"21" :) love you friend. The haters will always hate and the rest know where they stand. Skinny jeans or circus tents it matters none to those that care and matter.

Douche. Bag. I wonder what is going on in his life that he thinks his voicemail might be the thing you need to "help" you. I've read some of the hateful comments, though not all, because it's the same thing over and over and I'm afraid all of my eye rolling will eventually cause damage! ;-) What floors me, though, in some of these ignorant comments that echo what this man said in his voicemail is that these people just assume that they know the whole story based on a picture or an interview. (BTW, I thought you were adorable and rather endearing on Dr. Drew!) They don't know what your ex looks like or acts like or whether he is any kind of prize.

I know this is a sweeping generalization, but I learned an important lesson about guys who date much younger women. They typically are losers. Remember our freshman year in high school when I was dating "R" (remember him? Your mom heard his name and asked if he was conceived in the backseat of a chevrolet? LOLOL Love you, Basha!) Anyway, my sister was in his class and I was thinking I was all special because this Senior was interested in little ol' freshman me. She told me that the guy was a loser. The guy she liked LEAST of all the guys in her class. Haha. I rolled my eyes (habit?) Then I was a senior and looked around at the guys in my class who were dating freshman and realized... she was right. Beware of the guy who can't get a date his own age.

An older married man who shacks up with a woman barely out of her teens is not a prize. He getting his ego stroked by this bright eyed young thing who thinks she's all special because she turned the head of a "committed man." The joke will be on the both of them.

I think I'm rambling now, but I miss you and think of you often and send positive vibes your way. You are handling yourself graciously and you remind me of my favorite quote: Blessed are we who can laugh at ourselves, for we shall never cease to be amused. I don't know who said it, but I had it on a magnet on my fridge for years. Keep your chin up and continue to find the humor in the things that are beyond your control. ((((HUGS))))

WOW. What a douche!!! I love that "some people" feel so compelled and SO entitled to their opinion that they would CALL you and share this absolute bullshit. Seriously. What a fucktard. This makes me MAD!

"Change your ways, and you can get ya a man." Nice.

For crying out loud.

*facepalm*

Just know this my friend, his affair had nothing to do with you! He obviously has no coping skills for dealing with his own painful emotional issues and is using someone else to medicate with. He will continue to use many woman along the way unless he gets some help to deal with his problems. After reading your blog, I do not find you to be angry or scorned. . .just sad. You are definitely a much kinder and forgiving person than anyone I know who has gone through this. Glad you are moving forward as a new journey and life awaits you! Best wishes!

What an asshole.

And to Jaimey-the F-tard cracked me up big time! Good one girl!

Hey - I'm 37 and divorced with 2 kids, never thought I'd be here either. My hubby didn't cheat, but I'm not sure that my situation is "better" or "worse" than yours. Keep your head up, smile when you can, cry when you have to and love your children. That's really the best you can do. Hang in there!!

Sandy

Man, your story is familiar to me. I'm sorry. But you obviously are strong and have a sense of humor, and that will keep you afloat. Hope you get a great offer on the house, and remember that what goes around comes around :-)

Elle
I am sorry that people are judging you and leaving hurtful remarks. From your blog and website, you are obviously a wonderful eprson who is a great mother. You have been incredibly hurt and betrayed. Although the only people who are ever privy to what happens between a couple in a marriage is the actual participants, adultery and unfaithfulness inflict incredible pain. Please disregard those who find some voyeuristic pleasure in making inappropriate remark. You are the only person, with your children, who find yourself on this journey. You will surely say if you have not already, that you like who you are, that you cannot control other people and therefore are not responsible for their actions and that you are prepared to live your life gracefully and fully on your terms. Your former husband will undoubtedly regret his actions, but sadly it will be too late for redemption. Chris

Ignore the trolls! you're a strong, intelligent, funny, beautiful woman! May the rest of your life be awesome!

Elle,
I am amazed at your resilient attitude!!! You GO GIRL!!! I too went through a divorce in 1999 and haven't bounced back financially till this day. If I was at the financial status back in the day I would say let me buy your house and you stay and pay rent. But sadly I cannot but aren't there any philantropists out there with a heart to help Elle?? Come on guys have a heart!!!! I see sooo many just throwing money away on stupid things. Here's a good cause people and you can proudly say I HELPED!!!!! If not come people let's get to buying Elle's fridge magnets so she herself can by her house back.

Wow, I'm not sure what kind of problems a person must have to leave that message, it's obvious that your very existence made him feel so incredibly insecure he had to lash out at you... but think of it this way, you can always loose weight, but he will always be that pathetic.

I am always astounded when people justify cheating when a woman is overweight. I have found many “Good Christians” who seem to ignore the adultery. Hypocrites. I think what you are doing is brave and no doubt profoundly healing. After 10-ish years myself, I was in your position, dumped for a fitness freak, 14 years his junior. However, I kept it quiet and suffered alone. I have been told by male friends that they understood his position, because no man wants to be with someone overweight (even though I was when we met and he said I don’t care about your size – not true.)

Now, two years later, my weight has not changed, but my opinion about myself and the woman I am has. I spent 10 years raising his young daughter after his ex-wife divorced him and left the state and her child, and I treated him like a king. I created a wonderful home and stable environment for a lost and sad little girl. I have even gotten over being used by him, because sadly, that is what he did when he needed someone to care for his child. She is in my life, she is MY daughter and always will be and she sees the value in me. How is that for revenge? I'm awesome and so are you!

I believe the flaws lie within the man who doesn't see the value of women like us. We are smart, funny, sensitive women, who love with all we have. You don’t need to justify your size or your food consumption to these small-minded ignorant people. These men are the same ones who identify their self-worth by what's dangling on their arms, not by what is in love with their hearts. They are too shallow to notice it. Any man who doesn't want that is a colossal idiot.