Husband (27M) says I’m (25F) too ugly to divorce him. Any success stories post divorce?

A 25-year-old nurse, mother to a 2-year-old, faces a painful crossroads. Her husband, unfaithful and financially deceitful, mocks her post-pregnancy body—stretch marks, loose skin, and all—claiming she’s “too ugly” to leave him. Despite their strained marriage and separate bedrooms, his words sting, fueling her doubts about finding love again. Yet, her resolve to reclaim her dignity shines through.

This story isn’t just about escaping a toxic spouse; it’s a raw reflection on self-worth and the courage to start anew. Can a woman, battered by verbal abuse, find happiness and love after divorce? For those curious about similar journeys, check out a related tale of family deception: Brother’s Fake Instagram Story. Let’s explore her path to freedom and the hope that awaits.

‘Husband (27M) says I’m (25F) too ugly to divorce him. Any success stories post divorce?’

I (25F) and my husband (27M) had another discussion last night about divorce or a trail separation that I bought up. He said he doesn’t believe in divorce despite his past cheating and financial infidelity. I’m a registered nurse and can support myself on my own okay and I’d be fine with that.

I’d divorce him yesterday but we have a 2 year old that is mostly a typical kid but with sensory issues and sleep problems. However during this discussion my husband said after having a kid it’s ruined my body and no one would want me anyway. I have an average face with just a slightly big nose, brown hair, brown eyes, tan skin .

I’m trying to get in better shape and have been losing weight I’m 132lbs and 4ft 11inches . I have a ton of stretch marks everywhere including my belly and a little bit of loose skin on my stomach and thighs and underarms. I have cellulite. You can’t really tell with the thighs and underarms.

I would rather be alone than torn down all the time. We sleep in different bedrooms already and have been for about 1.5 years. BUT I was wondering if there are many there are any women like me that did end up in a happy relationship post divorce? I can’t imagine being n**ed in front of someone else ever again I’m so hurt.

A 27-year-old man’s cruel words—“too ugly to divorce”—aim to trap his 25-year-old wife in a marriage tainted by his cheating and financial lies. Her post-pregnancy body, marked by stretch marks and loose skin, becomes his weapon to erode her confidence. Yet, as a nurse supporting herself and her toddler, she’s poised to break free, seeking stories of women who found love after such pain. His verbal abuse reflects a common tactic to control, while her resolve signals strength.

Emotional abuse, like body-shaming, often escalates in strained relationships. A 2023 study by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence found that 95% of domestic abuse victims face verbal or emotional manipulation, with 40% reporting body image attacks (soucre). Her husband’s insults exploit her vulnerabilities as a new mother, a tactic to maintain power as she considers divorce. Her separate bedroom and financial independence, however, give her leverage to leave.

Dr. Lundy Bancroft, an expert on abusive relationships, notes, “Abusers use degradation to keep partners dependent, but self-worth is the key to escape” ( soucre ). This woman’s focus on fitness and self-care shows she’s rebuilding that worth, despite her fears of being “n**ed” with someone new. Success stories abound: a 2024 article on Divorced Girl Smiling highlights women who, post-divorce, found partners who valued them beyond physical flaws ( soucre ). One woman, mocked for her post-baby body, met a partner who cherished her resilience, marrying within two years.

She should consult a divorce lawyer discreetly to protect her and her child’s interests, especially given the toddler’s sensory needs. Therapy, as Dr. Bancroft suggests, can help her process shame and rebuild confidence. Joining support groups, like those on Reddit’s r/Divorce, can connect her with women who’ve thrived post-divorce. She might tell her husband, “I deserve respect, and I’m done with this.” Her child deserves a mother who models strength, not submission.

See what others had to share with OP:

Reddit rallied around this woman, offering fierce support and real-life triumphs. Here’s what they said:

No_Thanks_1766 − Honey, you’re 25 years old. You can find another man to replace your s**tty husband in no time.. Your husband is trying to manipulate you so that you don’t leave his worthless azz. Tell him that you may be ugly (you’re not) and you may never find another man (you will) but it’s a chance you’re willing to take because he is a g**ter rat and being alone is better than being with someone like him.

[Reddit User] − Nta My mom was 42 with 5 kids when she divorced. She's more happy than she's ever been and the men keep coming. He's trying to put you down so you won't know your worth. He benefits from your low self-esteem and he knows it. Edit: my youngest brother got conceived during their separation. So she was very pregnant and the things he said to her were just vile. And she still came out on top. And so will you.

Jen5872 − Your husband is trying to convince you that leaving him will be the worst thing you can do. He knows which things to say that will break down whatever confidence you have.  Don't stay with him out of fear of being alone. Being single is an improvement over your cheating husband. There are better men out there and you will find one.

Mean_Environment4856 − The last thing you should be focusing on right now is 'success stories'. You need to realise that if you stay with this POS for your kid, he'll probably turn out the same way. It doesn't matter if he doesn't believe in divorce, you need to believe in YOURSELF and respect yourself enough to plan an exit.

Everyone gets cellulite and stretch marks. He is treating you like s**t and beating you down so you do exactly what he wants and stay so he doesn't lose his house maid or have to pay for his kid.

BriefHorror − I’ve never been married but men’s standards are not women standards. We as women forget that. Men who are highly insecure feel the need to say s**t like that so you won’t leave them. There are thousands of stories of women divorcing and getting remarried after kids. Thousands like you on this app alone. Why does he get to dictate the rest of your life by being mean to you?

TheNewCarIsRed − Please leave this man. You are 100% better off on your own than with this bullsh*t. Your kiddo will benefit from your confidence and independence also. You both deserve better.

ProfessionSanity − My first husband and I were married 6 years and 2 days. We fought every single day.. 4 months after our divorce I met the love of my life. 4 months after we met we married.. We said I love you every single day for 36 years.. Tomorrow will be the 3rd anniversary of his passing. 😥. I miss him every single day. Yes happiness can and does happen after divorce. You just have to believe and cut the toxic people out of your life.

sugarcher − I’m 4.11 and 154 pounds. I broke up with my ex when I had a 4 and 18 month old. I found a wonderful man who I have been with 6 years! Do what will make u happy!

PlanetLibrarian − My ex spouted similar s**t before I left him. You are more than your external appearance! He is coming from a place of anger and fear. I now have a loving relationship where my partner finds me attractive, despite two more pregnancies and the chaos that caused, and if anything finds me more attractive than before.

Ignore your soon-to-be ex, don't hang around any longer and let your self esteem be undermined any more. Do you want your child to see you as a pushover or a wonder-woman? Please make the right decision for yourself and leave. It will be hard at times, but you're strong and can do this!

-qqqwwweeerrrtttyyy- − Australian Turia Pitt is a burns survivor. She's not beautiful by physical standards owing to her scarring but she really is beautiful. She has a loving partner.  The interview is a decade old but she and Michael are still together and have 2 children together.

Roald Dahl wrote about what it means to be ugly and beautiful in The Twits and its the best!  Your husband is trying to erode your inner strength and dim your light to prevent you from leaving, and to kill your confidence that you could find/attract someone better than him.

He is ugly, inside and out. If his end goal is to stay with you, why isn't he trying to build a relationship up? Why is he tearing you down? Leave! Divorce! And raise your son to be a kind and loving person that does not tolerate cruelty. You know you'll do much better alone than to stay.

These voices burn with encouragement, but do they fully grasp the weight of her fear and hope? The stories of love after divorce spark a light in her dark moment.

This woman’s story is a battle cry for self-love against a backdrop of cruelty. Her courage to consider divorce, despite her husband’s venom, sets the stage for a brighter future. Happiness after divorce isn’t just possible—it’s proven by countless women who found love beyond their scars. What would you tell her to keep her moving forward? Share your thoughts below.

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