Need a hand hold part 4

Please don't feel bad Laura, it's normal not to be able to see it when you are in an abusive relationship. It's part of the control and manipulation of your self worth and it's done slowly and methodically, so it's hard for you to notice and even when you do, you feel it's somehow your fault and deserve it. Especially with the situation of having his family members living next door and agreeing/enabling him, it's even worse because everyone in your environment is adding to it. It really and truly isn't your fault. There's nothing you could have done better, sooner or know about at the time because it's not about you. This is how these pieces of shits work and go on to create a history of toxicity with multiple partners. Be immensely proud of breaking out, surviving to see the blindfold taken off. So many never do!!

We aren't as organised as it sounds. I'm definitely going to be scrambling with getting cards made and given out, just before Christmas too!

There's a lot of bugs going around and both my husband and me have had what seems like an eternal cold. I was stupid enough to say that I felt almost like myself on Monday when calling Mum. Wednesday evening I had a fever and a painful chest when I was breathing in or out. Having had sepsis and septic shock, I was worried about it turning into pneumonia as I'm static most of the day. Luckily I was feeling better in the morning. I hope you start to feel better soon and can regain your sense of smell. You want to be able to taste the yummy special food that's around at this time of year. Husband has already "tested" one of the Christmas cakes that was hidden in the cupboard. 🤣

@Nottogetapenny sorry for the confusion. Have a lovely time, hope its not too windy!

Well, there would probably be dancing of a sort going on in that situation... 😂😂

I’d rather cover myself in honey and staple my tits to a beehive xx
This can be arranged Laura 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@nornironlady Hi we are going to a Christmas market in Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria. I’m really looking forward to it. X

@Munchyseeds2 you have me mixed up with @Nottogetapenny I think. I didn't make it further than my own city market this year. Last time we booked a trip away the flights were cancelled 😂

@nornironlady which christmas market are you going to?
Would love to get away for a few days next year!

Oh yes. We forgot to ask @MsJinks her opinion on Pete Wicks’ trousers. 🍑

😂😂😂. You can just distract everyone with your pink plastic Pete Wicks trousers 😆.

Or this, before I’ve put my make up on.

That’s lovely @RaspberryBeretxx but as far as I’m concerned the band will look more like this

@Imbluedalale that’s funny about you melting with your fleecey sheets. My DS bought me one for a christmas and I was only able to use it once. Enjoy Bridgerton, is this the first time you’ve seen it? I love it.

That sounds so hard for your son, my heart breaks for him with his Dad telling him he had played shit at football and how upset he was. What a terrible thing to say to a child! Hopefully once he spends a few days with you, he can relax a bit without his Dad and grandmother in his ear. It’s testament to what a strong bond you have with him that they are having to go to these very extreme lengths to keep you two apart. And shows how strong you are now that he’s desperately trying to take you down.

That’s great that you’ve documented things your ex has done with the police and should help you get legal aid as it’s all official. Ha at reporting him not paying council tax! Hope your support worker can help with it all.

You’re definitely not a fun sponge at all - I love on this thread how there’s support and love for things you and others are going through interspersed with fun and mundane stuff.

Good luck with your call to the school this morning, that sounds like a positive thing to do. And keeping a bit quiet with your youngest. If you just keep letting him know you love him and are there for him, there’s not much ex can take from that.

@nornironlady thanks on the tree, it seems OK luckily! And the floor is fine, just a slightly damp rug. That’s hilarious about your cat and the tinsel. Putting ours up has sent the cat slightly crazy and I’m still slightly blaming the cat for it falling over (although cat wasn’t actually in the room at the time).

@BeNavyCrab Your Christmas card writing sounds lovely (and organised! I must do mine before Christmas Eve this year). That’s lovely that you were able to be an “info dump” for your DD’s revision. Good luck to her for her exam.

@Nottogetapenny Your weekend sounds really lovely with seeing family and Christmas markets.

😂 at all the singers and dancers! I’m rubbish at both but could form part of a backing chorus (see gif - it was meant to go at the bottom of the post 😂)

You’re amazing Laura. I think your youngest probably takes after you and if so I’m sure he’ll come through this okay. Just reassure him that he’ll still have his friends etc. You’re doing so well that of course ex is feeling threatened!

Your comment about dancing made me think of the Weird Al parody ‘Perform this way’ - have you ever seen it? 😂