? And he thinks that's good for the kid? Oh, wait, no, he does it to see the kid, he doesn't give a s**t about if it's good or bad for the child.

    Carrie B
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg please leave her. You sound awful.

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