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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I being selfish?

31 replies

ThatNewReader · 24/01/2026 22:28

I’m really hoping to have some views. I’m sorry in advance for quite a complicated dilemma.
my husband and I are recently separated. It has been my decision- it’s very sad but I sadly don’t love him anymore and resentment was really building. He is very upset and I’m feeling so guilty. He’s not a bad guy but has been difficult to live with- grumpy/ irritable and negative and over the years it’s really got me down.
We are still living together and have 3 children- 3, 8 and 15. We will be living together for the foreseeable due to finances and it’s all very new. Although it’s horrible seeing him upset I feel a relief that the pressure of having to pretend is over.
we haven’t spoken about the future yet but I have been- I’m just worried about broaching it.
basically very long story but about 2 years ago we moved an hour or so out of London to a large town. I’ve hated it ever since and have so many regrets about moving. There are a few reasons- I have a 2 hr each way commute twice a week, and I don’t like the town and have struggled to make friends. I also had a scary experience soon after we moved that has affected me. I don’t think I’ll ever be happy here. I’m desperate to have my own space where I can feel free and relaxed and happy with my kids.
what I really want is to move back to London where my family and friends are and where getting to work is easier for me. (It’s about an hours drive.) I think my ex will be ok with moving close to wherever I am as he will want to see lots of the kids.
but I feel I selfish thinking of moving them when they are settled here and they love our house.
ive been thinking a lot and my 8 yr old will be moving to secondary school in about 2 years and this could be the best time as he’ll be moving schools anyway. I would make sure to keep in touch with his best friend so they can see each other lots at the weekends/ holidays. But my 15 yr old will be half way through his A levels so I can’t move him. Is it horrible selfish to ask my ex to stay in our town with him for that last year while he finishes his exams- we can alternate weekends where my 15 yr old stays with me and my two youngest stay with their dad? My ex works in London so he can pop in to see me and the youngest after work on some days during the week?
then once my oldest finishes his exams he can move in with me and my ex will find somewhere close by?
it is quite complicated and I’m so conscious of the disruption for my children. But the thought of staying in the town I’m in now just makes me feel so depressed.

OP posts:
DogAnxiety · 25/01/2026 09:23

You’re splitting up which is destabilising enough for the kids. Don’t make them relocate again for your own convenience and because you think the grass is greener closer to London. Let them stay where they are settled.

Strictly1 · 25/01/2026 09:31

Sorry but all I read was me, me, me. Please think about your children who have no control over the decisions you make to make you happier.

Not suggesting you should stay in a marriage that doesn’t make you happy but it doesn’t mean the decisions moving forward continue to prioritise your happiness over others.

You are out of the marriage so that is for you. Now think about your children and how you can make the transition as smooth as possible. You may need to put your want - not need - to move on hold for a few years.

Jellybunny56 · 25/01/2026 09:33

Sorry OP but yes this is really selfish and all about what you want and what is best for you.

ToKittyornottoKitty · 25/01/2026 09:38

Hopefully by your last reply you’ve realised you can’t do this. It’s incredibly selfish and totally unfair
to ask this of ex and your kids. You’ve already got what you need by ending the marriage, you can’t expect him to move but not until a set time and accommodate you so much etc. Your kids are going through something horrible now the marriage is over, they need good coparenting and stability. Stay living where you are and use your new freedom to build your life there. The kids are the priority now, not you.

DaphneBucket · 25/01/2026 09:38

Good grief. Yes. Yes you are. The whole thing is about what you wanted/want and yet you claim that your kids are your whole world but it does not sound like it at all. Steady their ship would be my advice. I hope this year is better for all of you.

InterestedDad37 · 25/01/2026 09:51

Probably need to make a clean break sooner rather than later. And that probably means the kids staying where they are for the time being. One of you needs to move out.

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