“Mom,” I interrupted, “Sarah is my wife and the mother of our child. She deserves respect, no less than anyone else at that table. If you can’t see that, then it’s time we reevaluate our relationship.”

The call ended with her still protesting, but I felt no guilt. The decision was right for Sarah, for our future family, and for myself. Later, I received a text from Jessica, laden with self-pity and incredulity at losing her financial safety net. But, as I reminded her, the lifestyle they enjoyed came from the very person they had chosen to belittle.