We had an Arranged Marriage, more than 3 years ago & planning to have Children since a Year. But my Wife had been Reluctant about the plan to get Pregnant. She was only into it Half-Heartedly, as she's also getting older. I never forced her & always tried to make her feel comfortable. But I was also worried about having Children, hence I felt that we might need to get ourselves Checked-up Medically for any issues in Fertility in either of us. As per my Medical Report, there was no issue with my Fertility. But my Wife was reluctant to get Tested. She agreed after a lot of Persuasion. When she was Examined by the Gynecologist, her Report Shocked me. My Wife already had an Abortion (which wasn't done well) & conceiving again would be very Difficult & Risky. When I confronted my Wife, she broke down & confessed everything. Apparently, she had been Sexually Active in a Relationship with her Boyfriend, while in College & got Pregnant, while still in her Teenage. Her cowardly Boyfriend had ditched her & her Parents got her Abortion done through some illegitimate means (as her age was a few months short of 18, by then). The Abortion had scarred her Physically, Mentally & Emotionally & hence conceiving again wouldn't be easy for her. But all this had been hidden from me, until then. Before committing for Marriage, she lied to me that she was Virgin (as I was also Virgin & asked for it, specifically). I had blindly Trusted her then, but now I feel that I have been Cheated by her entire Family. I sympathize with my Wife for all that she'd been through, at such an immature age, hence, I controlled myself from showing any of my Anger/Frustration on her. But I still feel that I had been cheated into this Marriage & my Relationship with her may never be the same again. I am thinking of Divorcing my Wife, amicably & Marry another Woman who's Fertile as well as Honest. Please advise me whether that would be the best approach or is there any other better suggestion, which you can give me, alternatively?
Ans: Your wife's past, though painful and hidden, appears to stem from decisions made at a young and vulnerable time in her life. Her secrecy was likely rooted in fear—of judgment, rejection, or being misunderstood. This doesn’t excuse the dishonesty, but it can offer insight into why she made the choices she did. Her confession, while delayed, shows vulnerability and trust in sharing something so deeply personal and painful. It also highlights her struggle to come to terms with her past and the scars it left, both physically and emotionally.
Divorce is a life-altering decision that should not be taken lightly, especially when you have invested years into this relationship. Before making such a decision, consider what truly matters to you in a partner and a marriage. Ask yourself whether this betrayal is something you believe you could work through with time, communication, and potentially professional guidance. Couples therapy could provide a safe space to explore these feelings, address the breach of trust, and determine whether rebuilding is possible.
It’s also worth reflecting on whether your decision is primarily influenced by her inability to conceive easily or by the breach of trust. Fertility challenges can be deeply emotional, but they are not insurmountable. Many couples facing similar issues have found joy through alternative paths to parenthood, such as medical interventions, surrogacy, or adoption. The honesty aspect, however, might require a deeper exploration of whether you can rebuild trust and feel secure in the relationship moving forward.
If you ultimately decide that this relationship is no longer viable for you, it’s important to approach the decision with empathy and respect. An amicable separation, grounded in a shared understanding of your reasons, can be a way to honor the time and emotions both of you have invested in this marriage.
Conversely, if there is still love and a willingness to navigate these challenges together, it may be possible to transform this crisis into an opportunity for deeper connection, understanding, and growth. Healing from this situation will require effort from both sides—honest communication, emotional openness, and a shared commitment to moving forward.
Ultimately, the best path is the one aligned with your values, emotional well-being, and long-term vision for your life.