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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Devastated is an understatement

556 replies

redtulip68 · 11/03/2012 10:26

I'm so sorry to hear about your situation Starling. Unfortunately I'm in a very similiar position at the moment. My husband of 12 years left the marital home at 10.05pm last Sunday when myself and our two children were in bed. Not warning, nothing ran out in the night the coward he obviously is. The last week has been hell. i've had to tell the children because he only wanted to do it over the phone or in a pub, not in the safe environment of their home.

Apparently he had met some3one on line that he had connected with emotional - nothig sexual had occurred until after he left, or so he is saying. Over the last week I've heard nothing but lies and more lies. He has left the home in in such a state that part is uninhabitable. Environmental Health have been in contact due to the number of vehicles is has left in the garden, carport and other areas that we own surrounding the property. Since leaving I have found out that my wiring is condemned, the oven and hob are a danger to myself and my children. Cant have a bath unless a plunger is used to get plugs out. Had no hot water, could only have heating on for 30 minutes at a time, only flush toilets if someone contorlled the stop cock. Its been a nightmare. But he is living with someone and 'needing time to think what he needs over' whlst I live with two children in disarray.

Found we didnt have any contents or buildings insurance because he hadnt got round to setting up a new policy, bills were out of control because he hadnt got round to getting new quotes - I would have done it but evey bill was in his name at the time, obviously they arent now! Joint mortgage so thats ok.

Apparently will leave his income in my account for the next three months so I can arrange reapirs - what makes him think I can afford them now he has done? Then I'm to live off benefits - I've already established I'm only entitled to 10.43 per month. This is just so unfair, I really dont understand what I've done. he doesnt understand that our children deserve the truth rather than his web of lies which he now stating - I left beuuase we were arguing, 1 argument one night last week.

Visited children after I arranged it - 1 hour, then spoke to me for 2.5 hours, mean at the state but got better. I asked him to come back explained I still loved him and he said he would seriously think about it. He said that he still loved me but didnt think we could work it out because he has left.

Cant tell my family that I want him home bacuse they cant stand him, but I cant help the way I feel. its been made worse becauseof comments he keeps making on facebook which mean I then have to fiedl emails, messages and calls from joint friends and work colleagues. I know I'm having to do all his dirty work, clearing his stuff because he told me to, making calls left right and centre because that's what I'm expected to do.

refuses to give contactable address and often truns mobile phone off - so even in an emergancy I wouldnt be able to contact him.

cant sleep, havent eaten since our initial argument on 2nd march. i know deep down he isnt coming back but my children are young and own has AS. One hates their father, the other is in limbo becuase of promises father has made and subsequently not kept.

Nothing in my world is the same. I just dont know what I should be saying or feeling. Sick to the stomach of crying on my own. the pain is unbearable.

Please excuse the mistakes its just that really cant think straight. spoke this morning and asked if the comments he made yesterday about coming back were true or yet another one of the catelogue of lies he has told this week. Chidlren are lashing out at each other. But its not helped by their father telling them that he left because I was arguing rather than the truth that he was having an affair. There were several incidents this morning and I made him tell the truth but its still only part - now telling the children he is sharing a house with another woman. I just want to know where we all stand. Not lie after lie

OP posts:
HansieMom · 25/03/2012 00:17

Wow! I am sure it is lovely to turn on a hot water tap and get hot water! I hope all this embarrasses him as he was not providing for his family. Your kitchen got lots of improvements, as did rooms all over the house. A very satisfying feeling!

redtulip68 · 25/03/2012 08:10

No it doesnt embarrass him at all, he just walks into the house and looks around to see what has changed. Cheeky bar steward!

Off to visit family today - his not mine, that I'm close to. He has cut ties with everyone because I think deep down in some very corner of his soul he is ashamed of his behaviour but just wont acknowledge it.

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FidgetPie · 25/03/2012 14:09

Very impressed by how much you have got done to the house

Hope you have a lovely day

redtulip68 · 25/03/2012 20:53

The children had a lovely day, walk in the woods, ice cream and a bbq. They played all day only DD found the whole experience difficult without DH. She cried at the simplest thing but that is only to be expected really.

When DH came yesterday I gave him my bike to sell as I needed money to pay for swimming fees for DS. sold it today for £50.00. £50 for a bike costing £350, I just hope he is telling the truth. He also sold a bike of my DS for £15, then gave me £5 extra towards the swimming fees - big deal. I had to meet him a really rough part of the city in an area infamous for drugs etc but I went and waited in a car park. I cried the entire time, had my life reduced to the level of meeting my children's father in a car park?

Bought DD a skipping rope and DS some camping equipment he needs for cub camp and a DS game for them to share. I sobbed, he rode away on his bike without a glance back. A lovely day spoilt by a lack of care for his children but at least I know now how much his children mean to him - nothing!

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ThePinkPussycat · 25/03/2012 21:56

Oh dear you gave him your bike to sell??

redtulip68 · 25/03/2012 22:06

I had tried to sell it myself but to no avail and my options were limited as I needed the money to pay for DS's swimming fees for school or there would be no swimming and he would be the only one left out.

The time is 10.07pm, the exact time three weeks ago DH left the house. Feeling very low at the moment. Low and alone, yes I have got the children but they are not adults nor do they understand how I'm feeling. Now DH has said that I'm not to tell the DC anything I feel more alone than before. When I cried earlier I thought to myself that I cant live this sort of life, not that I would do anything stupid, its just not what I envisaged. DD told her father yesterday that I cry everyday and he just shruggled his shoulders. I think that he really lacks any understanding of what he is putting us all through. Sad

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ThePinkPussycat · 25/03/2012 22:18

Sorry I didn't sound very sympathic in my reply Sad To be honest, the stress of living in the same house with ex, and wondering whether I'm going to have to move or not is doing my head in atm. He is always bloody here - you wouldn't think it was him wanted to move out in the first place. Oh but I forgot - he can't afford to. (oops, mini-rant)

What do you mean, DH has said you're not to tell the DC anything? Did you agree this? What are you supposed to do when they ask questions?

Here's hoping we feel better in the morning...

meredeux · 26/03/2012 06:24

I am sorry you had such a nice day ruined. Things will improve, i promise.

You always write as though you are looking to your H for support and compassion, but reading back through your thread, he never shows any sign of being willing (or able?) to offer even one iota of that. Maybe I am just misreading the situation? I hope so, because otherwise he's going to keep on hurting you every time you hope he'll show you some kindness.

Being practical, you need to move to a more secure financial footing. What are your options? Get a court order so you H doesn't get to decide when and if he gives you money for the children? Also, is there anyway you can reduce your outgoings? Or earn more money yourself? Do you have any investments/ savings that can be cashed in?

I think he's lost the right to tell you what you may and may not say to your children, don't you? (Although, I do think that they are very young and need protecting from the situation as far as possible).

redtulip68 · 26/03/2012 10:08

Meredeux, you are right that I do seek reassurance and support from DH. Possibily because he was the first person ever to do that. Parents were always emotionally detached.

it really difficult for me not to care about his feelings and his opinion, despite him really having no right now. But I've always been the same with friends, past boyfriends and many others. Nice really hasnt gotten me anywhere in life but I find it very difficult to be anything other than what I am.

I mean after speaking to the DC this morning the DH explained that he was having a hard time at work - boss having put into place some very difficult rargets he wants meerting before Friday. I explained that despite not being at work I've received emails asking for results for this term (yes I'm a teacher too). I was only at work a week before this all blew up and havent been back since.

Anyway I offered some advice, approached a counselling service on his behalf etc - yes I know he should be doing this himself but noone else understands what is expected of both of us workwise. Its the one thing we can both talk about without getting emotional and my hope is that I will be able to use this detachment in other areas.

As for saving/investiments - none just our teacher pensions and I have a previous pension from another employer that I cant touch as it was noncontributary. Could sell the house but dont want to - the DC have experienced alot of chanege and DS's AS means that consistancy is really important. Going to speak to someone about DLA for him this week which will help with costs for all the clubs we have encouraged him to attend inorder to work with peers.

Lets just see what the rest of the day holds.

I appreciate people may think I'm weak, even alittle stupid for my thoughts and feelings towards DH but I cant help it.

OP posts:
ChitChatFlyingby · 26/03/2012 10:14

Tulips- you are really doing well, you know. Ignore anything your STBXH says. It is no longer up to him if something does or doesn't get told to the DC. You are there for them every day, you are the ones they ask questions of, you are there to comfort them - therefore you decide how to deal with them, not him, you can tell them what you like,and what you feel they are up to hearing.

They love you and trust you, they may love him, but their trust in him has taken a battering. That is why he wants to control what you say to them, he is trying to pretend to them that he is a good guy. And that's all it is, a pretense.

meredeux · 26/03/2012 10:31

Maybe some people would, but I don't think that. After the way I behaved when my relationship ended, I could not be such a hypocrite. (I had no children or big debts or health concerns though so I'm not comparing the situation I was in with yours). I really feel for you.

All I can offer though is that its clear that he's still hurting you in new ways every time you write about him. I just don't think that you'll get a chance to start healing until you decide to redefine yourself.

redtulip68 · 26/03/2012 18:43

Had a lovely lunch with two old friends. Talked about all sorts and not just the autopsy of my marriage which made a freshing change. during the afternoon it did become evident that I have made a few steps along the path of independance but I have a very long way to go.

My need to be loved, respected and valued is very high, and in all honesty I do deserve that, and my DH was the first relationship where I had been treated like well, where there had been some equality and where my thoughts and opinion were valued - well up until recently.

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MadAboutHotChoc · 26/03/2012 19:35

Sounds like you are having a better day - I'm with you re friends helping to brighten up your day. Well done in taking the first few steps towards independence and a brighter happier future :)

springydaffs · 27/03/2012 00:26

I read a book about boundaries that was very helpful to me - I would go so far as to say it changed my life. It is a christian book, very well written (I could gush!) but the christian element may not float your boat. Whatever, please do have a look at some boundary work - imo people like you and me need this like water in a parched land

I also have a history of codependence and it sounds like you may too. You could look at codependency on your travels? On your travels to getting well and free from this shit man. You do know he'll be ravelling you in with his sob stories don't you? There will be no end to them, really. My ex did this - they simply never end. I learned not to feel sorry for him or to help him out, as it was just one of many avenues he could re-do me over, again and again.

All in good time! You're doing extraordinarily well tulip, striding on ahead. Well done girl.

NB please copy those receipts before handing them over - he's not your dad!!

pps sorry to be posting instructions - it's hard to keep quiet when I've walked the walk and learned the lessons the hard way

redtulip68 · 27/03/2012 06:59

Morning Daffy, thanks for the advice.

Yes I suppose I'm codependent on him despite everything. As for receipts, I show him, he looks and tells me to keep them so he never takes anything away with him - not unless he can sell it that is! On Saturday I gave him a couple of birthday presents and a wedding gift that I had bought him which I know will end up being sold. I also gave him some delicate glasses that belonged to his Grandmother, his response was 'I'll get a few pence for those.' I snatched them back and said 'No, thats not right', although he was chuffed that I'd found a sailing trophy from 2003. He really doesnt have any sense of importance.

Anyway - repainted the kitchen walls and gloss work last night/this morning and I have a busy morning planned sorting DS's disaster of a bedroom ready for painting tomorrow. Busy, busy, busy - I know that this is to avoid thinking but at least I'm not crying at the moment and I didnt yesterday! Wink

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redtulip68 · 27/03/2012 08:01

One point that did make me sad yesterday was when I was in Homebase with DS. He had selected the paint he wants for his bedroom and were paying when the Checkout Lady said to DS 'Mummy and Daddy are going to be busy aren't they.' DS just turned and looked at me with tears in his eyes.

Outside he stopped me and said 'I did my best then Mummy. I didnt answer the lady because I didnt know what to say. I know you will do a good job.' He then carried his paint to ther car and got in. How my heart was breaking for him.

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ThePinkPussycat · 27/03/2012 09:41

Tears in my eyes here. DS sounds lovely, what a caring yet logical thing to say to you, and how well he managed at the checkout.

redtulip68 · 27/03/2012 10:29

Another ME conversation from Dh this morning - listen for a few minutes then said bye and hung up. I felt better.

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mummytime · 27/03/2012 10:39

Well done!

meredeux · 27/03/2012 12:39

It does sound like the CO-dependent thing is genuinely working in both directions. I guess your DH has not realised yet that he can't treat people terribly and then expect them to help him!

Thermalsocks · 27/03/2012 12:51

Oh bless him! (DS I mean!) Tears in my eyes too. How caring and empathetic and brave he sounds. And you say he is ASD?!!

You have been treated appallingly. How can a man abandon his family and leave them in such dire surroundings? I am in awe of how amazingly you are coping and just getting on with things and transforming the wreck you were left with and keeping your little family together.

Do your very best to not let him benefit from any of the improvements you have made.

Things do not really bode well at all for the shiny new relationship. Steel yourself to be 'well 'ard' when/if he comes crawling back.

You are an absolute star!

Thermalsocks · 27/03/2012 12:53

Have you done anything about all the old vehicles left lying around your property yet?
Scrap metal is fetching a high price at the moment!

ThePinkPussycat · 27/03/2012 12:55

'tis a myth that all people with AS are not empathetic. Some of us are too empathetic :) DS shows you can do empathy and logic at the same time...

Thermalsocks · 27/03/2012 17:42

Sorry Pink Blush. More used to full blown autistic end of spectrum. Little step GS certainly can't do empathy.

ThePinkPussycat · 27/03/2012 17:49

No problem Thermalocks :). I do think though that maybe one thing I might share with LSGS and my DF is difficulty distinguishing our own emotions. we feel them pretty strong but don't know how to manage them.

However, I digress. There's a thread on Aspergers here on Relationships, which contains some interesting discussion on have AS in the family (among other discussions). It's gone slightly quiet though, of late.