Dear Annie: I want out of my marriage, but I donât want to lose my family

Dear Annie: I’m 67 years old, and I’ve been married for over 40 years. My marriage has never been particularly happy. Even in the beginning, I felt pressured to get married. We now have two adult children, one 46 and the other 37.

I met a woman online, and we’ve been chatting and talking for over two years now. I really like her; she’s a little immature but seems fun to be around. She is also quite a bit younger than me; she’s going to be 30 in December. I’ve told her many times I’m too old for her, but she starts to cry and insists that she does not care. We have never met, but we have discussed meeting next month.

What do you think I should do? Should I see where this goes, or am I making a huge mistake? I really want out of my marriage, but I don’t want to lose my family either. This decision is very hard for me. I really care for her, and I’m falling in love. She has told me she feels the same way. I’m so confused. — Unhappy for a Long Time

Dear Unhappy: First and foremost, I must caution you against the internet bots, scammers and catfishers that are out there. This situation immediately raises multiple red flags, and it is imperative that you do not share any personal information with this woman. You can never trust that someone is who they say they are when you meet them on the internet.

Now, on to your question. It sounds like you have completely given up on your marriage — if you were ever invested in the first place. This is your wife and the mother of your children. Take the energy that you are putting into your online romance and channel it toward making things work with your wife. Start going to couples therapy. Plan a date night for the two of you. Your real life takes priority over your fake internet life, and you need to give it the attention it deserves before you give up on it. The grass is greener where you water it.

Read more Dear Annie and other advice columns.

“How Can I Forgive My Cheating Partner?” is out now! Annie Lane’s second anthology — featuring favorite columns on marriage, infidelity, communication and reconciliation — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit Creators Publishing for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to [email protected].