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Divorce/separation

Here you'll find divorce help and support from other Mners. For legal advice, you may find Advice Now guides useful.

Husband Has Ended it - road to divorce

915 replies

itsovernow1 · 08/05/2017 18:30

Hi
I've had a thread in the Relationship section for a while, thought now we're actually heading for Divorce I'd post a new thread to update here.
All and any advice welcome.

Link to old thread [https://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/2814181-Husband-has-ended-it?pg=20] hopefully that worked!

OP posts:
itsovernow1 · 19/07/2017 10:27

Feeling... flat.
I have moments when I feel happy, but the underlying feeling is flat.
I have come to the conclusion I will have to move, that's pretty much a given but I can't see the point, if you know what I mean. Why keep doing this? I've had feelings like this for a long time, way before the split, actually since I had my DS 19 yrs ago. If I could just disappear I would. This feeling won't leave and one day I will pluck up the courage. Just a question of when.

I feel trapped by the dog. It's something I keep coming back to, and as much as I love him and he is part of the family, truth is, if I was on my own I would never have a dog. I only got the dog as part of a family, 4 people, not just me. That was the deal. DD will only be here another yr before she (probably, likely) goes to Uni and then I'm trapped. I feel bad for thinking this. I don't want to send him back to the breeder but if I don't I will resent him. But I'll miss him. It's a rockhard place situation. DD would be devastated.As will I I suppose.

OP posts:
lazycrazyhazy · 20/07/2017 05:00

Didn't want to read and run.

You're bound to go through flat periods. It's a bereavement. Although I've been following you I haven't gone back and RTFT in full this time. Have you been to the GP? Feelings of not wanting to go on come with bereavement and depression and sometimes just a short course of anti-depressants is the right thing. You're amazingly strong but there is nothing wrong with a bit of help.

Your DC still need you. It doesn't matter if your DD is going to university she will still need her DM. My youngest is 28 and they all still need me. Your father needs you. You are loved and wanted - even the dog needs you. Chin up, you should be proud of yourself.

kaitlinktm · 20/07/2017 14:41

You've been in this low place before OP - read back through your threads and you'll see - and you always come out the other side. However, Crazy is right, as it keeps happening maybe a trip to the GP might be a good idea.

Don't know what to say about the dog. It's all very well DD missing him - but she won't be here to do the grunt work will she?

I bet STBX isn't giving himself a hard time about this. Something you could mention to him perhaps? Maybe along the lines of now that I'm working extra hours and will have to move to somewhere with no garden, I don't see I how I can properly care for him - what can you suggest? And see what he says. Why should this be just your problem when IIRC he wanted the dog in the first place?

I think a trip to the GP first though - and tell him/her this:

I've had feelings like this for a long time, way before the split, actually since I had my DS 19 yrs ago. If I could just disappear I would. This feeling won't leave and one day I will pluck up the courage. Just a question of when

and this: I feel trapped by the dog

itsovernow1 · 20/07/2017 15:53

I've been to the GP, end of last yr. First thing she did was prescribe anti depressants as she said I was depressed. That's not a road I want to go down. Even if it means the worst, crazy I know, but that's how I've always felt. Not to mention, after reading the side effects of the one she gave me that put me off completely. I was also starting my job the following week so couldn't really cope with the side effects.

I did go down the route of referring myself to the local NHS counselling, had the initial appointment to point me in the right direction of treatment but after making an appointment with someone I cancelled it. I'm not a talker and find it more like an interrogation with things like that, and also worry about saying the wrong thing. Which I know is stupid but it's still in my head. I find it too stressful. It's like an exam. The only person who can help me is me and well, yeah.
I know I have issues, and, unfortunately for me, I know I need help but can't do anything about it. I can't. (other things health wise I ignore as well). Once DD goes to Uni, and DS will still be there, I won't have to worry about who it effects. It'll be just me.

That's the reason my marriage ended and looking back I knew it was a time bomb but ignored it. Now I'm paying for it.
I suppose this is how STBX felt, him having to support the family and everything. The stress.
If this was just me I'd buy the cheapest place possible and get by. But it's not. That's the stressful thing for me. I don't know how to make it work. I want my kids (adults) to have a home to come back to, but looking around I don't know how to do that.

I also know STBX is having a better like without me. That hurts, not going to lie. By better I mean happier. He seems to be doing great. I'll get over that, just right now.

OP posts:
itsovernow1 · 20/07/2017 15:53

I have ups and downs yep. The downs can be bad. The ups are more like acting a little, but the thoughts are always there, just not as bad. It's a weird thing. I'm a weird thing.

The new job will be a distraction. Earning more money is good but I know it'll be hard work (sleep wise), although not earning enough to keep this place makes me feel everything is pointless a little. I go in to sign the contract on Tuesday. And find out more.
Last night I also found out that the current evening job could be safe. I've mentioned before about the building lease being up in March next yr with no clue what was going to happen. The planning permission was granted to build a new place round the corner. Hopefully that means my job is safe, not guaranteed, but it's a more positive step than before it was granted. That made me feel a little better.

Thank you for the kind and positive comments. I'm the only one who can sort this but I'm nowhere nearer as to how to do that. It's scary. And lonely. Funny how you can be surrounded by people but lonely. Story of my life. I look at other people and think how can you be so happy? It's a strange concept to me as I've forgotten how it feels. Although I'm not sure I've ever truly been happy and content.

OP posts:
lazycrazyhazy · 20/07/2017 19:26

Itsover I respect your position on anti-depressants but don't dismiss them or tar them all with the same brush. There are many many options.

I had severe PMS for a few years and resisted using medication but eventually (when I was murderous for 10 days out of every 28) I had a short course of them and then after 3 months just took them for a week each month for a few years. It made a massive difference to me and to my DH and DC who were the same sort of age as yours are now. I'm not saying your issues are the same but truthfully if we dwelt on the potential side effects we wouldn't take any medication at all!

Perhaps your GP could refer you to someone more specialised? I hope you don't give up as you've shown so much strength and I'm sure you have more to give and (especially) maybe you can get back some joy.

kaitlinktm · 20/07/2017 21:09

I don't think you can take all of it on yourself Over - you deserve some joy in your life and it looks like you have just got so used to not having it, you have accepted it and it has coloured your outlook. Please reconsider going to the doctor.

itsovernow1 · 23/07/2017 15:06

I've been trying to think of something to write but can't quite come up with it. Sorry.

OP posts:
kaitlinktm · 23/07/2017 16:41

Well maybe you just need time to mull things over in your subconscious Over. Remember, you continued your threads partly as a sort of diary too - sometimes reading over your own posts can offer insight.

Remember too that you don't owe us updates and replies, this thread is for your benefit - we like to hear how you are going on, but sometimes you need longish periods of time where you don't say much - or anything at all, where you just ponder a bit and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. When you are ready and want to say something, we are here - but it isn't compulsory to post updates every five minutes.

MrsPawsitive · 23/07/2017 21:09

I've been reading your posts since your earlier thread and have been silently cheering you on. You express yourself very well about the challenges you face. You have a genuine and interesting voice that deserves to be heard when and if you feel like writing down your thoughts.

You seem like a genuinely lovely person, a good person who cares about others. You try to do right by everyone, even the family dog!
It's important to do right by you, too. Take whatever time you need to gather your thoughts. Just know that you do have an audience who appreciates hearing from you when the time is right for you.

Naicehamshop · 24/07/2017 07:27

Good posts above by kaitlin and Mrs.

I have been cheering you on since your first post; you are doing so well and have come such a long way. The time is approaching where I could find myself in a not dissimilar situation to you, and the way you've dealt with everything is giving me a lot of hope and encouragement. Flowers

itsovernow1 · 24/07/2017 12:43

Thank you for all your comments.

I'm in limbo. STBX is dealing with the divorce and as yet I don't know what he's said for unreasonable behaviour, which I had hoped we could talk through and put down things that wouldn't rock the boat. Obviously not. He obviously doesn't give a sh*t about whether it will upset me or not.
He took money out of the joint acct last week for 'fees' which tbh has left it looking rather empty and there is one last CC payment to go out for the month... which if he doesn't notice soon will put it overdrawn. I won't be doing anything about it mainly as he's the one who has put it in that position and obviously can't manage his finances.

He's so fixated on bloody fees and the divorce etc... Why not wait and try to build up a cash sum rather than bits? He keeps changing the goal posts with regards to the finances in the joint acct. He said he'd put a set amount in and then review it after 6 months, but that kept going down each month as he obviously calculated wrong and put too much in. I never know how much he's going to put in and he seems to take out willy nilly. He makes it up to suit himself I feel. What's so hard about calculating all the bills that need paying and putting that amount in??

He's never really understood how to do it. I tried but he would do it his way.

I get my pay each month, and, using a pad (and a spreadsheet on the PC), I take off every necessary bill that will be going out that month and go from there, so what is on my pad (and spreadsheet) is the right figure, not the bank one which is never up to date. I've told him to do that for yrs but he wouldn't listen. He'd do it all at the end of the month, it would never add up, and then he'd have a 'rough' figure for the following month which was spare cash - which was never right. Rinse and repeat. It was too much work to do it weekly (let alone daily) so we could keep up to date on where the money was. Seems he is still doing things 'his' way and getting it wrong.

I feel like I can't say anything to him otherwise it will go against me.

This weekend has been bad. I've just been thinking to much about everything. Right Move has been open all weekend, trying to work out how to do it. And I feel detached. Like it's happening but not really, if that makes sense? DD has joked we could move up north and afford something decent, I did point out a) I'd need a job up there plus b) I don't want too!

Trust me, I've thought about going back to the Drs but it's not some thing I can be convinced to do. My life has been this way for a long time and it's just the way it is. Drs don't seem to listen, well not my ones any way. Pills are not a place I want to go and talking isn't my thing. I just feel too self conscious. I just hope that I'm not doing any damage to DD, who had to put up with me this weekend (for example). I do want to feel better and hope in time, when this has sorted itself out, that I can do that naturally. As long as I'm not hurting any one else it can be dealt with internally.

Trust me I'm not a lovely person. I've done things I'm not proud of. I'm sure STBX would agree. I'm not a nasty person I don't think. I'm OK. But I'm hard work. I worry about pleasing other people. I'm too indecisive. Something which used to piss STBX off. For the last yr everything I did pissed him off actually. I could tell,he had this look after I'd say or do something and I could tell. So much so I'd watch what I said/did a lot more than normal. Eggshells.
I don't make or keep friends purely because I keep to myself to much. I don't like social occasions as such. I would like to. Other people make things seem easy. I'd love to travel but obviously cash and shyness aren't 2 things that make it an obviously easy path. I love to have things to look forward to. Something to work towards. That helps me.
Being able to be financially independent after all this will be a positive. I can do that if I get the right equity from the sale and take a small loan.
I want to see positives, it's just hard.

OP posts:
itsovernow1 · 24/07/2017 13:58

DD went out for her usual mid morning lunch thing with STBX on Sat. I disappeared to MR T's to pick some things up so I wasn't here. Refrained from looking out the window when he dropped her off as well.

I was reading some old emails from STBX. I'm just not the kind of person he needs and wants really. I think I used to be, but since having kids and my moods changing I'm not. For instance, he came off his bike a few yrs ago (only once to my knowledge) and it seems it upset him a lot whereas I wasn't that sympathetic. I mean, it's a motorbike, at some point chances are you're going to fall off. He wasn't hurt or anything as he was going slow and just slide. But he wanted more from me - a hug and to tell him it was alright. I didn't do that. I was matter of fact about it.

Plus when people are ill I really don't like it. Or have any sympathy. I mean, you have a cough and cold, it's not the end of the world and you'll get over it. You're sick? It'll pass. Plus people never take the meds that could help or go to the Dr so why give sympathy? (yes, I know the irony there!) His coughing kept him up at night but he never did anything about it. He knew it would happen every time he had a cough, it would go to his chest, but didn't change anything to help. He never blew his nose (said he couldn't?!) so he'd always sniff when he had a cold. Annoying sniffing. Always. I don't miss that. Runny nose? blow the damn thing!

I mean I saw my Nan die of cancer when I was little (she stayed with us so my Mum could look after her). Now that's 'ill'. That deserves sympathy. Not a cold or throwing up. That's part of every day life sometimes. I never expected sympathy when I had a cold, I just took ibuprofen and got on with it. Half the time he never knew I had a cold! I'd comment afterwards that my cold had gone and he'd say did you have a cold?

That makes me seem like a cold b*tch. And I probably am. But I just don't like it when people are ill. Maybe my Nan's situation affected me. I don't know.

OP posts:
itsovernow1 · 24/07/2017 14:07

In one of the emails he even mentioned the fact I wanted to sort the debts out and wondered if that was because I wanted to end the marriage sooner as I didn't see it going anywhere. That was like 4 yrs ago. :/

OP posts:
MrsPawsitive · 24/07/2017 21:33

Depression runs in my family, each person deals in their own way. I was advised to use cognitive therapy. I found a certain appeal in the concept of "you are what you think". Of course that's way oversimplifying the process but it did work for me, learning to be more "pawsitive", as I see it. I'm not one for pills, but I think they have their place, too. It just depends on what works for you as an individual.

I do think that getting help of some sort is a very good idea when you are dealing with a cascade of sadness. Some things can't be solved alone, even if we are very good at solving problems.

I suspect DD knows you probably better than anyone. Young people are a tremendous resource in thinking "outside the box". She may see things that you don't see. I always like hearing perspectives other than my own because I miss things. We all do that. Young people see the world of possibilities more easily. She wants you to be happy and live life to the fullest. That's a good thing!

The only other thing I have to add is, your lawyer (solicitor) is your "muscle". There has to be some sort of organizing force at work so you get treated fairly. You deserve to be treated fairly! Some people will always do things to suit themselves if allowed to but that's not fair, is it?

user1498060624 · 28/07/2017 17:43

OP its a good thing that you have a job and try to be occupied for a few hours. It's also a good thing that you are seeing some of your mistakes, they will certainly make you feel better on the long run and be more confident in yourself.

I personally think you are doing incredibly well. Anger, stress, self hate, crying, not eating/over eating are all stages of the separation grief. At least you have 2 beautiful children, I think it would have been way more difficult if all of the sudden you found your self alone in an empty house wondering how did this happen..

Please keep updating us. Its a good way to get things off your chest too since you say you are not a good talker. Maybe this way of writing it down helps more?

xxx

itsovernow1 · 29/07/2017 13:35

So, another weekend is upon us. I don't really plan things at the weekend, well, for any time actually. So it's just another day, just don't have to work.

My SOL got back to me after my emails. I will be severing the joint tenancy with STBX, makes sense really. At first I couldn't see the point but now I just want peace of mind that if anything happens to me STBX won't see my half of the house. The kids will get it. Although I don't have a will so I guess that is the only way of ensuring everything goes to them? My SOL has mentioned it.

I will also be forwarding copies of my last 3 payslips and P60 for her to keep on file. I keep her up-to-date with emails STBX sends. She hasn't heard from him since mid-june when he emailed her (couldn't even write a letter!) with his details that she requested. She hasn't heard from his SOL either.

She also sent me the copies of his payslips and P60. After the divorce he'll have a very nice life, put it that way. I don't begrudge that as such, as he earns it, but it narks a little gotta say. I can live on less, that's not my issue, but he'll be able to save quite nicely for a decent pension whereas mine will be (very) limited. I just want a nice life in nice accommodation with a decent car (not new) and a cheap holiday each yr. I'm not a spender on crap, I don't collect shoes, clothes, jewellery etc...

Sitting here worrying if the washing machine is going to go bang tbh. It's had a funny smell all morning - after going round the house sniffing out everything I narrowed it down to that! - it is still under the warranty (we took out a longer one after buying it). Not sure why it smells weird though. I did use a different conditioner in it today. .... Hmmm... The drum inside smells but not a dirty smell like I've had before, just a weird one. I'm giving it a couple empty washes - one with white vinegar to clean - and one without, at 90, to see if that sorts it. Not sure whether to report a fault or not.

OP posts:
user1498060624 · 29/07/2017 16:31

Hi OP, don't get distracted about his paychecks and don't feel sorry for yourself or make assumptions about your pension and his pension. Life is unexpected and full of surprises, so dont get yourself in the cycle of making thoughts that turn to be your beliefs and change you!

Let God/karma however you call it to do its job!

Look after yourself, dont stay indoors doing nothing. Please don't let life slip through your fingers. Get the dog and go to the botanical gardens of your city, or the closest hill/park/countryside. Get a cappuccino and a cupcake and look at the sky and breathe deeply. Life is good, its just the way we see things that makes it seem bad.
Take up a new hobby! Do you have a garden? How about you buy some seeds and start cultivating a few vegetables or set up a mini herbal garden?

Just do something that will occupy yourself and get you out of your thoughts! I am sure it will only do good to your mood and also it will change the way people see you :)

itsovernow1 · 31/07/2017 14:53

Whatever I do with the dog will hurt someone - either me or DD.

But he has to go back to the breeder. DD will be devastated - and hate me - and I will miss him but at the end of the day I can't cope with a dog. He's a good boy, but I can't take the responsibility for him - and the cost. He'll cost me about £60 a month, which is a big chunk in reality, not including any unforeseen things and dog sitting for time away anywhere. Not to mention he will be a factor with whatever jobs I get in the future, what car I drive (needs to fit a crate in) and the biggie, where we (I) will live. If he was older I'd think differently but he's only young. Possibly another 11/12 yrs ahead of him.

Had I been on my own I would never have bought a dog. Simple as that. DS has his own life, DD will have hers and so will STBX. I will resent the dog.

That all sounds so cold hearted but it's reality - I can't cope with a dog. I just have to think about the best time to do it. I will start with emailing the breeder about the situation and get her thoughts.

OP posts:
user1498060624 · 31/07/2017 16:40

OP I understand you and I am not judging you at all!

Me and my ex had a cute little puppy which he took away from me and I will hate him for this and many more forever. But if you feel this way I think its best if you sell it on Gumtree, make sure it goes in a good family. No one will hate you if you explain your reasons.

Please try to be positive. We go through the same shit and you wanna know the worst? My ex left me homeless, he pushed me outside his house and threw all of my belongings away in the fields and streets. He then grabbed me from my hair and drove me miles away and disposed me there. I couldnt walk to go back or to the nearest city and I had no money with me, so I called a few friends and finally one picked me up with her car before we went to get all of my belongings.
It hurts me everyday seeing him doing well. He bought a flat (nearby the house I am now renting a room), he walks our puppy, my friends told me he's on dating sites and I bet he will find someone else soon. As for me? I quit my phd and job and I leave the country in a week's time.

But I try everyday to do something other than crying and hating myself. I get my bike and go for rides outside in the streets by myself and take me for walks in the park.

I have no income, no family here and not a single friend. So please try and do something for you!

I am here if you want to chat more x

user1498060624 · 31/07/2017 16:52

It might takes us years to go through them you know. But they deserve nothing, so why give them our tears and the pleasure of spending our lives while being sad? The best kind of revenge is to live happy (even if at the beginning you pretend to be happy) and let them wonder what they did wrong and what they lost....

Karma will bite them back! Smile

itsovernow1 · 31/07/2017 16:56

That's shocking. Sorry you had to to through that - and still are. I hope your new start works well for you.

OP posts:
user1498060624 · 31/07/2017 17:20

@itsovernow1 thank you! I hope so too, its been a VERY tough period and I am still counting the days to escape from this country and go back home. Funnily enough he texted me today to say that he is not sorry for whatever he has done and that I deserved it...

I hope karma bites him back...

kaitlinktm · 31/07/2017 17:32

@Over - I am sure you wouldn't but have to ask you please don't put your dog on Gumtree. I am sure your idea about contacting the breeder is the best way to go. Try not to feel guilty about this - you are acting in the dog's best interests and giving him the chance whilst he is still young to find a nice home (not that your home hasn't been nice for him, but as we know circumstances change). I know you say that other family members may not be happy - but they either not willing or not able to take on the dog themselves and don't have the right to insist you take on the expense of it yourself whilst they are unable/unwilling to contribute.

@User1498060624 I am sorry this has happened to you but I do think you should block your ex's number and discourage "friends" from giving you updates on how great his life is. Why would you even give him the opportunity of gloating over what he has done to you? If you are on social media block him on that too.

user1498060624 · 31/07/2017 18:00

@kaitlinktm I have blocked him everywhere but he lives next door so..
Right now I am going through madness so I should probably right my own thread and ask for people's help than spam @itsovernow1 thread...

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