How do I end a loveless marriage of 32 years without tearing a family apart?

If you aren't in love, and the situation is uncomfortable, then it's time to take care of YOU. No one else will.

The family will come to accept it eventually.

Culture not religion is tearing your family apart. You've no discipline in your family and have done what you liked until now. Your mum (probably sick of it all) wants you all to start behaving like adults rather than like animals at a zoo. So you're all having problems with it and blaming religion for it than admitting to your faults. Religion is the same all round and it's successful in creating civilizations so it's not to blame. Culture on the other hand is select peoples opinions and prejudices on how things should be done - this rarely works out. You should show some respect and at least come half way with your mother - she did give birth to you after all. If you show some compromise and disciple then she'll feel there are improvements being made and will lay off you. As an adult in the family she has a responsibility to look out for you all. If your father is feckless or ill mannered then of course she will have issues with that but that's between them not you.

After 32 years of marriage, your children should all be grown and out of the house. They have started their own life on their own. Any divorce will make life different for everyone however you need to live YOUR life for you. Are you sure you really want to leave after being together that long? Its time to think about what is best for you but also think if what your going to do is the right thing for you right now. If your sure that the love is gone between you and your spouse, then talk to her/him and decide the best way to break the news to the family. Even though the family might give you problems, its really up to you and your married pardner to make the decision.

You can ask 100 people & you will get 100 different opinions. When it comes to matters of the heart there is no logic. You can try to explain it but it won't make sense to anyone but you. Do what you feel is right for you. You get one shot in this life in that body at least no sense in living in a way that doesn't make you happy. While raising your children I'm sure the same principle was passed to them. Just please know there will be a band of people either standing beside you supporting you & your decisions to be happy or a group of people with that "Who farted" look on their faces demanding to know why. Or you know it could be split support vs anger.

I wish you luck & genuinely hope happiness finds it way to your life, whether that means united as a family or not. Keep smiling.

achoo! I think I am coming down with the swine flu. Jesus! 32 yrs is a very long time!

Its seems that I have seen lots and lots of American spouses that eventually do get tired of their spouse around 50/s and 60's. I might be one of them. Wait a minute! Arent your kiddos in your 20s and 30s by now?

Divorce breaks a family apart and and it creates a "broken home." You can't end a marriage without dividing your family in certain ways. One way to minimize the pain is to stay on good terms with your ex.

DONT EVER STAY TOGETHER FOR THE KIDS..if your thinking that because chances are your kids are either young enough to not know the difference or old enough to understand...a family wont fall apart..but it can if you continue to be unhappy or pretend that you are happy in a marriage your just not meant to be in anymore..if youve tried it all to save your marriage and it still doesnt seem to help...do what you gotta do..sometimes you have to put yourself first..and its okay..good luck with everything

By not making it messy by trying to get alimony, being selfish with the children, making unreasonable demands on property, etc...

If the two of you can act grown up about and not act like you hate each other but still be amicable, then I think the family will have no choice but to follow.

Remember - you two were friends before your kids were even thought about, just be friends again.

As you already know, it's not going to be easy if you decide to leave your husband, but hopefully your family/children will realize that after all of those years that you spent meeting their needs and trying to ensure their happiness by keeping the family together, it is now time for you to start considering your own needs and find happiness yourself.

Whatever you decide to do...I wish you the best of luck.

Your kids would probably be of an age where they would understand and not hold a grudge. If you are not happy, and your marriage is beyond repair, then it is time for you to finally live your life and stop putting it on hold.....Mothers so often put themselves last for so many years, for the sake of keeping a family together and happy....its your time to live and have some happiness now.