Kim France, a successful magazine editor, discusses her life-altering affair and the challenges she faced in her marriage. She reflects on her decision to get married and the desire for children, as well as her experience with breast cancer. She also talks about meeting her partner on Tinder and their funny encounters.
Having an 'exit affair' can be a turning point that gives someone the courage to escape an unhappy relationship and find happiness elsewhere.
Finding a partner who fully appreciates and accepts you, and prioritizing your own happiness, is key to a successful and fulfilling relationship.
Deep dives
Kim France's exit affair: Seeking happiness amidst a distressing health diagnosis
Kim France, a former magazine editor, reflects on her 'exit affair' during a difficult period in her life. At 37, she was diagnosed with breast cancer while being in an unhappy marriage. Feeling trapped and depressed, she met someone who became involved in an affair known as the 'exit affair,' prompting her to leave her marriage. Although the affair didn't last, it gave her the courage to escape her unhappy relationship. Kim also shares her journey through cancer treatment, the challenges she faced at work, and the decision to stay private about her diagnosis. Ultimately, Kim views the affair as a turning point that led her to a happier life.
Finding love after divorce: Kim's unconventional path to a fulfilling relationship
After divorcing her first husband, Kim France embarked on a journey of self-discovery, hoping to find love again. Years later, she met Paul through a dating app, and their first date in Prospect Park was filled with meaningful conversation and a strong connection. Despite the initial concerns from friends and family about the fast-paced nature of their relationship, Kim and Paul decided to be exclusive shortly after their first date. They quickly moved in together, understanding the risks but feeling an undeniable bond. While their relationship progressed rapidly, they both recognized the importance of giving it time to develop naturally without external pressure. Ultimately, their love and compatibility led them to get married, even though they did not plan on having children together.
The second time around: Kim's happiness and contentment in her new marriage
Kim reflects on her second marriage with Paul and how it differs from her first. She describes Paul as someone who appreciates her fully, including her flaws, and enjoys spending time together doing simple things. Despite societal expectations and doubts from others, Kim and Paul decided to get married because it felt like the right level of commitment for them. Their decision to marry at an unconventional age brings a sense of romance and happiness. Kim acknowledges that being in a relationship where both partners agree they could never find anyone better is a beautiful and fulfilling experience. Through this journey, Kim learned to prioritize her own happiness and refuse to settle for less.
No Filter is back with new episodes for 2024, up first: Kim France was a successful magazine editor and she’d been married for a few years when she realised her marriage was in trouble. At a time in her life when she was going through enormous upheaval in her health and her career, she had an affair. It changed everything.
Kim is an author, journalist and was the founding editor of Lucky Magazine. She has a successful newsletter called Girls Of A Certain Age and she lives in New York.
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Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.