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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To go back on reconciliation with H

71 replies

bananallama6 · 23/10/2024 16:25

I left H about 5 months ago with our child aged 10. I'd fallen out of love, had an emotional affair which he couldn't get past and led to a lot of angry outbursts towards me (which I do completely get.) The last straw for me was about 6 months after the affair when on another 'make or break' holiday H had a tantrum at me at the train station and said he wasn't coming, which really upset dc, and a week or so later after he was nasty to dc at a celebration meal out, I left and moved back near family, without warning because I thought he'd react really angrily to me saying I was leaving. I returned to pack my and dc's stuff a month or so later and set us up in our new place. At no point did H come and see us, he just sent me messages periodically ranging from very upset to very angry and threatening me with financial stuff in a divorce. H and I have had good times but many bad times - he doesn't bother with cleaning or household stuff beyond cooking which he enjoys, he doesn't cultivate any hobbies or interests, he is a stresshead and he needs a lot of 'me time' which consists of gaming/scrolling his phone and dc has picked up on his disinterest and mentioned it a few times. He is a very good provider but he also uses money as a weapon eg. moving money out of joint accounts when he is angry with me. Worst of all he is a sulker and has been all dc's life, he has sulked on holidays/days out/celebrations and locked himself in the room or gone to bed and started ignoring us both over a trivial disagreement.

However. Neither of us filed for divorce in the past 5 months, we have been in touch and met up a couple of times near him, and we are both really sad and have times of missing our family life. However he gave me an ultimatum that if I didn't come back he would file for divorce and I decided to come back. This was largely influenced by the fact that dc is going through a tough time (entering puberty, but also hasn't settled well in new school and misses friends and her dad), and I felt like i was being selfish with dc and H being so upset because of a decision i made.

Since we have been back H has been very 'off' with me, has continued to scroll on his phone, still seems as angry just under the surface as he did when we were living together. He has 2 weeks holiday left to take this year and can wfh at will and yet he hasn't taken any days off to spend with us even over half term. Here, the family home was absolutely filthy when we returned despite the fact I did a deep clean and sort when I was last here, to make it nice for H. I'm talking encrusted durt in the kitchen, dustballs visible all over the living room, limescale ridden toilet, filthy kitchen bin, rotting food in the fridge, furniture pulled out and askew, cat litter tray full. The garden me and dc used to look after was shocking- weeds, litter everywhere, dirty patio. He didn't even make the house nice for our return that he insisted on for so long. It seemed intentional (although he is totally incompetent on the cleaning front.) He hasn't even bothered to take the elderly cat to the vet and he is now very overdue.

He has now told me that he is 'really happy' we are back, but that i have to give him time as he has been alone for so long. He blames all our issues on my affai and I feel he always will. I feel like a total mug to be honest. My gut is telling me that we are OVER and it was a mistake to come back, however sad everybody was at the situation. I had a small but nice flat rented (I still have it, as i had to prepay rent) and dc didn't have to live with H's moods. I know that H will never forgive me for the emotional affair and fair enough, but why did he want us back? He could have just moved on. I don't love him and i am done grovelling. I've spent days cleaning the place and doing chores and H doesn't even seem to like me. I notice how dc is following him around the house for attention, something she has always done, and it kills me now it's so obvious. She deserves better. We both do. I made a mistake and yes i left him but i am not a monster. I was a good wife and mother for years.

WIBU to tell him it's over and file for divorce?

OP posts:
Onlyvisiting · 24/10/2024 07:24

bananallama6 · 23/10/2024 16:25

I left H about 5 months ago with our child aged 10. I'd fallen out of love, had an emotional affair which he couldn't get past and led to a lot of angry outbursts towards me (which I do completely get.) The last straw for me was about 6 months after the affair when on another 'make or break' holiday H had a tantrum at me at the train station and said he wasn't coming, which really upset dc, and a week or so later after he was nasty to dc at a celebration meal out, I left and moved back near family, without warning because I thought he'd react really angrily to me saying I was leaving. I returned to pack my and dc's stuff a month or so later and set us up in our new place. At no point did H come and see us, he just sent me messages periodically ranging from very upset to very angry and threatening me with financial stuff in a divorce. H and I have had good times but many bad times - he doesn't bother with cleaning or household stuff beyond cooking which he enjoys, he doesn't cultivate any hobbies or interests, he is a stresshead and he needs a lot of 'me time' which consists of gaming/scrolling his phone and dc has picked up on his disinterest and mentioned it a few times. He is a very good provider but he also uses money as a weapon eg. moving money out of joint accounts when he is angry with me. Worst of all he is a sulker and has been all dc's life, he has sulked on holidays/days out/celebrations and locked himself in the room or gone to bed and started ignoring us both over a trivial disagreement.

However. Neither of us filed for divorce in the past 5 months, we have been in touch and met up a couple of times near him, and we are both really sad and have times of missing our family life. However he gave me an ultimatum that if I didn't come back he would file for divorce and I decided to come back. This was largely influenced by the fact that dc is going through a tough time (entering puberty, but also hasn't settled well in new school and misses friends and her dad), and I felt like i was being selfish with dc and H being so upset because of a decision i made.

Since we have been back H has been very 'off' with me, has continued to scroll on his phone, still seems as angry just under the surface as he did when we were living together. He has 2 weeks holiday left to take this year and can wfh at will and yet he hasn't taken any days off to spend with us even over half term. Here, the family home was absolutely filthy when we returned despite the fact I did a deep clean and sort when I was last here, to make it nice for H. I'm talking encrusted durt in the kitchen, dustballs visible all over the living room, limescale ridden toilet, filthy kitchen bin, rotting food in the fridge, furniture pulled out and askew, cat litter tray full. The garden me and dc used to look after was shocking- weeds, litter everywhere, dirty patio. He didn't even make the house nice for our return that he insisted on for so long. It seemed intentional (although he is totally incompetent on the cleaning front.) He hasn't even bothered to take the elderly cat to the vet and he is now very overdue.

He has now told me that he is 'really happy' we are back, but that i have to give him time as he has been alone for so long. He blames all our issues on my affai and I feel he always will. I feel like a total mug to be honest. My gut is telling me that we are OVER and it was a mistake to come back, however sad everybody was at the situation. I had a small but nice flat rented (I still have it, as i had to prepay rent) and dc didn't have to live with H's moods. I know that H will never forgive me for the emotional affair and fair enough, but why did he want us back? He could have just moved on. I don't love him and i am done grovelling. I've spent days cleaning the place and doing chores and H doesn't even seem to like me. I notice how dc is following him around the house for attention, something she has always done, and it kills me now it's so obvious. She deserves better. We both do. I made a mistake and yes i left him but i am not a monster. I was a good wife and mother for years.

WIBU to tell him it's over and file for divorce?

YABU. Take the poor cat too this time!

Bettyfromlondon · 24/10/2024 07:26

I agree that this marriage is dead in the water and should be legally ended as soon as possible.
There is a lot for you to untangle as to how you have stayed in this situation for so long but that is for future counselling to work through. You can't carry this man on your back for ever!
In the meantime, it is wonderful that you have a flat to go back to. Your daughter has been caught up in and normalised a very toxic environment. You have the opportunity over time to re-set her childhood and live in a home that is clean, kind, emotionally safe and enjoyable.
Have you been able to lift your head above the parapet and think about how you would really like to spend Christmas? I urge you not to be consumed by thinking about your husband but allow yourself space to imagine what fun you and your daughter may have living in a new area.
2025 could be a revelation! Warm, warm wishes to you and your daughter.

AlertCat · 24/10/2024 07:34

He wanted you back because he sees you as his property. You are status symbols for him as husband and father. He doesn’t want to do any work towards these statuses though so he will continue to abuse you both through his silences and neglect. This behaviour is abusive. It’s emotional abuse and it’s incredibly damaging, no wonder you have felt like that and your poor daughter too.

Much healthier for you both to live separately from him and minimise the contact you both have with him. Good luck. I’m sure you and dd will both be much happier away from him.

Pinkmoonshine · 24/10/2024 07:53

sandyhappypeople · 23/10/2024 21:59

I don't really understand what you are doing and I think you are being really unfair on your DD.

You fell out of love with him, he's not a brilliant dad or husband, it's not unusual for that to happen, you had an emotional affair as a consequence of not loving him or feeling valued.. all pretty normal stuff, amicable separation seems the best solution all round.

But then you decided to stay and try and work it out?

Then you left suddenly and without warning, uprooting your DD in the process and putting her in a new school??

He has now given you an ultimatum, come back or divorce.. so you've gone back all of a sudden???

You're now wanting to leave again and uproot DD again????

With kindness, what the hell are you doing? You don't love him, what possible reason have you got for now trying to 'reconcile'.. reconcile what, you admit you've kept one foot out the door because you knew this wasn't going to work out? There must be a piece of this jigsaw missing because I can't understand why you are dragging your daughter back and forth.. they are both angry at the way you left originally and they are justified in being angry about that, if your guilt about that is the reason you have gone back now then you need to have a word with yourself and realise what affect this is all having on your child.

You need to talk like grown ups, and separate properly with a plan in place so that your daughter fully understands her options and what her future holds.. at the minute she seems to be dragged along with however you feel this week or next, no wonder she's following her dad around like a lost puppy, it's not fair on her at all.

Agree

sheldonRockz · 24/10/2024 08:10

Gather everything (including the cat) and head back to your new home. He is using you as a maid with the added benefit of being an emotional punchbag. He’s shown no effort to try and work through this, instead he’s just continued to punish you, left the house a tip for yours and DD’s return - zero effort to move forward, he’s just continued to emotionally abuse you.

He wants to control you and keep punishing you and will continue to do so whilst you let him. This is not what you want your DD to grow up thinking is a healthy relationship. It’s already affecting her - she is following him round trying to get his attention and seek validation etc and she will never get it from him. This will really mess her up for the future.

Take your DD and the cat and leave. This will not get better.

jeaux90 · 24/10/2024 08:21

OP stop dicking about. Leave and stick to it. This is not good for your DD.

I've been a lone parent for 14 years, and believe me it's a lot better than having a shitty man in it.

Do this for you and your DD

DoodleDig · 24/10/2024 08:27

I know it's easier said then done, but make the decision to leave and stick with it. For your DC's sake. She needs stability. You had set yourself up in a place, and divorce would be the next logical step. At least then he would have to stop threatening you with financial situations and just pay maintenance for your DC. Talk to a solicitor, move back to your flat and stay there.

SnoopysHoose · 24/10/2024 08:29

Leave and take the poor cat with you

Theunamedcat · 24/10/2024 08:33

You cheated on an abusive man and you have now given him an excuse to abuse you more

wafflesmgee · 24/10/2024 08:39

Leave leave leave. The cleaning alone would make me leave. Wanker.

LoveWine123 · 24/10/2024 08:53

the main question I would ask myself in your situation is what is the positive he is bringing to your child’s life? Avoiding a broken home might make sense if it ensures and nice loving home with two caring parents. If this is not the case then leave. If not for yours then for your child’s sake. You are modelling a behaviour that normalises emotional and potentially financial abuse. What’s actually in it for your DD if you stay with her father? Not much from the sounds of things.

Justtobeclear · 24/10/2024 08:55

I agree with leaving 100%. However, you are back and your DD must be in bits. Be very careful about moving her around and changing schools without his permission. He has equal parental rights and in theory needs to agree to any changes in schooling. How far are you moving from him? Have you spoken to police to have the abuse documented? Now that you are back use the time to “get your ducks in a row.” Find and copy any financial documents you need as proof. Get legal advice on the divorce process and the right way to go about making changes to safeguard your dd for anymore disruption than necessary. If he is as abusive as you say he could be incredibly difficult during the divorce process including child arrangement orders - for you right now knowledge is power. Before making any more decisions get legal advice and support for your DD.

AutumnFroglets · 24/10/2024 11:36

Why did he even want us back if he's ignoring us.

To punish you. It really is that simple.

Take your cat, your child and yourself back to the other house. Set up an email to use for any discussion regarding your child and his visits/money and check the email once a week. Block him on everything else.

Fugliest · 24/10/2024 11:58

AutumnFroglets · 24/10/2024 11:36

Why did he even want us back if he's ignoring us.

To punish you. It really is that simple.

Take your cat, your child and yourself back to the other house. Set up an email to use for any discussion regarding your child and his visits/money and check the email once a week. Block him on everything else.

Agree with this.

Dont let your DD believe this is what she should expect in a relationship - dirt, ignoring, sulking, misery.

She needs a fresh environment with at least one attuned parent - you cant be this if you are under one roof walking on eggshells preoccupied with tap dancing around his next mood.

Give her this gift by moving back out. You did the hard part before, well done, this is just a wobble and you have been stuck in FOG (fear, obligation, guilt) which is always the worst mindset to make any decisions.

Put the last two weeks behind you - reframe that you were hopeful - you gave it a shot - but you are smart enough to know that this is a shocking environment to raise a child if you want them to hav any semblence of self esteem or stable mental health.

Invest in yoru DD emotional health and future. Teach her that you dont trail around begging for attention when the relationship is not reciprocal or respectful.

Get out dont look back - your DD will be fine - support her through the transition and these difficulties will be transient. Put all you effort into encouraging and building up her social life and support networks back where you were.

Just leave dont tell him.

bananallama6 · 24/10/2024 17:22

H has been trying more i think in the past day or so, offering hugs or to hold my hand, and doing a bit of minecraft with dc, but i guess what that has made apparent to me is i don't want affection from him and i dont know how to relate to him anymore. Its been too long being physically and mentally distant. The idea of having sex with him again feels almost impossible. We have nothing to talk about except superficial work stuff. I've been going to bed with dc before 9pm to avoid him. And this is us on 'good terms', if we had an argument i know he would go to town on me.

I KNOW its over. Maybe i needed to come back into the environment to really know that. But its breaking my heart somehow like a weird delayed reaction. I had so, so much hope once. What happened to that? What happened to us? I feel so much guilt for dc, anger for the time lost, for the fact i may not have a chance to have more dc now or build up my career (i gave up a well paid job with progression to follow his and now my skills have stagnated). But also for us. We were in love once, i remember how much i loved him, maybe evn just in the first year but we both felt lucky and happy. I can't bear the fact it's really over, and all i can do is just leave and move on. Its so fucking painful.

OP posts:
AcrossthePond55 · 24/10/2024 18:14

@bananallama6

Your head is already gone from this marriage. Your heart is what is in turmoil. Be wise, listen to your head.

Don't let regrets, 'what ifs', and 'why didn'ts' keep you in a dead marriage. You no longer love him. He doesn't love you, he sees you as a 'convenience'.

How much 'stuff' do you have to pack to 'get gone'? Because if it's a lot and if it were me, I'd pack up the clothing and necessities and I'd be gone tomorrow, if not today. The longer you hang on, the harder it's going to get.

And his 'trying' isn't real. He's just putting out what he feels is the minimum effort necessary to keep you in your box. Don't let him change what you know to be true with a few meaningless gestures.

AutumnFroglets · 24/10/2024 18:19

H has been trying more i think in the past day or so, offering hugs or to hold my hand, and doing a bit of minecraft with dc,
He can feel you pulling away and thinks you are stupid enough to fall for this. Now you need to prove it to him and yourself that you are NOT stupid, and you need to leave asap.

You are angry because you are grieving for those lost dreams and hopes. You are angry because he has lied and conned you. You are angry for falling for it all again. Remind yourself it is okay to feel angry. What isn't okay is to stay in the situation that is making you angry.

DoesItSparkJoyMarie · 24/10/2024 18:24

So much of this is painfully close to home - you need to forgive yourself for the emotional affair, and recognise that it was the natural result of an emotionally abusive relationship. You didn't cross a physical line, which speaks to your loyalty and will to make it work even when your mental health had been ground into the floor. Calling you a shit mother is unforgivable, especially from someone who is so cold to their own child. You did absolutely the right thing not telling your child you were coming home permanently, and keeping your own flat. Rip the plaster off, let him file for divorce and take it one step at a time from there. I promise you, it is better on the other side and his financial threats will end once the ink is dry on the divorce rather than dragging on while actually having to be with him. It can be about you and your DC now - the life you both want and deserve. Sending strength - you can do this.

DeliciousApples · 24/10/2024 20:02

Take dc and d-cat and go. You don't need his lazy arse. He just wanted a free cleaner. You're worth more.

SquirrelSoShiny · 24/10/2024 20:15

I suspect your husband is having an emotional affair with someone on his phone, possibly a gaming 'friend'. Stop feeling guilty. Leave him. Live your life.

Scribblydoo · 24/10/2024 20:30

The best time to start is always now so don't worry the could have, should have, would haves.

Go to your flat with DD - take the cat, line up a therapist and a lawyer and get started living your life.

You will actually do DD the biggest favour by showing her you are not some appliance in a relationship.

RoynJamie · 24/10/2024 20:32

Please take the cat when you leave

bananallama6 · 28/10/2024 00:17

Thanks for all the replies. We had an ok dinner out then the next day i was a but hungover and tired and in the evening i mildly snapped because H was teasing me about something and he immediately got up and stormed off to bed, telling me to 'watch myself'. Refused to come out of his room and talk. This morning it continued and i ended up totally breaking down and crying, shouting, etc. He told me i should have 'kept my mouth shut' instead of getting angry at him about what he said. He says it's completely on me to fix our relationship and he will wait and see if he wants to be with me. He just kept saying he didnt know if he wanted us to stay together and i'll have to stick around and 'find out', or not- its my choice. Completely cold. telling me to get my shit together, that i'm acting like a lunatic for being upset and desperate, telling me over and over how I broke him and ruined our marriage. But that i could stay and 'find out' if my 'second chance' will work.

I am feeling so upset tonight. I know I have to leave, I just feel so stupid. He now has even more ammo to say i am 'playing games' with him and that I am horrible, my family will think i am so stupid, even posters on this thread must think I am. I have no idea how to leave again. I'm just so angry at myself for getting in this situation. When I'm on my own i just keep crying; dd was with a friend this afternoon and i was a wreck. Why is it so hard to fucking leave and stay away? Why have I done this to H, no wonder he hates me and wants to punish me? I feel like i am in a huge hole I have dug for myself.

OP posts:
violentovulation · 28/10/2024 00:34

Affair aside even if you hadn't cheated, you should have left him ages ago. He sounds like a total manchild and lazy arsehole. Your poor kids being on the receiving end of his moods should have made you leave way before this.

TrixieCat · 28/10/2024 00:36

Please leave. He sounds unbearable and you can't live your life like this. Your daughter deserves better and so do you (maybe him too, but I'm on the fence about that because he sounds like such a dick...).

You're not stupid at all and any "ammo" he thinks he has is worthless if you decide it is. It's not playing games; you wanted to try again to see if you could save your marriage, but his behaviour suggests he's not really interested and you've realised that it's not what you want either.

Familiarity, even unhappy familiarity, often feels safer and easier, but it really isn't. Take your daughter and your cat, and start again. Life can (and will) be better.

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