I have no idea how I managed to put up with all of it.

Jake and I got married right after college. Then we had two kids, and I fully dedicated myself to raising them. But even in the early years of our marriage, I started noticing some odd behavior from my husband. It turned out that he wasn’t shy about flirting with other women, right in front of me. Over time, I realized he had always been like that, but I just hadn’t seen it before.

I don’t know where I found the strength to endure it all. I stayed in the marriage solely for the kids—I wanted them to grow up in a complete family. Plus, our boys adored Jake; life with him was always fun and full of celebrations.

The years went by, the kids grew up, started their own families, and moved away. When it was just Jake and me, I realized I couldn’t keep tolerating his affairs. I suggested we get a divorce, and he agreed. It was painful—I had given him the best years of my life, had his children, and he just walked away. But I couldn’t bear it anymore.

Now, I live alone and am enjoying life. I never thought being alone could bring so much joy. I relax, attend events, catch up with friends, and spend time with my grandkids. It’s been 15 years since the divorce, and Jake hasn’t called once, hasn’t asked how I’m doing, or even wished me a happy holiday. He only talks to our sons. That made me realize I had made the right decision when I left him.

But something happened recently that I never expected. Jake showed up at my door and asked for forgiveness.

“Maria, let’s put the past behind us and start over,” he said.

Turns out, Jake had his fun, got old, and now he wants to turn back time. I actually felt a little sorry for him. He looked frail and sickly—like I had never seen him before. He begged for forgiveness, admitted his mistakes and faults. I started to doubt myself.

I told him I’d think about it, and now I don’t know what to do. On one hand, the past is the past. On the other, he’s the father of my children, and maybe he truly needs my support now.

What would you do in my place?