I’m Alisa, 25. After marrying my husband, Takaaki, 35, I moved to his hometown. He’s a divorcee, and his ex-wife and son live right here in the same town. I started heading to the local community center with my 6-month-old daughter, Ayane, hoping to make some “mom friends.” But for some reason, everyone avoids me. Even the neighbors have stopped returning my greetings lately. I spent so much time beating myself up, wondering, “What’s wrong with me?” but then…
The reason I couldn’t make any friends and why the neighbors were giving me the cold shoulder—it wasn’t my fault at all. I couldn’t stand the thought of spending the rest of my life suffering in this place. Even when I pushed for us to move, Takaaki just made excuses, saying things like, “I can’t leave the house I inherited from my parents” or “You should just ignore it.” He didn’t show an ounce of backbone or any desire to protect his wife and child. I was so deeply disappointed by his attitude that I decided to get a divorce.
Now, I’m back in my own hometown, raising my daughter in peace. I even found a group of mom friends I can actually laugh with. I’ve realized I just didn’t have a good eye for people this time around. If I ever decide to put myself out there again, I’m going to make sure I really see someone for who they are first.