[tankerslay]

>My god, the author of this story made all the wrong choices.

Did he? He kept his job, didn't get drunk or hooked on pain pills, bailed out what sounded like a very uncooperative ex-wife, and all through it kept his house clean and even took care of the neighbor's dog. If anything, I'd say the story comes dangerously close to being a humble brag.

Whatever money difference there was be between him and pretty much any of the others, including the couple who skipped town with pizza on the counter...I'd gladly pay it twice over to have neighbors like this guy.

[justherefortart]

My first wife tried this uncooperative shit with our home (I bought before we were married). I told her I'd sell it for exactly what we owe if she didn't take my fair offer.

Probably should have just gone ahead and done that but I didn't want to move.

[IkmoIkmo]

From the assumption of self-interest, yes he made all the wrong choices.

Being a model citizen or nice neighbour or a bank's best friend is another story.