Sometimes, I think it’d be easier being a single dad.

I had a rough day at work—came home muddy and exhausted. As always, I tapped on the back door window when I arrived. My daughter lit up with excitement, the best part of my day. My wife, however, snapped, telling me she wasn’t in the mood for my “games.” She struggles with bipolar and depression, and she’s a SAHM.

Tension rose. She retreated to the bedroom while I cooked dinner like I always do, did laundry, and took care of our daughter. We ate in near silence. Later, my daughter and I played outside, watched TV, and I gave her a bath. That’s when it hit me—everything felt easier when my wife wasn’t around. No criticism, no tension, no worrying if I was doing something wrong.

I love my wife. I won’t leave her. I try to support her. But some days, it’s just… hard.