Excellent article. The common thought is that marriages end with a bang. Sometimes, they just drift off slowly and inexorably over time. That was my case, it took 44 years and, with the last bit of my energy, I had to declare it was over.

My ex and I had independently been getting help. There was no drinking, gambling, drugs, philandering, etc. involved. Eventually, I realized that I was simply living with another person. I had no relationship with my spouse nor did I want one. There was nothing left to save. It took a long time and a lot of soul searching to reach the conclusion that, for me, I knew it was over. If I was ever to have a chance at a happy and fulfilling relationship, I had to get out. When I made that declaration to my ex, she was shocked. The line of texts and conversations leading up to the cataclysmic moment were as mundane as yours. In the end, I think she eventually realized it was over long, long ago.

One thing I know is that there are two sides to every relationship. If it is not working for one party, it is not likely working for the other. Painful as it is for both, sometimes you just have to cut the cord... and, as you have found, there is the opportunity for real happiness and fulfillment on the other side.