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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Divorcing 4 months after language - relationship 10 months altogether

179 replies

larrydavidisagenious · 11/12/2021 20:27

I met my partner through work just over 10 months ago, we really hit it off and it was very intense. I'd never felt this way about anyone so fast and as ridiculous as it sounds I thought I'd met my 'soul mate' and he felt the same. Everything just fit, we had the same values and beliefs, he made me laugh, I felt comfortable around him almost immediately, the sex was great, I just felt blissfully happy.

However things did move quickly which I was thrilled about at the start. He proposed after we'd been together 3 months. We just wanted a small wedding so we planned it for 3 months after. I think part of it was worry that Covid would make it impossible as things were changing all the time and we really wanted to get married.

My family and friends had concerns we were rushing in as did his family. We were told many times there wasn't any rush and I was constantly asked by my mum if I was sure. She liked him but it just seemed awful fast but I was positive.

Had a lovely day and about a month of pure bliss afterwards. But the past 3 months have been horrendous. He's not how he was the first 6 months, he's lazy, he's moody, I feel like things are awkward and we have nothing to talk about. I have a constant pit in my stomach that I can't get rid of. To make matters worse he seems unaware of these issues so I feel guilty as he seems happy but I'm just not, I don't want to even kiss him and tense up. When he comes in from work my stomach drops. I just feel like I'm living with a stranger and am screaming internally what the fuck did you do!?

I can't speak to anyone in real life either as I'm embarrassed as I had so many opportunities to pull out but at the time I felt genuinely happy and as if I was making the right choice so I didn't want to pull out.

It really is as if as soon as we married a flip switched and I don't know if he's the problem or I am.

I don't want to do counselling, I don't want to try and talk to him, I don't want to try and make this work. I want rid of this constant knot in my stomach, and the only way I can think of is to break up (I can barely even say divorce or separate as it sounds so ridiculous as this is a man I barely know). I feel like I'm living with a total stranger.

If this was your daughter would you be really disappointed in her? I know my parents and friends will support me but have I disappointed them? Will I be a laughing stock? Do I just hold my hands up and admit I made a mistake?

OP posts:
TokyoTen · 11/12/2021 22:50

As a parent no of course i wouldn't be disappointed - I would want my DC happy!

SmellyOldOwls · 11/12/2021 22:50

@Seedandyarn

So you rushed into marriage and now you are rushing into a divorce? If you truly value marriage you owe it to both of you to try work it out. It's unfair not to even talk to him about it.
She doesn't want to though. Just end it OP, you want to end it, just go for it. Your family were iffy from the start, I'm sure they're still iffy about it all now and will probably be relieved as much as anything.
frazzledasarock · 11/12/2021 22:50

Genuine question. If a person either the husband or the wife genuinely hates having their spouse around and just wants out. Why should they force themselves to remain in a situation that is making them miserable?

If one person is physically and mentally feeling miserable and revulsion at their spouse why force them to remain together?

reesewithoutaspoon · 11/12/2021 22:51

You made a mistake, you rushed into it, but it doesnt mean you have to pay for it for years to come. Speak to your mum about how you feel.
You might initially get a few I told you so's or people gossiping about it, but you know what, they will switch to another topic within a week. dont suffer this just because of what other people might think.
So what if people are disappointed. its not their life its yours and you have to live it.

Dacquoise · 11/12/2021 22:52

You have made a mistake. Breathe, forgive yourself and do the best you can to get out of this situation with dignity. If you were my DD I would take you to my house, wrap in you in a big blanket and just just let you get it out all. It will pass, you will get past this. It's not the end of the world . Flowers

Tomnooktoldmeto · 11/12/2021 22:53

As a mum I would say to my daughter end it, you tried and have nothing to feel embarrassed of but staying is the wrong thing

As a woman who married after 11 weeks and is still married 20 years later I would say, recognising that you need to end it is something to be proud of, hold your head up high and start anew next year. Love is a gamble, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t but end this for you and your daughters sake

Mamanyt · 11/12/2021 22:59

Admitting a mistake is a responsible, adult thing to do. And were you my daughter, I would be disappointed, not in you, but in the situation.

One thing to think about...children are very, VERY perceptive, and I'd bet your daughter knows that things are not right. She'll be far better in the long run if you leave.

ChampagneLassie · 11/12/2021 22:59

I know someone who split straight after honeymoon - and her parents had spent a, fortune on her wedding! And they accepted her because they love her and that's what parents do!
You seem like you have extremes of emotion. You were sure marriage was the right thing, now you can't stand him. Before making another knee jerk life change why not suggest a bit of a break and try counselling. Meeting a decent man can be hard and you might be throwing away something good.

Graphista · 11/12/2021 23:02

To be perfectly honest yes they will probably THINK you've been very daft! But they won't say it to you I don't think (you know them better if this will be the case)

You were foolish to rush in like this but you're not the 1st and you won't be the last.

If you were my dd then I would far rather you left and be happy than stayed and be miserable BUT you are also completely dismissing making any effort to see if anything can be salvaged

You rushed into marriage I think you may be the type to rush to divorce too

You're focusing on all the negatives at the moment

Biochemically what normally happens is 1st 12-18 months is the "honeymoon phase" when the rose tinted glasses are on and both parties on best behaviour. You and he seem to have compressed that time so it's entirely possible you're now compressing/exaggerating the next phase which is usually when all you can see are their faults! This stage also passes

Perhaps move out but continue to "date" and perhaps go to therapy and then if by 1 year (which you have to be married a year before you can divorce anyway) things might be more evened out and you won't want to divorce?

The 1st year of marriage is the hardest anyway especially if you haven't lived together previously so you're learning to get used to that too

You are older than I expected you to be given the situation so I'm also wondering if this is a pattern for you even though you say not? Very intense start to relationships and you have them on a pedestal and then things come crashing down? Does he do this? What's the relationship history there?

For the future if you do definitely split take this as lesson learned and take it slow next time

I hope to goodness there's no children involved?

An 8 year old dd is well op but I would think you need to consider truly what's best for her here.

I'm constantly shocked on here at parents who rush into relationships (from introducing new partners to living together to marriage...) without considering what is best for the children involved. You're saying you effectively moved in a man you barely knew with your very young and vulnerable daughter.

Frankly it's a relief that all that's happened is that you've realised what a mistake it was emotionally speaking.

Move out asap and in future take things much more slowly

Tbh I think even introducing children to a new partner before 6 months of dating is very foolish and unfair on the children.

he has never shown any signs of being abusive towards me or my daughter

Tbh you really haven't taken enough time to assess whether he was a risk or not it seems you "got away with" taking that risk and I sincerely hope that's the case as a survivor of abuse myself

I also raised my dd as a single mum and while no relationships I had while she was a child developed into anything long term if they had or were looking like they could then I would have waited until at least 6 months in to gradually introduce new partner to dd I'd have checked in regularly with dd if they felt happy and safe around new partner and carefully observed how the new partner was with them. I'd also have not left the child alone with them until at least a year in and certainly not if I sensed even a hint that dd wasn't comfortable with that. Assuming all was going well I would wait until at least 3 years in before even considering moving in together/marriage.

Maybe I'm more cautious than some with my history but quite honestly given the stats on difficulties with step parents and even bio parents and child abuse/neglect or even "just" the difficulties of step parenting generally I don't think what I've outlined is an unreasonable time line

Soooo many threads on here where parents have rushed into moving new partners in with their kids and the step parents are at the very least undermining their parenting and at worst bullying and abusive

It's just not a risk I would EVER have taken with dd

We have a very close relationship and have discussed this topic at times and while she doesn't have the experience herself she's seen her friends having to deal with step parents moved in too quickly etc

One of her friends the new step dad was moved in before the kids even met him! And he was indeed a bullying arse! That the mum took way too long to get rid of. That situation has basically wrecked the previously good close relationship the mum and kids had

It is just peculiar how and why someone can switch so dramatically.

Not really it's very common especially in potentially abusive partners, but certainly we all are on our best behaviour in the early stages of a relationship

Living with someone is very different to just dating them and each of you only needing to be on best behaviour during dates - even if they're weekends long

It takes time to get to know someone and time for facades to slip - this is why it's wisest to not rush into living together/marriage

At this point the sensible and responsible thing to do is have him move out asap. If for no other reason than to get some space and perspective and protect your dd from as much emotional fallout as possible

I'd also say that it may be very useful for you to engage with some therapy to explore why you rushed in on this occasion and also for some unbiased and non judgmental support and a space where you can say ANYTHING while you go through the divorce

User57327259 · 11/12/2021 23:03

To respond to your question about would your mother be disappointed in you for separate from him I would agree with PP that she is likely to be more disappointed if you felt you had to stay in an unhappy relationship.
Do not leave it so long that you talk to your mother about this and do not take action. You have a child who is not related to this man. I do not mean to cause you any extra distress but abusers often pick on women who are alone with a child or children and have a house. This is a serious issue. Protect your child from whatever including not allowing her to live in a household where you her mother is so stressed out by the very presence of the husband/partner.

Happymum12345 · 11/12/2021 23:04

Better time leave now than drag this on for years. Think of it all as a moment of wildness abandonment. Go & set yourself free. All will be well.

Dita73 · 11/12/2021 23:15

You’re being too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes and you haven’t let your daughter down. Get round your mum’s first thing and I’m fairly certain she’ll hug you and be relieved. You have nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about. Put it down to experience and move on but with caution next time. You’ll be fine Flowers

SantasGoodLittleGirl · 11/12/2021 23:18

Human beings make mistakes. Get out of there.

JeffThePilot · 11/12/2021 23:25

@frazzledasarock

Genuine question. If a person either the husband or the wife genuinely hates having their spouse around and just wants out. Why should they force themselves to remain in a situation that is making them miserable?

If one person is physically and mentally feeling miserable and revulsion at their spouse why force them to remain together?

Exactly. And what I should have added to my previous post is, my exH is now also happily married to someone else, someone who loves him and wants to be with him.

So staying in an unhappy marriage, no matter how short, is not only impacting on your life and chances of happiness, but also on his.

Life is too short to be miserable.

blueshoes · 11/12/2021 23:26

Please read Graphista's post.

What she is saying is really important.

Fizzbangwallop · 11/12/2021 23:27

@larrydavidisagenious it’s ok to admit that you made a mistake and to end the marriage. At least there isn’t an OW or OM involved in this. I know a couple who married very quickly and within a few weeks she had left him for someone else!

DeclareThePenniesOnYourEyes · 11/12/2021 23:30

One of DHs close friends broke up with her husband after only six months of marriage. We were all shocked and her parents were upset but it was hardly newsworthy after a few months. As others have said, would have been worse if she had stayed with him and miserable to not “shock” everyone. Ten years on she’s remarried, has kids, it’s all good. If you aren’t happy and don’t want to work on it, that’s fine. It’s not Victorian times. Just leave.

TopCatsTopHat · 11/12/2021 23:30

If that's how you felt I'd just be relieved you got out before kids were involved.

CJsGoldfish · 11/12/2021 23:36

You’re being too hard on yourself. Everyone makes mistakes and you haven’t let your daughter down

I get that the OP made a 'mistake' and sure, we all make them sometimes. But I don't understand why we have to minimise the true situation.
OP brought a stranger into her childs life. Not only life, but home. She married a stranger fine, she's an adult, but the potential effect/result on her child shouldn't be glossed over.
OP leave. Grow up. And never, ever force a strange man into your childs life like this again. This time, you were lucky. Hopefully.

LowlyTheWorm · 11/12/2021 23:37

Genuine question. If a person either the husband or the wife genuinely hates having their spouse around and just wants out. Why should they force themselves to remain in a situation that is making them miserable?

Ummm- because they took marriage vows? Because being married IS and should be different from just being with someone. In this situation the OP hasn’t and isnt even attempting to try to work out what’s gone on or why. Rash decision to marry and now rash decision to divorce.

All those saying you’d be proud as her Mum? Wtf? My 21 year old daughter makes more sensible decisions and I’d be disappointed if she gave up on a marriage so easily and quickly. And the op is 32- not some daft lassie.
What message is she sending to her child? When the going gets tough just walk away? Doesn’t matter what you’re promising to do, just quit.

Justtobeclear · 11/12/2021 23:38

If you were my daughter I’d be proud that’d I raised someone who could admit they’d made the wrong choice and resolve it rather than live a lie and be unhappy for years. Could you ask him to move back to his house for space and figure out exactly what you’re feeling? The likelihood is your gut is 100% right but if you don’t jump to asking for divorce and asking for space (although making it clear that it is because you feel it’s ending) and then confirming that divorce is the only way forward you may feel like you’ve addressed all options? As you’ll need to wait a year anyway it may just give you the time to find peace with the decision and confirm your gut feelings.

Cameleongirl · 11/12/2021 23:38

@lightisnotwhite

Yep go.

Although my parents met and married within 6 weeks. 50 years on still happily together ( although my mother has the patience of a saint).

Mine were similar, married within three months of meeting!

But your instincts are telling you it’s not right, OP, so please follow them and end it. Luckily he can easily move back into his house and you’ll feel a huge relief once you’re no long living together. Flowers

lilmishap · 11/12/2021 23:49

@LowlyTheWorm

Genuine question. If a person either the husband or the wife genuinely hates having their spouse around and just wants out. Why should they force themselves to remain in a situation that is making them miserable?

Ummm- because they took marriage vows? Because being married IS and should be different from just being with someone. In this situation the OP hasn’t and isnt even attempting to try to work out what’s gone on or why. Rash decision to marry and now rash decision to divorce.

All those saying you’d be proud as her Mum? Wtf? My 21 year old daughter makes more sensible decisions and I’d be disappointed if she gave up on a marriage so easily and quickly. And the op is 32- not some daft lassie.
What message is she sending to her child? When the going gets tough just walk away? Doesn’t matter what you’re promising to do, just quit.

Hopefully yes.

Plenty of people are happy single AND in relationships.

Why be unhappy BECAUSE of a relationship? It doesn't make sense to do that. You don't win prizes for being a burning martyr, you just burn

frazzledasarock · 11/12/2021 23:50

Marriage vows isn’t a life sentence it’s a legal contract. Which can be broken.

I would never want any child of mine to force themselves to stay on a marriage they hated.

Marriage shouldn’t be hard work, it shouldn’t be a slog it shouldn’t be forcing yourself to stay with a spouse whom you dread seeing.

I don’t get this you have to work at it even if you can’t stand him.

Sometimes two people are just not compatible in a marriage. It’s better to recognise that and part amicably and quickly than flog a dead horse, end up hating eachothers guts and have kids in the whole sorry mix.

Jux · 12/12/2021 00:06

Don't waste a moment more on this mistake than you need to. Tell him to go back to his home tomorrow and get ready for a really happy Xmas.

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