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AIBU?

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AIBU to be livid with my Ex Husband and to want him out of our lives?

6 replies

Notcompsavvy · 22/09/2026 07:17

Apologies as this is a long post. I recently went through a horrible experience of being stalked. ExH didn't know what had been happening until I was forced to explain everything when stalker contacted him telling lies about my fidelity during our marriage. At that point ExH said he didn't know why I wouldn't give him another chance and we should try again (we split due to his control, jealousy and emotional abuse. The last straw was suicide threats).

My ExH supported me through the stalking and criminal investigation even received upsetting communication from my stalker. But it seems my ExH had an ulterior motive of trying to get me back. He was kinder, calmer and more tolerant. When I said I didn't think it was what I wanted, his behaviour changed. He has barely seen our children since, when before that he would have them at least overnight once a week. He blames it on anxiety and he says he can't cope. This means I have no evenings to myself (i believe this is a way of controlling me still) and I have to essentially parent my kids 100% as I don't have any other support.
I work full time, trying to balance collecting my youngest from school and trying to complete all my hours. My stalker is in prison but will be released in the next 6 weeks or so. I'm still trying to come to terms with what he did to me and accept that his prison sentence has been cut to 1/3 due to early release scheme.
I'm absolutely exhausted.
ExH said he was having kids tonight, then changed his mind, upset my older child in text messages and said in the new year he may be moving and not living close by. My child was sobbing. I'm disgusted with his behaviour, he couldn't have them for one night; complained about cooking a meal they asked for and basically told them if they don't behave he would waltz them back to me.
AIBU to actually want to block him out of our lives?? My children deserve better and he can actually be so unkind to them sometimes. It breaks my heart that he can't put in the effort. Him having them would give me a much needed break but why should they have to endure his misery and lack of effort if he did have them for one measly night? Plus if he rips it all apart by moving away then they'll be heartbroken.

I am flipping between immense sadness and absolute rage with him.

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worldshottestmom · 22/09/2026 20:16

You are absolutely right that he is withholding childcare as a means of control he knows it gives him leverage. You know him and how he is, you know he will not change and he evidenced that to you by changing in a split second when you told him you didn't want him back. He comes up with the excuses to try and convince you to take him back etc etc. He's already being exhausting and you're still divorced. Don't take him back, block him, grey rock him. Oh and the threats to move away are another manipulation tactic to hurry up your decision.

You don't owe him anything because he supported you, that was his choice. Remember why you left the first time. Sorry for everything that you have been through, as well, sounds horrifying and can see why you're in this state of mind. Stay strong, you can get through this, and certainly without his conditional "help".

Notcompsavvy · 22/09/2026 19:36

Pinkissmart · 22/09/2026 07:23

I went through something similar ( there’s behaviour, not the stalking).
My baseline was always that I wanted to look in my kids eyes and know I had done everything I could in their best interests.

I’d be hesitant to block him as that is likely to come back and bite you.

Will he have them for dinner, or afternoons out at least?

Is he trying to manipulate you into having him at your place?

He doesn't seem to want to have them at all. He blames it on that he's "not well". He probably would come to my house and try to play happy families.

OP posts:
jeaux90 · 22/09/2026 07:35

Yep grey rock, do not engage in any conversation in person or over messages that is not related to DC logistics. He won’t move on or co-parent until you are so completely boring to him he finds someone else.

I am so sorry about the stalker situation, do you have legal protection for when he is released?

Also I was a lone parent for years working a heavy career so I understand the pressure. Please try and find bits of time to dedicate to yourself. If DC are in a club…don’t rush home to do washing, go for a coffee or a swim or whatever makes you feel human…..we have to put our own oxygen masks on first.

AffableApple · 22/09/2026 07:26

This all sounds inctedibly stressful for you, and I'm sorry. Your ex is a cockwomble.

I've no expertise in this, but didn't want to read and run.

I don't know how old your kids are, but at some point they will decide they don't want to see him, and when they are old enough they just won't.

TallSturdyGirls · 22/09/2026 07:24

How awful for you. You have been through so much. I would un your situation focus all my attention on myself and my children. Assume your ex is not going to be of any use. Grey rock him. Don't waste energy on him.
Talk to your children about how you understand they feel hurt by your ex but don't bad mouth him.
See if you can find friends to do childcare swaps with, ask friends and family for the odd bit of help so you can have some respite.
If you haven't ask the police for a panic button for when your stalker is released and get a ring doorbell for your piece of mind.
Good luck 💐

Pinkissmart · 22/09/2026 07:23

I went through something similar ( there’s behaviour, not the stalking).
My baseline was always that I wanted to look in my kids eyes and know I had done everything I could in their best interests.

I’d be hesitant to block him as that is likely to come back and bite you.

Will he have them for dinner, or afternoons out at least?

Is he trying to manipulate you into having him at your place?

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