I have no regrets at walking out on my mean wife but do feel guilty about our teenage kids

DEAR DEIDRE: SICK of being the butt of their jokes, I left my wife and kids six months ago – and I have never been happier.

I know it’s the right decision for me but I do feel guilty on some level for walking out.

I am 44 and my wife is 40. We were together for 20 years and have a boy aged 17 and a girl aged 15.

But it became clear my wife doesn’t respect me and this filtered down to our children.

I explained to them often that I didn’t like being continually ridiculed but they didn’t listen.

I was miserable, so I decided to leave my family home and marriage.

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Soon after I met another woman at my gym who took an interest in me and valued me.

We developed feelings for one another. I felt happiness for the first time in years.

My family then saw how serious I was, but they seemed to think I should still take their jokes at my expense.

When I told them I had no intention of returning, my wife seemed genuinely shocked.

I realise I’d allowed a toxic relationship to occur. It feels as though there is no going back.

I feel numb towards my wife but will do my duty and see my children once a month or so.