Hello everyone, I am at a crossroads and need advice! I have seen some great advice on these threads and I know mumsnetters will be supportive but also won't hold back from telling me if I'm being a complete arse...
Married 25 years, 2 children, DD left home and DS teenager, I have been unhappy in relationship for many years. It's a case of longterm neglect, poor communication, and low self-esteem. DH quick-witted, sharp-tongued, a devoted father, sometimes gregarious, but now depressed (not clinically) and really in a mid-life crisis, losing his function as a father as our DS grows up and becomes more independent. There were many arguments which used to cut me to the quick, as I can't stand conflict, until I started to distance myself from what DH said. I put up a wall around myself to protect me from the rows... I neglected the relationship too... I thought I could stick it out until the kids left home.
Then I distanced myself emotionally from him. I started to go out more, although keeping all the kids stuff on track. I met someone and -really unexpectedly - developed an emotional rapport (not a physical affair).
There was a crisis point, big rows with DH for a month, now simmered down.
OM has stepped back, NC with him now.
DH and I now going to couple counselling, and I am trying to work out what happens next. Shall I leave, or stay and try to make a go of it??? I don't love him, I don't particularly enjoy spending time with him, the rows have stopped (he finally understood how much they hurt me - while he thought they were just normal). I could manage to stay, I think, but would have to really commit to trying to mend the relationship. DH extremely hurt and sad and needs to rebuild his own life too. But I must decide soon - because I can't stand much more of trying to be positive about a future together when my heart's not in it.
Any thoughts or questions welcome.
Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody
Relationships
Neglected relationship - now want to leave
indigogreen · 10/03/2015 11:41
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