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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to resent my ex his happiness?

31 replies

NotAProperGrownUp · 30/08/2020 19:34

Well, I’ve written the question and answered it myself - of course IABU! So my next problem is how do I stop it?
Backstory - ExH left what I thought was a ‘perfect ish’ marriage without warning a couple of years ago, eventually admitting to an 18+ month affair. He left me with a part time job, a house to sell and two beautiful children. In the last 18 months I’ve got a well-paid full time job, bought a house (got a mortgage anyway!) and just about kept a grip on life. A lot of unpleasant things were said in the immediate aftermath of him leaving - that I’m pathetic, lazy, unattractive and make him physically sick for example.
He sees the DC regularly, pays me maintenance and is pretty pleasant to me when we cross paths. He’s moved in with his partner (previously OW) and her kids and has been able to work from home since March. He’s looking well and has a beautiful home.
I’m utterly exhausted with work and home and children and extended family. I’m still fairly astounded at how my life looks.
Petty jealousies aside, my DC are tween/early teens and still struggling to cope with all the changes to our lives. They go on lots of fun days out with their dad, but are still grieving and expressing that in various ways at home (whilst being absolutely fine at dads house). I’m trying so hard to save my energies for keeping going and trying to be happy but harbour so much resentment and even hatred for what all this has done to my children. I’m not a hateful person, it feels uncomfortable to feel this way - but how do I let it go and stop becoming a bitter, jaded old witch?! 🧙‍♀️

OP posts:
Lostatsea1988 · 31/08/2020 08:03

This is why I will tell my husband that if he ever cheats he will be having full custody while I be Disney mum!

Sorry OP. Totally normal to feel resentful just try and grit your teeth. You'll get there.

RhymesWithOrange · 31/08/2020 08:07

Apart from working full time what else is exhausting you? Are your children pitching in enough at home? Are there things you can stop doing?

It sounds like you are well rid of him. I have no doubt his life is much less than perfect and your kids know what he did. No amount of fun days out can make up for that kind of betrayal.

spanieleyes · 31/08/2020 08:11

My ex left, lives in the Caribbean, travels world wide and generally has what looks to be a wonderful life. He took the two children on wonderful holidays and pretty much threw money at them when they were younger. But now they're adults, they don't bother with him at all. They realise it is all show, that he thinks money makes up for lack of time and effort and they too can't be bothered. Time will tell.

sideorderofchips · 31/08/2020 08:14

I'm. Going through the same atm

Ex is now with the ow and seeing the younger kids. Eldest has cut him off. They get to play happy families whilst I pick up the pieces and deal with the fall out with the kids at home.

I'm exhausted

NotAProperGrownUp · 31/08/2020 17:50

I’ve had a crappy day feeling pointless and surplus to requirements while the DC are helping set up their room at their dads new house And doing fun, family stuff. It’s been so helpful to read the comments here and not feel like I’m mental or alone in this. I also wanted to be clear that I am so grateful too, that life could definitely be worse, which is why it feels bad to feel so resentful.
Pulling my socks up and setting my course for a happier life at some point...

OP posts:
Rumbletumbleinmytummy · 31/08/2020 18:19

I read this and thought you were someone who I know, so I'm going to respond to this as though you are them! (You aren't! Your DC are different ages!)

When he left, he made space for someone better to come along, and if you want it to happen, it will. That person will come and see you for what you are.
A strong woman who instead of buckling under pressure, you upped your game. You worked more hours, you made more money, you became wholly self reliant. You have achieved single parenthood and gained a mortgage in the hardest year that most of us have had in our lives.

That shows you to not be lazy, you could've crumbled but you used his shitty description of you (which was only him trying to make excuses for cheating by the way. Cheaters try to make you seem like the unworthy one as they can try and minimise their actions a bit. He can look in the mirror and not see himself as a man who broke up a happy home by cheating on you, the woman who's loved him and had his children)

Now, where are you? You are in a situation where you have relative freedom to enjoy your life, live by your own rules, a home of your own. Children who are yours majority of the time, who see you as the one who's working hard to clear up the mess their dad made.

You are doing amazingly. Let your ex have his relationship, neither of them will trust one another completely, she knows how they got together, and he knows she was happy to be the other woman. Its an omen they will have to live with. If he's living in her house, if that relationship falls apart, what does he really have?

The man you were happy with for years is no longer there, he is not a prize, and you are not missing anything.

Please concentrate on moving on. You sound like you're making a really good life for you and your kids...take some time to feel proud of yourself.

You're doing amazingly well. X

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