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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What the hell am I doing??

86 replies

iamnotpanicking · 17/06/2023 23:31

I made an awful mistake and married the wrong person. I stayed for nearly 20 years in an abusive situation and was so miserable for so many reasons that I got to a point where life just wasn't worth living anymore. I hated everything in my life, I hated me and who I became, I hated waking up each day. Eventually I decided everything had to change and I worked very very hard for nearly 5 years to create a plan to make that happen.
Everything is changing now and I'm trying to not panic!😱
I filed for a divorce, I put my house up for sale, I found a new job in another part of the country with a higher salary and more manageable hours and I am buying a house there in an area I don't know and I'm leaving everything I know and everyone I know behind soon.
What if all of this is a mistake?????
What if the job doesn't work out?????
What if I can't afford the new house?????
What if I don't meet any new friends?????
What if???? What if??? What if???
I can't sleep at night because I am so worried about everything. I don't feel free I feel terrified!!!!!! I'm crying randomly most days and I'm irritated and short tempered and stressed and anxious and all I can think about is how scared I am that things will not work out (I know they could work out to be just fine but my mind is still thinking the worst). I'm trying to tell myself it will all be ok and I can do this.
My parents don't want to know. They're mad I'm getting divorced and are not speaking to me but then telling other family that I don't phone them enough and those family are telling me to contact my parents more frequently.
My brothers are focused on their careers and I'm not sure they have heard me when I have told them what I'm going through right now. They've not contacted me, I contact them and ask how they are doing.
One group of friends I meet up with all I hear about are their holiday plans and their new house designs and their gardening projects. I'm truly glad things are going well for them, but my life is chaotic and uncertain at the moment. I'm taking things day by day I can't think about their holidays in August and where they will ski in January. We are in such different spaces right now, they are thinking of how to spend their money and I'm worried about not having enough to provide essentials like food and a roof over my head. When I speak they're saying things like 'poor you, you'll be fine' before moving on to what we're having for lunch. No one asks how I'm doing. People keep telling me to 'stay positive'. I don't feel positive I feel bloody terrified!
When I've spoken to another group of friends they have said things like 'you've created the problems you're having right now, you knew it would be tough' and 'there are other people in this world who have bigger problems than you do, remember that' and 'at least you have your health'.
Another friend asks 'how's your divorce thing going?' about every 2 or 3 months.
These are the friends who for years told me to leave and make changes if I was unhappy. Now I'm doing that and they are carrying on as if life is not changing (I guess it's not for them) and expecting me to carry on as if my entire life isn't changing. I've been upset by their comments. They said I was being dramatic and I was told to 'pray about it' and 'take some time for you'. I'm so sick of these throw away comments. I'm moving several hours away and I mentioned meeting up after I move, you could have heard a pin drop before the conversation moved on to another holiday they are planning. I know I will never see most of these people again now that I'm moving out of area. I'm now finding it hard to meet up with them and pretend everything is ok. I am now avoiding these people because I find meeting up with them too upsetting.
I have come to realise that I don't have good friends or maybe not even friends. I have acquaintances and people I sometimes text and meet up with for meals. I thought I was lonely due to my marriage but I'm realising that I was lonely due to not having strong connections with anyone, no one has my back. I'm on my own. I think this might be partially why I'm so stressed and panicked and emotional most days. Yes I can do this on my own, but I'm realising it would be nice to go through this period of my life (actually it would be nice to go through life) with someone who cares about me or at least have someone who can be somewhat supportive rather than me feeling like I shouldn't be sharing what I'm going through because I am the one that made choices to change my shite situation.
One friend has told me to leave voice notes for her when I need to talk. A few days I was so desperate to talk to someone and over about a month I sent her three messages in total when I felt at my lowest. She's not replied to any of them. She said she thought she was being a good friend, she said she told me to send her the messages because she thought it would be helpful for me to talk out loud, she told me she hasn't even listened to the messages. I felt upset by this and have told myself to not send her any further messages. AIBU to have thought she would listen to the messages and respond? Am I expecting too much of her time? I'm sure she's busy. Is it me? Am I asking too much? Should I not be talking to people about what is going on for me? I feel so overwhelmed and terrified most days that I don't know what to do then I go into a spiral of panic and overthinking. I'm now questioning if I should have made any of these changes let alone all of them. I know I should rely upon myself rather than on others, I know other people have their own problems, but sometimes I just want someone to talk to.
AIBU to want at least one supportive person at such a massive moment in my life?
Thanks for reading. Apologies this has turned into a bit of a rant.😳

OP posts:
JamSandle · 24/06/2023 23:27

You sound amazing. I like the idea of the opposites game as well.

iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 23:21

@Caroparo52 Thank you! :) That's really inspiring! I'm glad it's worked out well for you too!

@Milkand2sugarsplease Thank you!! What an amazing twist to your story! I'm so please you are now happy in a new relationship. You're right this next chapter is a chapter, not the book. I need to remember that.

@LidlOrAldi I think you are right. Right now I'm still surrounded by what I am 'losing' and I haven't yet seen the next phase come to life. There is still so much that could go wrong in terms of both the sale and purchase and new job role. Once I move into the new house and start the new job I'm hoping I will feel a bit more relaxed that it's happened rather than going to happen. You're right I'll have a new focus at that point and hopefully be more excited about the future. Thank you! :)

OP posts:
amberisola · 24/06/2023 23:19

I don't have much advice OP but I think you're amazing! No wonder you're feeling like this about such a big life change, but it's all for the better and once on the other side you'll be so much happier. Keep strong, you've come this far and you can clearly handle whatever comes your way!

JMSA · 24/06/2023 23:13

What if it's wonderful? Smile

RunMynamethroughyourbed · 24/06/2023 23:11

Fuck em all. How strong are you! Have a fresh start, your life is about to begin again. Do it

iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 23:10

@QueenoftheNimbleFlyingCat Thank you! :) I'm glad it's worked out well for you and good luck!

OP posts:
Springbecamethesummer · 24/06/2023 23:09

You could try asking yourself what if you hadn't made any of those changes in the past 5 yrs, and still stuck in a hopeless situation.
I don't think people really understand major life changes unless they've experienced themselves. They don't get what's involved. They will just think you will be feeling relieved to end the relationship. They may deep down envy you your fresh start and new possibilities, totally unaware of the stress and enormity of all the uncertainty that lies ahead.
Anyone in your situation would feel the same, what l found was that l became more confident of supporting myself as time went by. Nothing catastrophic happened, many times l felt alone, uncomfortable and out of my depth, but l committed to making it work, l had that resolve, and kept going no matter what. There's a saying "The harder the climb, the more beautiful the view" It will all be worth it OP, before you know it these worries will be behind you. Good luck.

iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 23:08

@Coffeetree
I really thought that leaving my husband would mean I'd keep all the good things in life, including the friends who counselled me to leave, and just be free of the bad marriage. But, as with you, many (not all) friends fell away when I was no longer living in a nice detached house but was instead in a shitty flat. Some people were surprisingly judgey too.

:0 This is exactly what I'm experiencing! I'm moving from a nice house and area to a much much smaller place in a not as nice area several hours away. It's what I can afford. I was happy I could find something that I could actually afford but when I told my friends they were shocked I was leaving a nicer house and area, they kept leaving off the bit about the abusive husband in the nice house.
How many times have I heard 'can't you just get a little place in X' No. I can't. I can't afford X that's why I'm moving out of X because it's too expensive.
I keep being sent rightmove links for houses WAY out of my budget and I am now copying and pasting the same reply 'Sorry it's out of my budget'. Do they not understand the word 'budget'? I have to watch every penny now. I have to work extra shifts. I can't afford the things I used to. I'm ok with this but I guess they now think we don't have anything in common? It's been really upsetting, they focus on what I'm losing and I'm trying to think about what I'm working towards.
I hope you're right about making friends after the divorce and I'm glad you're now in a better space!

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:58

@itsmylife7 Thank you! It was actually a bereavement that made me realise I couldn't continue as I was. Someone I knew had lost their life after a painful illness and here I was fit and healthy and utterly utterly miserable. I had to make a change or at least try. You're right, we only get one life and it's too short to live in misery because of someone else.

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:50

Thank you @kittybiscuits I've been totally amazed and touched at the responses I've received and how supportive random strangers can be! I have also loved hearing how people have gone through similar and come out better on the other side. It has been hugely helpful for me and I hope also for anyone else who might be reading this thread. I will be moving soon and then starting the new job and my new life and I think my worrying will possibly spike in the next few weeks as life does a 180 and then the dust slowly starts to settle. It's a slice of calm reading these posts after long shifts at work. Even if no one else posts I will re-read these posts again and again as they having been so helpful. Thank you so much to you all!

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:43

@TwoFluffyDogsOnMyBed Thank you! I will definitely be on the look out for new friends who accept me for who I am and will hopefully stick with me when shit hits the fan. It would be nice to create a 'family' of support where we can all be there for each other.
I just don't know how or where to find this amazing group of women.

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:39

@ISeeMisledPeople :) Thank you! I appreciate your motivating words!

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:37

Thank you so much @AngelinaFibres You've created a beautiful image of what life can be like! I'm going to save that and read it to myself each day before bed, before the spiralling starts.
I'm glad to hear you're now living a happy life that is your own.

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:31

@moneymoneymoneyroot My parents think divorce is wrong. It doesn't matter why you want to divorce or what he is doing to you, leaving him is wrong. I think my parents are ashamed of me which is at odds with people telling me I should be proud because I was brave to leave. I realised when I filed for divorce that I would not only be leaving my husband but also my family. It took me years to come to terms with that and it hurt. I did not realise I would also be losing my friends, that's hurt even more. I still remember how shocked they were when I told them I was divorcing. I felt like I had done something wrong. I will never forget that moment. I hadn't prepared for it and I was shocked they were shocked.
I could possibly let out a room if needed. I need to look into that and the options there. Thank you for the idea!

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:22

@Namechange666 @YoucancallmeKAREN Thank you!

I'm hoping other women who are in a similar situation will read all this amazing advice which is helping me and it will also help them too.
You all will never know how helpful and supportive you have been. Thank you!

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:18

@greencheetah Your DS sounds brilliant! ❤
Thank you! I will try to look at this next phase as an adventure which I can control if it starts to go pear shaped. The closer I move to the sales completing the more panicked I become (hence this thread). One huge chapter is closing and another one is starting, blank pages are waiting to be written. I hope this is my best chapter yet. I just need to remember to breathe!!

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:12

@Grumpy101 I'm so sorry to hear your experience. It is awful to go from having 'friends' to suddenly being alone because your friends don't understand or don't agree with your decision. It's been eye opening for me and very hurtful.
'Apparently because I married him, I should just stay.'
That is what my parents told me, it didn't matter that he was abusive. I don't matter, that's what I took away from their words. Again it was hurtful and I realised I only have myself to look after me. One of my worries is moving into my new place and not knowing how to fix things and not having the money to pay someone to fix them. That feeling of being alone is terrifying not because I don't want to be on my own but what if something goes wrong and I can't fix it. I keep telling myself
'Other women have done it and I can too. I can do this. Breathe. I can do this. I can figure this out.'
It seems to be working when I start to spiral.
Have you built a new life for yourself? Have you made new friends and created a home for you?

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 22:01

Royalbloo · 22/06/2023 15:38
Being "alone" also means that no one can let you down x

@Royalbloo Thank you! I'm so glad to hear that you and your daughter are now happier since you left. It gives me hope and also I can so relate to your words about not relying on anyone because then they can't let you down. That feeling is powerful knowing no one can let me down again.

OP posts:
iamnotpanicking · 24/06/2023 21:54

Apologies for the delayed reply I've been working extra shifts.

@Pocketfullofdogtreats Thank you! People seemed shocked when I told them I had filed for divorce. I was shocked they were shocked because they knew what my situation was. Perhaps you are right about change being threatening. I'm so glad to read that you are in a better space after you left and that it can get better. Thank you so much for your kind words and for the hope you've given me.

@Escapingafter50years Thank you for the link it made for interesting reading. I haven't heard of that before but it sounds very familiar. I will continue to read into this because I realised I'm doing it now. I worry about not having enough money so I work extra shifts even though I'm exhausted and haven't been sleeping. Not sleeping is probably making everything worse but worries tend to come up most at bedtime when I have no other distractions to keep me busy.

Thank you @Ladybug14 I struggle to imagine that everything will be ok but I am trying and I am telling myself it will be. I just struggle to believe it. I've been doing the opposite technique all week and it is helping to stop the spiralling so it's not as bad as it was.

Your words made me tear up @Mabelface 'my life is my own' It's hard to get my head around that but I know that I am going to be the only person who cares about me so if I wanted to leave my awful marriage then I had to figure out how to do it myself. It's both scary and also a relief to be on my own. You sound very happy in your new life and I'm so glad it's worked out well for you. I also cannot imagine living with a man again or getting married again. I have fought and am continuing to fight so hard to have something for myself. I can't image giving that up ever again.

@Riggle Thank you! That's a great idea and I will try it tonight. I keep myself very very busy and when it's time to go to bed I am exhausted but when I start to slow down my mind starts worrying about everything that could go wrong and I start to question if I'm making another mistake. Then the 'What ifs' start coming in and the spiral starts. The opposite techniques have been helping to stop the spiralling but I'm usually so worked up I can't sleep. The heat recently hasn't been helping either though.

OP posts:
LidlOrAldi · 22/06/2023 18:48

The anticipation of change can be terrifying!!!

The reality is likely to be far less so. This is the worst bit, once you move and start your new job you will have a new reality to focus on and shape. ou can do this!!!

Milkand2sugarsplease · 22/06/2023 17:52

Life is full of what ifs.

I divorced my ex perfectly happy to tackle the world on my own with my DS.

Life had other ideas and I ended up with my now DH, who was actually my teenage crush and we'd lost contact years before, and I'm happier than I ever, ever thought I could be.

You're off on a whole new adventure - some will work out, some not so much but if it doesn't work out it's not the end of the story, just that chapter.

Houses sell, jobs are advertised, people to meet are everywhere.... nothing is permanent if you don't want it to be - but, there's a bloody good chance this is the start of a wonderful new life - run to it head on and make it amazing.x

Caroparo52 · 22/06/2023 17:46

Dear op.
You are amazing and desetve happiness. It will come ... I did a similar thing 8 years ago and everyday I thank myselffor having the courage to change my situation. I don't have to speak to him, cook for him, listen to his shit ever again. You will be free to discover you which hasn't happened in 20 years... it wont be instant and the road was not all roses. But now 8 years later I have everything in my life to be happy about. Do this for you. You won't regret it. Good luck and be find your inner strong woman. Ps
Now friends say I am a positive influence in their lives because I dare to just do it.

Take care and you have all the happiness of freedom and choice waiting for you

QueenoftheNimbleFlyingCat · 22/06/2023 17:26

OP 5 years planning and you are doing it, that's amazing!!! You are an inspiration!!

People are self absorbed, you will make new and deeper connections where you are moving and can start again with people you truly want in your life.

I had all of this 2 years ago and I can honestly say I'm the happiest I've ever been, yes, there are down days but overall I'm happy and content - you've got this.

Coffeetree · 22/06/2023 17:25

Oh man you are me five years ago. Right down to the unsupportive friends.

I really thought that leaving my husband would mean I'd keep all the good things in life, including the friends who counselled me to leave, and just be free of the bad marriage. But, as with you, many (not all) friends fell away when I was no longer living in a nice detached house but was instead in a shitty flat. Some people were surprisingly judgey too.

Looking back, I think when you're in a bad marriage, it's hard to develop real, lasting friendships. But it's okay because when your life is better and you're more relaxed and happy, then you'll naturally start making better friendships. It just happens naturally.

itsmylife7 · 22/06/2023 17:20

You're an amazing strong Woman OP.

You only get one life and that life has not been great up to now....But the new adventure begins for you.

Your so called friends want to keep you in "your unhappy box' and by smashing your way out you've shown your courage , they don't like it !

I wish you much happiness for your new life.....💐

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