K2 says her spouse’s refusal to be intimate made her feel abandoned in their 5-year marriage. “I was so lonely and had gone without being touched for so long — I felt like I was going to crawl out of my skin,” says the now 61-year old, who was 36 when she married. “At first, I chalked it up to the generational divide because I am 6 years older than he is. I figured it was him being in a selfish X-gener, me being a typical Baby Boomer. But the longer the marriage lasted (which felt like a joke of a word in my case), the more desperately lonely I became and began self-medicating. I knew I would continue to do so unless I ended it.”

Still, her husband didn’t want to get divorced: “His concern was losing the comfort of having me in his life. That wasn’t surprising given that I took care of everything around the house, including paying for everything in our lives. But eventually, I just had enough.” On New Year’s Day 2001, the couple separated with the intent to divorce. And then his mother died. “Her passing caused an attempted reconciliation, which failed of course, and delayed the inevitable at least six months.” The divorce was finalized July 30, 2003.

K2’s life since: While it has been nearly two decades since her divorce — and K2 met a man who she has been with shortly after her divorce — she never re-married. “We only recently decided to live together, which I regret doing it, to tell you the truth. I realize that I prefer to live alone, and visit often.” Yet, K2 says she is definitely happier today. “My x-husband is still selfish. The good news is that there were no children in our scenario. After all, you have to have sex to make a baby, which we very seldom did. Hence my loneliness, which ultimately led to the demise of our marriage.”

Her thoughts on marriage today: “I wouldn’t hesitate to end a relationship if I were abused, neglected or unhappy. And yet, there is no reason to marry at my age. But compatibility and respect are of key importance.”

K2’s advice to others: “Get a prenup — and don’t delay the inevitable.”

The best resource she had to make her way through her divorce was: Her best friend. And this advice from her Mom: “Everything works out for the best.”