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Should I send a letter to explain why I don’t want to see my dad anymore?

5 replies

AnneTwackie · 29/04/2021 10:55

My dad was an alcoholic which made my teens and twenties very hard. When he got sober he left my mum and did some very hurtful things to me and my brother and almost ruined my business. He tells people I’ve disowned him, keep him from his grandchildren etc etc.
I’ve tried to be fair and kind, we send cards and are pleasant to one another. He keeps forgetting my young children’s birthdays and has formed a close friendship with my abusive ex. The little contact we have only makes me angry and I’ve decided to cut contact as it feels like a empty gesture which isn’t appreciated anyway. My question is would you send him a letter or see him in person detailing why or just send a vague ‘I’d prefer not to see each other right now, best wishes’ etc? Have you been in this position?
I feel it would be cathartic to tell him how I feel and fairer to him and then I won’t have to think about him again, my husband thinks it’s cruel to drag everything up and I’ll regret it.

OP posts:
ComtesseDeSpair · 29/04/2021 11:00

I’d just send something short but final along the lines of “I’ve been reflecting on your behaviour whilst you were still drinking, and then how you treated us when you and mum divorced and have been finding it difficult to feel you are somebody I want in my life going forward. Please don’t contact me and please don’t try to contact me through other relatives. I wish you all the best but I think this is a clear enough statement about how I feel.”

A long and drawn out letter about all his faults and failings only offers the opportunity for him to say “but that was then, I’ve changed, let me show you” etc, and try to keep channels of communication open.

ComtesseDeSpair · 29/04/2021 11:01

If you feel you’d like the catharsis of writing the letter about everything he’s done wrong, do so, it might be helpful - and then do something like ask a good friend to quietly read it in support, or throw it away.

AnneTwackie · 29/04/2021 13:40

These are helpful suggestions, thanks!

OP posts:
OpheliasCrayon · 29/04/2021 13:52

I've just said nothing. I can't be arsed to be honest!

Heatherjayne1972 · 29/04/2021 14:25

Thing is. What do you think would be the outcome of a letter. Would it just give more ammunition and cause you more hurt ?

I think you should write it but not send it maybe burn it. Perhaps a letting go ‘ceremony’ of whatever type fits with you

And then you just wish him well and not contact him again.
It’s hard but your mental health and that of your children trumps him every time

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