I'm a 51 year old male married for 25 years. My children are grown; 22 and 25 and live out of the house. I've been faitful until 3 years ago when I met a wonderful South American woman. Shortly after our affair began, she divorced her husband of 20 years and has never been happier. Many of her friends are divorced and seem to live life to the fullest, going out often, dancing, drinking etc. This woman is a doctor and very bright. Her and her friends are all encouraging me to divorce, not only so I'd spend more time with my friend in South America, but becuse they know I'm not happy.

My married life is not bad, but stale. The first 15 years of marriage were very tough, but I hung in there, determined to make the marriage work and raise two wonderful children. I think I did all that quiet well. I'm looking at the rest of my life and feeling time is running out.

Now I'm on the verge of asking for a divorce, but scared to death of what it would do to my wife and the negativity it will bring from our families and friends. I have a good relationhip with her family, and my family looks at us as the example of a good marriage and the one all depend upon.
But I'm not happy. At least , I think I'm not. IS life better on the other side? Will I hurt too many people in the process of leaving my wife?