Mandy and Jack had always enjoyed a blissful, child-free existence—precisely what they both desired from life. Their days were often spent with a close-knit circle of Jack’s lifelong friends, engaging in various group activities and outings. However, Mandy began to notice a troubling pattern: Jack was increasingly excluding her from these gatherings. What was the cause behind this sudden change? Read on to discover the underlying reasons.

For nearly a decade, Jack and I had crafted a life together that was the envy of many—a perfect blend of affection, shared aspirations, and endless escapades.

Yet, something shifted a few months back.

Previously, Jack and I were inseparable when it came to social events, be it professional gatherings or casual meet-ups organized by his friends. These were friends he had known since their high school football days, long before our paths crossed.

But of late, Jack had begun to devise various reasons for me to stay behind while he went out to these social functions.

“It’s just a boys’ night, Mandy,” he’d claim as he prepared to leave. “You wouldn’t really enjoy spending the evening just with the guys, right?”

There seemed to be some truth in his words. After all, a night out with the guys typically involved beer, chicken wings, card games, and occasionally cigars—hardly my cup of tea.

So, I initially believed Jack. Besides, most of his friends’ wives were preoccupied with their children, so it seemed plausible that they, too, were absent from these gatherings.

However, my perspective changed dramatically when I bumped into Marcia, the wife of Kevin—one of Jack’s oldest friends—at the supermarket.

“Mandy!” she exclaimed, embracing me from behind. “How have you been, dear?”

“I’m good,” I replied, smiling down at her twin toddlers who accompanied her. “It’s been a while since we last caught up!”