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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Divorced parents

13 replies

Resembleflower · 02/12/2022 17:03

AIBU for going very low contact with my dad?

my parents divorced when I was 2. I met my dad was I was 18. He came looking for me. He has never supported (bar the minimum maintenance) me financially despite being quite wealthy. I never asked. I’m in my 40’s his second family are in their 30’s. Spoilt and bailed out at every opportunity. Yes it hurts but that’s the way it’s always been.

I asked my dad for advice/planning in a niche area he works in. Asked three times it would have cost him nothing and he’s done it for his children and their partners. He ignored my request. This is the only time I’ve asked him. He has not supported me since maintenance stopped at 16 despite me going to college and uni. This hurt and with him not showing any interest.

i haven’t spoken to him since my birthday he said can I see you on you birthday? Which I was shocked about as he never does and thought the time spent with just him would lovely. I quickly realised that the reason was he was going to see me was he needed to do stuff for his other two kids. They ended up being invited my him too. He paid for their dinner and I was left to pay for mine.

They ended up changing the restaurant to suit them too which I know is my fault for not standing up to them. My birthday was not acknowledged. So I let things go didn’t contact him and now it’s been a year. My relationship with my mum is poor due to lots of abusive partners ‘step dads’

I’m gutted that he doesn’t show me 10% of the equality he shows his kids? He buys their boyfriends gifts but not me? Don’t think I’m being grabby it’s about the fairness of it all. I just wouldn’t do this to my kids. How do I say polite but firm when he makes his obligatory Xmas phone call? I want to have an argument but I know he thinks this is all me.

OP posts:
Resembleflower · 02/12/2022 17:06

When I say argument I want to let him know all this! Let him know how I feel. I forgot to say he’s in his 60s been diagnosed with a long term condition not terminal although he thinks it is. He has had perfect health his whole life. I feel
its a way of cutting me out as he is obsessed with leaving enough money to wife and kids.

OP posts:
Bonbon21 · 02/12/2022 17:08

I wouldnt waste my time, energy or headspace.
If he phones, hang up.
You need to exclude him from your life, heart and head.
He wont change and he doesnt deserve you

Theunamedcat · 02/12/2022 17:10

Remove him from your life as easily as he removed you from his

The guy is a tool and not a useful one

Dacadactyl · 02/12/2022 17:10

This person is a poor excuse for a father. I wish you all the luck in the world OP.

I think that sadly, you would be better off without him in your life 😥

Resembleflower · 02/12/2022 17:21

Thank you, I needed to get it out. You’re all right with your replies. He is a waste of space and it hurts that he is just like this to me not his other three. I don’t think I will ever get over this.

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Fifthtimelucky · 02/12/2022 17:23

What a horrible man. I have every sympathy with your wanting to tell him how you feel. I would want to do the same.

I'd write to him and explain how his behaviour has disappointed you and how that makes you feel. Don't accuse him of anything. Make it calm and factual and leave it at least overnight before you send it. If there is anyone you can trust to read it before you send it, that might be a good idea.

Good luck.

Windtunnel · 02/12/2022 17:23

Ooh that sounds really tough for you.
Might as well tell him in a letter? Sometimes it's good to write these things down. However a letter could be used as physical/family "evidence" against you.
How old are you op? Just wondering if you're at a difficult life stage?

Otherwise yes no sense in hanging round waiting for someone to change. Do not under any circumstances take it personally!!

Sometimes people just find stuff really hard to deal with including kids from previous relationships sadly.
Whats your relationship like with your mum?

Resembleflower · 02/12/2022 17:35

My relationship is poor, multiple marriages and domestic violence. When I had kids she said she wouldn’t be doing in any babysitting as her time was done having done all the parenting as divorced and 2nd/3rd husband didn’t parent us.

mine all late teens, my sister has two kids now guess who looks after them? I’m the black sheep… I don’t deserve to be.. I’ve moved away from my home town.

OP posts:
Resembleflower · 02/12/2022 17:36

I have an email I’ve written an re written. I won’t send it.

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Windtunnel · 02/12/2022 19:25

Have ypu tried doing one of those "judge thy neighbour" worksheets from The Work? Might help. I feel your pain for different reasons...
I'm torn between staying Schlumberger and letting rip.

I find it important to look at what's great about my life and things to be thankful for etc, sorry I know that sounds bland but didn't want to not reply xxx

MrsHughesPinny · 02/12/2022 19:47

Mine’s the same. Treated me horribly and nothing like his “real family” (half sibling’s term, not mine) while I was growing up. So now I don’t give him the time of day, even though he’s tried now he’s old. Fuck ‘em. We’re better off without them.

Resembleflower · 02/12/2022 19:50

@windtunnel I will look into that thanks. Not bland at all.

I’m very thankful and you’re right I have to continue to concentrate on that.

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Resembleflower · 02/12/2022 19:59

@Bonbon21 you're right he's never going to change. Thank you for your kind words. It hurts not to be wanted/deserved.

@Theunamedcat he is useless. I'm fine without him. Just wish he wanted a relationship.

@Dacadactyl I've achieved a lot without him all he brings is worry, sadness and disappointment.

@Fifthtimelucky he is horrible as he knows what my life was like as a child. He can't give me a crumb of the support and care he gives his other kids.

@MrsHughesPinny I'm giving less and less time. I guess I hate the fact they think it's my fault and I should chase them.

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