I had a similar experience when my marriage broke down - we had been together 4 years & only married for 1 when we separated due to variety of reasons like controlling behaviour, no intimacy, no communication, no "life". It took me a long time to leave (I had tried to call off the wedding) & the crunch came when I went out after work one night & kissed my ex boyfriend. I went straight home & told my husband I was leaving. Within two weeks my ex b'friend & I were seeing each other & although I knew it wouldn't last long term I also knew the confidence boost he gave me by making me feel again was what I needed I & never wanted to settle for a loveless marriage. My husband tried to manipulate me into coming back but I knew eventually i would end up leaving again as nothing would change. My daughter has grown up with a happy, confident mum & I have spent many years being single & focusing on me & her.

Give yourself time, write a pro & con list & work out what you want. At the end of the day I believe you are a better role model for your children if you are confident, secure and above all, happy. No one wants to have parents who are separated but no one wants to grow up in a household that is artificial.

You have a difficult time ahead but whatever you decide to do, if it is a decision made for the right reasons, then you will be happy. Just have faith in yourself