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Partner's ex wife upset over boundaries being introduced

512 replies

Stickytofpud · 07/06/2023 00:25

New here so please bear with me. I came to search confirmation that I am not completely mad for what I have done/seek unbiased opinion. Apologies for long post, I felt that context and reasonable detail was needed so that people can inform their view.

I have two young kids with my partner, and his two older kids from previous marriage stay with us for half a week. The marriage broke down due to partner's ex wife's infidelity; she went on to marry the man she cheated on my partner with, no further kids born in that relationship.
When I moved in with my partner, I sort of 'jumped onto the running train' of established routine of my partner's ex featuring heavily in his life through constant messaging, but also physical presence, dropping off the kids and inviting herself in and ordering my partner to make her a cup of tea, dropping in to get stuff while we were not in the house, that kind of stuff. The infidelity and divorce upset my partner, but he's a man who's able to forgive so over time their relationship has become reasonably amicable and allowing for the above, but definitely not romantic (from his side anyway). As a newcomer, I was putting up with all that, though knew that this level of intrusion and presence from his ex was definitely not normal. To maintain the peace I tolerated the situation. Me and her would get on ok, and I get on well with the kids; she said numerous times how lucky her kids are to have me in their lives.

Me and my partner then had our first child who she would see when dropping off or collecting the kids, she would take the child in her arms etc etc. Some time after we had our child, things started to change for me, particularly after some information reached me related to her current husband (relationship not going too well) and our child (her having a bit of an obsession with the child, like the child was hers).

I have then suggested to my partner that it was time to put some boundaries in place as there should be, and put a bit more distance between her and us. This was supported by my partner, though he wasn't overly keen to introduce all these changes as he did not want to 'rock the boat'. The boundaries mostly revolved around her presence in our place (no longer invited in, kids being dropped off/collected by their dad from her place). Nothing, I believe, that should be a problem for a former partner to respect and accept as their ex partner has moved on and started a family with someone else. The boundaries also include as little contact of my children with her as possible; she's of no relation to them, other than being a mother of their siblings.

It's been about a year now since the boundaries have been introduced and it didn't go down well with her, and it is actually getting worse. I have been name called by her, all of a sudden it's not kids are lucky to have me in their life but poor kids to have to endure me while staying with their dad.. the latest being that if I don't want her to be involved in my kids' lives then she doesn't want me to be involved in her kids' lives either.... completely ignoring the fact that she's comparing apples with pears; her kids are part of our household and my life for half a week each week, whereas my kids have nothing to do with her.

It's wearing, it's frustrating, it's upsetting and I don't know where it will end. It's also putting a strain onto my relationship with my partner as he is caught in the middle of it. It's all been fine for as long as it was on her terms. When the terms changed, I have been made the bad one, for asking nothing more than to be given space and peace for our family life.

For those who managed to read until the end, I would appreciate your views, AIBU?

OP posts:
malificent7 · 07/06/2023 12:48

It's a very tricky one op.

I like dps ex wife a lot bit i still used to get jealous due to lack of boundaries.

Bafflingpineapplecow · 07/06/2023 12:46

Good lord OP, should have posted in the step parenting board. Replies have been a bit batty tbh. No, mum doesn't need to be so overfamilar with your baby. I'd not allow it to happen and have no interest in my baby ever even meeting mum. My partner and I could split and she wouldn't see us for dust. Letting herself in whilst you're not there, what's that all about and who does that? My partner doesn't have a key to his exe's either because why would he. Cuppa at dropoff maybe. But only at invitation.

SemperIdem · 07/06/2023 12:43

Wenfy · 07/06/2023 12:42

You don’t come across as very mature. You’ve basically ruined your DP’s kids relationship with you for no reason other than your ego. If your DP can drop his kids to her house, why can’t she do the same at yours? I think it’s lovely that the Ex gave a shit about your baby and was considerate about her and wanted to give her cuddles: that is what normal people do to / for babies.

Not sure why you switched so suddenly but I think there’s nothing you can do now. You have permanently soured the pot for yourself and set the foundations for your DP keeping secrets from you. I bet he will end up taking your child to see his ex when he takes the other kids.

Now seriously - why on earth would he do that?

Wenfy · 07/06/2023 12:42

You don’t come across as very mature. You’ve basically ruined your DP’s kids relationship with you for no reason other than your ego. If your DP can drop his kids to her house, why can’t she do the same at yours? I think it’s lovely that the Ex gave a shit about your baby and was considerate about her and wanted to give her cuddles: that is what normal people do to / for babies.

Not sure why you switched so suddenly but I think there’s nothing you can do now. You have permanently soured the pot for yourself and set the foundations for your DP keeping secrets from you. I bet he will end up taking your child to see his ex when he takes the other kids.

forrestgreen · 07/06/2023 12:36

Did you move into the old family home?

Hellno45 · 07/06/2023 12:34

Sorry YABU. You have put these boundaries in place and in my opinion they are a bit over the top. She's going to be on your lives forever so why not try and get on for the sake of the children? I don't see any reason why she shouldn't drop off at your house or pop in for a tea. She's being too nice to your kids. Would you prefer her being mean to them or cold? Coparenting doesn't need to be acrimonious.

Nordicrain · 07/06/2023 12:33

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:30

Er what ? The whole situation is fucked both op and her boyfriend are cowards. Change the locks say yeah I think I only want immediate family having keys but you are welcome to come for a cuppa occasionally if convenient when SC are here. OP has only hit the nuclear option because she's scared the ex will want shag her dp because of rumours things have soured in the exes new marriage.

Exactly.

It's all such extrememes. Putting up with the ex letting herself in for 5 years and hten suddenly she isn't even allowed to step foot on their road. This is to do with OP's insecurities. It could have been managed sensibly and maturely, there's plenty of compromise to be had as many people have outlined, and a good coparenting relationship could have been mantained for the benefit of the kids.

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:30

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:25

Well yeah it could have but it wasn't. The kids are surely not stupid and will work it out so just tell them. Dads moved on now and it's only right the new family home is a bit more seperate from the ex

Er what ? The whole situation is fucked both op and her boyfriend are cowards. Change the locks say yeah I think I only want immediate family having keys but you are welcome to come for a cuppa occasionally if convenient when SC are here. OP has only hit the nuclear option because she's scared the ex will want shag her dp because of rumours things have soured in the exes new marriage.

JanetheObscure · 07/06/2023 12:27

I'm a second wife and stepmum and think a middle way would have been preferable. OP - you find the ex overbearing and inappropriate, but by your own account she and your DP had had an amicable arrangement for some considerable time. The wholesale change to this arrangement was unilateral and it was bound to upset her.

You were well within your rights to ask her not to let herself in. But couldn't you have negotiated for occasional cups of tea and a little less communication? And not completely scuppered the relationship between your DC and their siblings' mother?

You haven't said much about your stepchildren, but the boundaries have created changes for them too. What do they think?

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:25

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:23

But why should adult relationship insecurity have to affect the children? It could have been sorted out years ago the children probably think everything is cordial now they know it isn't. It causes friction when there didn't have to be any because of two adults being too afraid to be assertive.

Well yeah it could have but it wasn't. The kids are surely not stupid and will work it out so just tell them. Dads moved on now and it's only right the new family home is a bit more seperate from the ex

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:23

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:20

then they get told she's not allowed in any more yes it could have been prevented if dad had put the ground work in but he hasn't so now it needs undoing

But why should adult relationship insecurity have to affect the children? It could have been sorted out years ago the children probably think everything is cordial now they know it isn't. It causes friction when there didn't have to be any because of two adults being too afraid to be assertive.

Outdamnspot23 · 07/06/2023 12:22

I can see why you wanted to make changes but I think you've gone a bit too far in the opposite direction and somewhat thrown the baby out with the bathwater. The rules you've put in place seem appropriate for someone who is a risk to you or your children, not just a bit overkeen to spend time with you all. I think it's just a case of finding some middle ground, here's what I suggest:

Old way:

  • she sometimes drops off the kids
  • she lets herself in
  • she comes in for tea
  • she sweeps up your baby and cuddles them

Current way:

  • she's not allowed at the house for any reason
  • all pickups are at her house
  • she's not allowed to see or interact with your children

New medium way:

  • she can drop off the kids or you can pick them up from hers
  • she never comes into the house when you're not there (change the locks if necessary!)
  • she can pop in for a quick chat/cuppa if it's convenient (this could be a good forum for exchange of info re the kids as well as easing tension which will be good for the children now and in future), but equally you/your partner can say no it's not a good time
  • she can interact with your children in a friendly way but (if you'd rather she didn't) not kiss and cuddle them - this will likely change as they get older and have more say in how they interact with others

In other words treating her more like a friendly neighbour than either a) someone who lives in your house b) a hostile stranger.

SemperIdem · 07/06/2023 12:22

This thread does make interesting reading. So many different takes.

My ex and I get on well, we’ll very occasionally invite each other in to our respective houses/go out for a meal with our child, sometimes just us 3, sometimes with one/both of our respective partners. I’ve no idea how fussed he’d be over a baby I had with my partner, probably not very. Can’t imagine him giving cuddles and what not.

My partners ex has no interest in being amicable in the slightest. We have never met in person, I have no interest in meeting her now so much time has passed. The window for the type of set up I have with my exh has passed. I’d think she’d lost her whole mind if my partner and I had a baby and she suddenly wanted to be super friendly and fuss over it.

I think hitting the nuclear option here was perhaps ill advised and finding ways to phase out coming in to the house etc (and changing the locks!) would have probably worked better. But hindsight is 20/20 and it’s always easier to see what someone could have done differently when it’s not a situation you’re in personally.

It is fine for boundaries to change with time. She will adjust.

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:21

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:19

OP matters too

She does matter definitely but she needs to work on her assertiveness instead of pretending to be OK with things then hitting the nuclear button. It could have been avoided by both her and her DP by using their voices

Blossomtoes · 07/06/2023 12:21

gogohmm · 07/06/2023 12:03

It sounds like the issues go both ways, you need to relax a bit too. Having her into your home occasionally really helps family cohesion in step situations, also why does it matter if she she's or cuddles your child, having extra adults to love them is a good thing. I'm getting vibes that you don't trust her not to be after your partner?

This. Over 40 years of dealing with my ex’s wife and my bloke’s ex has taught me that cordiality makes the whole thing smoother and better for everyone concerned.

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:20

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:18

What if the step children invite her in? It's a normal thing for them , ffs this could all have been avoided if people didn't pretend they were OK with things.

then they get told she's not allowed in any more yes it could have been prevented if dad had put the ground work in but he hasn't so now it needs undoing

Nordicrain · 07/06/2023 12:19

Tiddlypomtiddlypom · 07/06/2023 11:08

I’m not sure what you’re struggling with. The abuse came after the assertion of boundaries. I said that.

The boundary crossing behaviour by the bolshy ex, which was really, really weird, is what prompted them to assert boundaries.

What are you not understanding in what I’ve written there?

Also, do you think the abuse is justified by the assertion of normal boundaries by the OP and her partner?

Jeez, calm down.

Hoenstly I am not sure think there's been abuse (which is an overused term in my view). What I think has happened is that the ex is pretty pissed off that the OP has decided to come in and change what has worked for the family and in terms of coparenting for years, blaming the ex and accusing her of wanting her husband and baby (which frankly sounds paranoid) So the ex is angry and reacting in the way people do when they are angry and defensuve - a la fine, if I can't come near "your" family, well then you can stay away from mine.

OP has caused all this by going to extremes. If she had left her insecurities at the door and dealt with the whole thing maturely proper boundaries could have been set without a full on ban on the ex, rocking the coparenting relationship the ex and OP's DP had otherwise found worked for them.

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:19

Rosesarere · 07/06/2023 12:17

Not what you will be wanting to hear but I think you are in the wrong. Sounds like everyone was happy with the old arrangement apart from you? The new arrangement seems to make everyone unhappy. Maybe would of been easier for everyone for you to work through your jealousy regarding the old arrangement

OP matters too

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:18

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:17

Doesn't really matter. Father of her child. He needs to step up here and tell his ex she's not welcome inside anymore and never should have been. It's weird.

What if the step children invite her in? It's a normal thing for them , ffs this could all have been avoided if people didn't pretend they were OK with things.

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:17

beachcitygirl · 07/06/2023 12:16

@Cantstandbullshitanymore not her husband. Her boyfriend

Ah this is where the insecurity comes from as well, ftm her boyfriend has an ex wife and existing DC.

Rosesarere · 07/06/2023 12:17

Not what you will be wanting to hear but I think you are in the wrong. Sounds like everyone was happy with the old arrangement apart from you? The new arrangement seems to make everyone unhappy. Maybe would of been easier for everyone for you to work through your jealousy regarding the old arrangement

sourcorn · 07/06/2023 12:17

beachcitygirl · 07/06/2023 12:16

@Cantstandbullshitanymore not her husband. Her boyfriend

Doesn't really matter. Father of her child. He needs to step up here and tell his ex she's not welcome inside anymore and never should have been. It's weird.

beachcitygirl · 07/06/2023 12:16

@Cantstandbullshitanymore not her husband. Her boyfriend

Sunshine0x · 07/06/2023 12:15

Cantstandbullshitanymore · 07/06/2023 12:12

Actually OPs husband is the coward who should have put reasonable boundaries in place. It’s difficult for OP to come in and immediately start putting boundaries in place as she will be seen as the evil one and this goes on until OP can’t rake it no more and has to insist.

As she said her husband agreed with the boundaries but was still worried about backlash. He’s the cause of all this and as another PP said this is a situation where one ex does what he or she wants the other goes along with it unwillingly die to fear or rocking the boat.

It's bloody weird having a key to your exes house. Why would anyone put up with that , I'd dump straightway as it would be too enmeshed but OP decided to pretend they were OK with it until they gained more power in the relationship. Now the kids are going to be confused it's just a messed up situation.

Its947 · 07/06/2023 12:12

Stickytofpud · 07/06/2023 01:12

I am sorry that i have come across as hideous. There's seeing my children and there's cuddling and kissing my children. Would you be happy with that for your children?

Yes. If it’s kindness, I would yes.