Tuesday 12 January 2016

Letter to an unloved spouse

Original in Catalan by Mateu Ciurana

Listen Spain. I want us to separate. I would not have imagined just a few years ago that this would come to an end like this, but there's no future in what we have. I see you as an unpleasant husband who mistreats and exploits me. 

I don't regret having loved you and trying to save our relationship, but you always held me as your property. I have served you and you have shown me off. You have told me that you love me, out of the side of your mouth, and only when you wanted something from me. It is very sad, after what I have done to make things better.

There are still things I like about you, I don't mind admitting it. Your lovely Spanish language for example. What a shame you haven't shown much interest in me all these years. We have a common history and a child together, but now I want to break with you.

I know your strategies
well. You will say that, without me, you will be nothing, that we need each other. For you, the way to fix things is for me to give up being what I am. Do you realize that? I never thought I could feel the unlove I feel for you now. I'm sorry.

Now we
need to agree and see how we share things out and how we raise the children. I know I will have to pay a settlement. No problem. Let's talk about it and do some figures. You never could stand that I earned more than you. With the generosity I have always shown you. How absurd!

I could reproach your not seriously accepting the way I am and my wish to live my way. What we had could have been great, but now I want to say goodbye. Amiably, if possible. Until now you didn't believe I would take this decision, but that's not my problem. What will you do? Do your best to maintain some form of dignity, if you can.

I'm looking forward to living my own life, and I have many projects. Don't say that phrase you like, attributed the mother of the last Muslim king of Granada (Cry like a woman for what you could not defend like a man), because in addition to male chauvinist, I'm sure it's false. Take it as you wish, but I want to leave you.

I wish you luck. Goodbye, Spain!

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