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Kind but very poor boyfriend . Should I stay or go?

254 replies

Joisworried · 24/07/2025 23:08

PLEASE be gentle. I have PTSD from my ex husband’s abuse.

I’m 46. Have been divorced 2 years, separated 5 years. I have two kids under 12. One is severely disabled, I am his main carer.

After the most traumatic divorce I’m finally free, but I’m pretty broke because of it (especially vs the life I had with my rich-but-controlling husband).
There’s no question that I did the right thing in leaving him and I continue to work all the hours I can (as I also always did while we were married) to bring in as much income as I can to support the children and me. I
now own a heavily mortgaged but tiny house and lease my car. I accept Universal Credit to top up my earnings and am extremely careful with household bills (batch cooking/deals/vouchers. Etc)

I met a lovely older man on a dating app in April 24. He is one of the most emotionally intelligent men I have ever known. He is considerate,
fun, kind, compassionate, generous and the intimacy is amazing.

However he is verging on penniless (works very hard as a labourer - but it’s all hand to mouth). He has two older kids, each from different mothers (I’m explaining for context not judgment).
But we definitely disagree on politics and parenting.

i simply cannot decide whether or not to stay or go.
We have probably the best relationship I’ve ever had. However the idea of the rest of my life with him fills me with sadness. And I don’t really know why.
Should I stay because he’s the nicest man I’ve been with?
Or should I move on in the hope that other good men actually also exist?

Am I the idiot who can’t see what they’ve got? Or should I wait to meet someone who makes me excited about the future?

OP posts:
Marble10 · 24/07/2025 23:20

Nicest man you’ve ever met but definitely disagree on politics and parenting?

Those are two major things especially given you have young children. Regardless of him being penniless.
I think you need some time alone, it seems very rushed especially when you have been in an abusive marriage before. Yes this relationship may be better than what you had, but it’s not great. Trust your gut feeling!

HeyItsPickleRick · 24/07/2025 23:13

Sorry just re-read April 24, but I stand by my response!

HeyItsPickleRick · 24/07/2025 23:13

Just because it’s the best relationship you’ve ever had doesn’t mean it’s the best you can do. After only 10-12 weeks or so if you’re not absolutely sure, do the right thing for you and your children and walk away. I think the penniless point is a red herring - you don’t agree on parenting and you already have doubts.

KittytheHare · 24/07/2025 23:12

Why on earth are you rushing into another relationship? And why are you musing on what “the rest of your life” would feel like with him?

Focus on your own mental health and self worth, and the wellbeing of your children. You don’t need this relationship or any other for that matter, right now.