I am at the beginning of this journey and was looking for a safe place to unload.

My husband and I have been together for over 17 years and we have an 8 year old.
He’s a kind and nice guy but we’ve not been happy for about 6 months and long story short when I suggested therapy he decided he was done with the relationship. So I’m starting to deal with all of the different stages of grief (still in denial). He says he’s at acceptance and actually felt relief saying out loud which is how he knew it was the right decision for him.

He’s willing to do whatever I want in terms of living arrangements and custody and says I can choose whether to have full or joint custody of our 8 year old.

I don’t know what to do.
I know full custody is going to be very emotionally and physically exhausting but I don’t know if I can manage going so many days without seeing her if we had a joint agreement.

I would really appreciate some words of advice please. Thanks

Does it surprise you that he would give up joint custody without a fight? Without knowing him or you my gut reaction is that someone who doesn’t fight for the right to share in raising their child shouldn’t have custody. That doesn’t mean he won’t have visitation, as much as you both agree on. But full custody can give you legal control to make all decisions for your child. You know him and what kind of Dad he is, make the decision based on what’s best for your child even if it’s scary. Both scenarios are scary for you in different ways.