Brother is leaving wife of 10 years 'because she has let herself go'

Adapted from an online discussion.

Dear Carolyn: My brother is leaving his wife of 10 years because she has let herself go — his description, not mine. It basically refers to the fact that she has gained weight since they got married even though they don't have children, which I guess he thinks means she does not have an excuse, and because he has lost respect for her due to her lack of desire to have a career. She works retail jobs, but he covers most of their expenses with his much higher salary as an attorney.

He has shared his intentions with me, our parents and a couple of friends. He has not told his wife. He wanted me to know in case he needs to move out temporarily while they decide what to do about the house.

I can see that he's in pain and is trying, in some measure, to do it