Where would you move?
I’m married (36F) with one son from my previous marriage. My first husband died and my second husband (43M) is a narcissist. Our marriage counselor pulled me aside and told me my husband was abusing me and to run. He cut off my credit card and made everything so much harder. I went back to school last year and my husband made it impossible to get school work done. He would start fights whenever I was studying. I got those classes done but have taken another break because I ended up failing one class. I need to go back. I need to leave him. As of tonight, he said he wants a divorce and us out of his house. I was an idiot I know. I left my financial stability for him. I thought I had truly found love after pain and grief so I moved a state away and left my job for him. My therapist even liked him. My son adored him. My husband would talk about adopting my son. Ever since we said “I do” he switched. Slowly over time. Turns out, it was all a facade. He was texting a 22 year old coworker the day he came to move me into his home. I didn’t find out until well after we got married. And now since he has lost 100 pounds on a glp-1, he wants his single life back and us out asap. I can see it clearly now. He is obviously interested in someone because the sweet, kind, caring man he showed me is what he is showing to the world now. He told me he wanted a divorce tonight and then went upstairs and texted me an apology for everything he has done. I’ve never gotten an apology for anything before. He normally doesn’t even acknowledge any pain, hurt or emotions I have. I know it’s not safe here. My son deserves a healthy family. I deserve a healthy environment too. My question is how do I do this? I have no community. My first husband’s parents died years ago. I literally have no one. No career. My question is if you were a solo mom and needed to go back to school, where would you move to? What state? This is the first time I truly have nothing to stay in this area for. My parents died this past year. I don’t have siblings I talk to. I just want to build a healthy, happy life for my son and I. I’ll be taking my dog and cat. The pets were mine with my late husbands. I want a good school and friends for my son. I came from an abusive family so I am aware how I ended up with my now husband. I just don’t feel like living around here is good for us. There’s no resources. It’s a small red town with one store. Jobs are limited. If you were a solo mother with no village, what state would you live in? Any certifications you would get to start making some money? Give me all of the helpful advice because I am determined to change our lives.
Edit: He is in law enforcement which just makes this so much worse. The smear campaign started a long time ago. He fooled my entire family for 15 years. I’ve known him that long and still had no idea who he was. Even my first husband liked him and my first husband was so caring and loving.