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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

Rumours at DH's work

999 replies

Ormiriathomimus · 23/06/2012 20:49

He is one of the few men working in this school. Last year rumour started that he was having an affair with one of his assistants. Nasty particularly because her H is an abusive twat and if he got to hear these rumours the consequences could be pretty bad. Rumour was quashed by HT would sent strongly worded memo about spreading malicious rumours.

Anyway it has started again. Assistant in question is in the process of trying to end her marriage and is in a very difficult position.

But right now, I am more concerned about me. Selfish I know but I am recovering from depression and still a bit unstable. I know he isn't unfaithful. I know they are just stupid rumours. But it hurts to think that so many people (some of whom I know socially) might beleive these rumours and in fact be spreading them. It makes me feel undesirable and ugly, middle-aged and stupid, a sap who is being take for a ride.

I can't tell you how upset it has made me feel. It had made me angry with DH for being the sort of man he is - the sort of person who gets close to other and shows that he cares about them, and lays himself open to rumours.

Can anyone understand me?

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perfectstorm · 05/07/2012 22:05

This might sound an odd suggestion, but if you can afford it, massages can help me in stressful situations. I found Indian head ones especially helpful, because I was getting vicious tension headaches as well as feeling drained. And massages also made me feel peaceful, for some reason - perhaps there's a hormonal explanation for that, I don't know. Try to carve out time to do things that give pleasure, and are just for you, be that a film, a bath, or a box of seriously good chocolates.

Lots of sleep is natural when coping with a great deal, I think. I wonder at times if it isn't the brain ensuring enough REM sleep to untangle the emotional knots!

Hang in there. This to shall pass, and other such horrible cliches.

Triffiddealer · 06/07/2012 01:29

Hi Orm

I know sometimes the advice you've been given has seemed over the top or too much. You are going through enough at the moment anyway, without feeling that you have to appease some imaginary MN posse (we will surround your house and lasso you, if you don't read Shirley Glass).

But in all this noise and hurt and pain, if there is one thing I really want you to hear it's: 'PUT YOURSELF FIRST'. I want you to take it to your heart and make it a motto of your life, because I am willing to bet my life that you have never done that before.

Perfectstorm suggested a massage - if that's what you want then go for it (x10). Maybe you have an old friend you would like to go on holiday for a week with? Do something for you - not the kids/marriage/future.

Most things about discovering infidelity are cruel and devastating; but somethings are liberating too. Look for the liberation. Life will never be the same again, but that's not always bad.

Finally remember that this time next year, you will not feel bad like you do now, because this sadness will pass.

Oblomov · 06/07/2012 08:00

I agree with everything said.
I suspect that the feeling of being drained will come again and again, so Orm must try and sleep more and find nice things for herself, (as suggested, massage or chocolates or whatever).
It is surprising how 'draining ', awful times are. I remember telling Orm on another thread, that once I finally got the diagnosis of Autism, (AS), for ds1, my diabetes went mad, and I was drained for months.. I sure did sleep alot then.
Hope you're getting enough sleep Orm.

Ormiriathomimus · 06/07/2012 08:21

I am not sleeping that well TBH. When I go to bed I'm wound up and tense and it takes a while to get off then I wake up in the wee small hours. I have been running several times as it was is the thing I do for me but I am having trouble with my breathing as I am anxious.

WIth DH things are going OK. He is being very solicious, understanding my need to have constant reassurance, doing things with me that before we'd have done seperately - the kids are old enough to be left for short periods now. On the surface it's as if this has been good for our marriage but I am not stupid enough to think that all the aftereffects have appeared as yet. I think that he deeply regrets hurting me - I think he also deeply regrets the affair and seems to understand how he has hurt me. I just worry that we are both going to get fed up of making such a constant effort - it's nice now, in 6m time we may find it too much. That is when the crunch will come.

I haven't been really angry yet. Why not? I know I should be. I have this sneaking feeling that next time we have a row it's all going to come out like pus from a boil (sorry for that image at breakfast time). But I should be furious, angry, vengeful. I'm not.

Massage sounds so good! Will look into it asap. Had one once and it was blissful. Can't afford really but will think of it as an essential expense.

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fluffyraggies · 06/07/2012 09:18

I'm glad to read that you are thinking of taking sometime out for yourself and looking at your own well being.

About your worry that the next time you and your DH row "it will all come out" ...
perhaps the cause of this feeling is there's things you need to say to him that you havn't said yet? It would be better to pin point these things and find a way to say them/discuss them with him without anger.

You can be kind to each other without walking on eggshells. Maybe tell him you are enjoying your time with him being gentle with each other at the mo, but there are going to be times when you need to talk about what's happened, without a row, to clear your mind. Just for a few minutes even, assure him it doesn't have to be some marathon gut wrenching session. He should extend you this courtesy. It may even help him too.

x

MadAboutHotChoc · 06/07/2012 09:26

If you cant afford a massage, you could think about doing things that I did - bubble baths, coffees with close friends, a visit to a art gallery (the big ones and museums are free in London), country walks, buying nail polish, haircuts etc. These helped me enormously - I was putting myself first, getting some time out, boosting my self esteem and taking pleasures in little things.

Are you both talking much about the affair?

prettywhiteguitar · 06/07/2012 09:43

When I was dealing with my newborn baby, his dads totally shitty behaviour and and the death of my dad I was so exhausted and could not sleep, there was so much to deal with. I also had this terrible stomach twisting feeling, stress related. The only thing that helped me get through it was rose aromatherapy oil and francinsence.

It sounds totally ridiculous but you still have to get through everything and you will, you can't hide from these feelings and when I used the rose oil my stomach relaxed, I used to put it on my arms, clothes, bed everywhere, it really helped. The francinsense helps deal with deep trauma. Maybe you could try it and it will help you cope ?

I found talking helped short term but it also made me go round and round in circles, the only healer is time

perfectstorm · 06/07/2012 21:40

Massage as a stress relief has always worked for me, and you need and deserve that, if it works for you too. Definitely an essential expense! You need to do whatever will renew your emotional energy, I think. An investment in your mental health is always a seriously worthwhile one. And frankly, you deserve a bit of spoiling, if anyone ever did.

Feckbox · 06/07/2012 23:30

you don't HAVE to feel angry. It's just not true that everyone does. You might, later.You might not. Everyone is different.

Ormiriathomimus · 09/07/2012 15:40

So anxious now. Chest and back ache from the tension. Can't take a proper breath and keep yawning. Got to go back into to work tomorrow - it's becoming too much of a worry so I need to get it over with. DS1 is also doing work experience in the warehouse so I'd prefer to be there. I keep looking at DH wondering when he'll get pissed off with me being so needy and weak. Logically I don't think he will but it's hard to be logical. He can't keep telling me he loves me all the time. I'm too tired to deal with any more.

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VanderElsken · 09/07/2012 16:14

Sweetheart you're doing amazingly. Breathe. People go through this and come out the other side, whatever that looks like. I promise. And please stop looking at your DH with fear. It sounds like you're the one who's done wrong. You're not. He has to do everything in his power to commit and reassure you for as long as it takes. This takes years to get over, not weeks. It's a long haul. You both have to be in it for that.

Are you planning any counselling yet? It could really really help you get through this feeling of tension. it sounds like there's a lot of repression of feeling going on. Having a set period of time once a week when that can be safely explored often offloads the pressure from the rest of the time.

Please please try and start seeing your lack of self esteem less as a problem in the relationship but as a completely understandable symptom of it. You won't feel human for a good three months and the affair won't be at the back of your mind for a year at least, probably. This is the consequence of his action. It is not your fault. You are a good person. Things will become easier and clearer, I promise, it just takes time and understanding.

Ormiriathomimus · 09/07/2012 17:18

Thanks vander.

I keep doubting that it really happened. it seems unreal. My problem is that I doubt that he really wants me - again logic tells me he does - so I wonder if his heart is in it to convince me. I don't want him to go. I want him to move mountains to make me want to stay. Which is what everyone said in the first place. This is where I am now:

  1. I love DH. I admire him for the work he does and I am proud of what he has made of himself after unpromising childhood.
  2. I don't want him to leave. I don't want to leave him.
  3. I feel like shit. I feel physically ill with tension. He is the one I want to make it better but I am afraid if I put too much pressure on him he'll leave (emotionally if not physically). THis feeling comes from recent experience not from the many years we have shared when he has been totally loyal and reliable.
  4. No-one can help me with this feeling - I have no faith in ADs - I've been on them for years and I have never felt more than OKish and they haven't stopped me dropping down a big pit right now.
  5. Running is one thing that helps usually but I can't catch my breath and running is too hard.
  6. I have to go back to work or that will become a big looming terror to be overcome and I need normality and routine.

On top of everything my elderly auntie is very sick and I suspect getting near the end. My mum is 10 years younger and not in perfect health herself. She is worried about my aunt and about my dad who is ill again. And I don't have the energy to help her. I want to help her.

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Xales · 09/07/2012 17:44

I know you don't want to hear what some of us say. So I am not going to go on about things in your post.

Just please have a line where enough is enough and you make a stand for your health and well being.

A man is not worth keeping if keeping him means you destroy yourself in the process.

VanderElsken · 09/07/2012 17:46

I understand, I'm having a family crisis myself. in these times all you want is those controllable things around you to go back to 'normal' to try and help you through the health crisis that engulfs the family.

The trouble is, these things are always going to come up. Our families are mortal and it's rare there's a time when no unexpected difficulty assails us and breaks our heart when things are bad.

I really really think you should address some sort of counselling option. Without it you are rudderless and structureless. Most importantly, you must be able to see, if you step outside your situation for a moment, that trying to suppress your own totally valid fears and weakness in order not to frighten him off will always end up being counter-productive. Without wishing to hurt you further, he already has risked your marriage, he already has countenanced 'leaving' it. He probably is oscillating in his head and there's nothing you can do about it. If you were perfect in every way at this point it wouldn't stop him doing that. He's gone from 2 loving women to 2 vulnerable broken ones. He is selfishly dealing with his own pathetic loss. He is already way way ahead of you emotionally and is going to feel stronger than you as a result. To look down at your weakness or find it unattractive at this point is just selfish and manipulative.

Love is all well and good, but it should be our servant not our master. Every woman in an abusive relationship begins the reasons to stay by saying, 'But I love him!' It is sadly, absolutely irrelevant. Read 'Why does he Do That?' by Lundy Bancroft and see if it speaks to you. The other thing women in relationships that are bad for them always say is 'If you knew about his childhood you'd understand.' NO abuse, however awful, means that you should end up on the receiving end of some eventual consequence of it. ALL men who mistreat women, in what ever way, have had problematic upbringings. It makes no difference. It is okay to be angry with him rather than frightened. Write a letter, then decide whether to give it to him.

You are quite right that he is the one that needs to put the effort in to the relationship, but you are the one who needs to put the effort in to you. With every thing you do for yourself and by yourself, the stronger you will become, the more you will detach from him. Talk to friends, invest in your health and work. Find as much self-esteem and support and interest outside of him as is possible, and let him come to you with the ideas of how to make the 'couple' strong again. And believe me this does not mean he will become less interested. Quite the reverse as every single thread on this board will attest. The stronger, more independent and detached you are, the better catch you are. Men often bewail that quality in women when they have dragged it away from them. A man who stays with you only because you are vulnerable and he feels guilty will not stay long, anyway, I promise.

Of course you feel physically ill with tension. It is normal. Often likened to being hit by a bus.

Also, it is not YOUR problem that you doubt he really wants you. It is not your problem to solve. He has to solve it. If he can't convince you then it is HIS fault. Not yours. Either he does want to fight for it, and will reveal that in time, or he doesn't and is looking to escape. Either way your strategy is the same. Look after yourself, get yourself strong, put the onus on him. But communicate. Make demands like counselling etc which are MORE than reasonable in the situation.

Start running with smaller goals, running a bit, walking a bit, wear an app or headphone music to blot it out a while.

The blame you are laying on yourself is not deserved. You have been through a trauma, like losing a loved one. It is okay to tell people. He has acted. These are just the consequences.

OhNoMyFanjo · 09/07/2012 18:34

You can't second guess when you will feel like this or tgat. It's like grief there are stages to go through. Do not be so hard on yourself.

AnyFucker · 09/07/2012 19:46

I was going to write something, and while I was trying to frame it, Vander wrote the above

So, I will add my "second" to that and add no more.

perfectstorm · 09/07/2012 20:25

I have nothing wise or profound to say, but I do agree that Vander's words on how to build yourself and that being the only way to rebuild the marriage is borne out by an awful lot of threads on here. I'm sure you've read them too.

Above all, Vander's comment that your depression is not what caused your DH to stray, but a consequence of him doing so, is so very true. At some level you knew something was amiss in his situation, yet you trusted him completely... and the cognitive dissonance of that will have been dreadful. It would reduce anyone to emotional rubble.

None of this was your fault or doing. It's unfair, screamingly so, that you are hurting so much now. You deserve and need every scrap of help and joy and support going and I very much hope you get it. xxx

MadAboutHotChoc · 09/07/2012 21:49

I agree with Vander too.

From looking at the affairs threads on here, so many betrayed spouses have ended up needing ADs. It really does fuck up your mind.

Focus on looking after yourself and putting yourself first x

ValentineBombshell · 09/07/2012 23:02

Has H not come up to scratch? You say he's solicitous, but...?

And sorry if you've said, are you in marriage counselling?

glastocat · 09/07/2012 23:18

I just want to third what Vander said. Please look after yourself.

Thumbwitch · 09/07/2012 23:58

Orm, often in my clinic I used to see people whose emotional issues had transmuted themselves to physical ones. It's as though their brain couldn't deal with them, so they were stored in various body parts, usually a large muscle mass, often the back, neck, shoulders, buttocks (it's amazing how much stress people store in the bums - people don't say "pain in the arse" for nothing!)

Anyway. The breathing/yawning thing is a type of hyperventilation, something I have suffered from for years. I can help you with it in terms of suggesting what to do but I strongly recommend you go and get a decent back massage as well.
When you feel the need to yawn all the time it's because you are not emptying your lungs properly, you are shallow breathing.
You need to (and it's bloody hard to start with) breathe out more. Just keep breathing out as far as you can, until you really have let everything go - and then try and breathe in normally. You could also try breathing into a paper bag for a minute but I never found that was particularly beneficial for me.
Another thing that may help is putting pressure on your xiphoid process, the bit just below your sternum - it can help to release the diaphragm.
Finally, the back massage is to release the tension in your back muscles because they can inhibit the expansion of your chest, stopping you from breathing properly. I would offer a small warning though - if you are storing emotional stress in your back/body, having it released can bring on some tears (good thing).

Re. the rest of your post - Vander has said a lot of good things - I think you need to face up to what has happened. You need to realise that it was real, and it did happen, work through it and move on. Currently you have displaced it from yourself and it's become unreal to you - this isn't a particularly healthy way to deal with it and is having an impact on your physical health. Horrible though it will be, you must face it head on - talk it out with someone (counsellor for preference) but understand that it Really Happened. :(

So very sorry that you are feeling anxious and down again but not at all surprised. :(

glastocat · 10/07/2012 08:01

I've just remembered I had that breathing thing too! It was when I was being bullied at work and got very very stressed and unhappy. Unfortunately I ignored it as a warning sign and ended up getting so depressed And ill I had to take over a year off work. Please don't let the same happen to you, your body is telling you something very important. I'm fine now,but it was a hideous experience for me, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

glastocat · 10/07/2012 08:05

And Thumbwitch, I wish I had been told all that at the time. The only think that relieved the pain for me at the time was lying on my stomach putting pressure on my 'xhipoid process'.who knew it had a name!

Thumbwitch · 10/07/2012 08:42

It is bloody horrible, isn't it Glasto. :( When I can't relieve it immediately, it makes me slightly panicky as well - which doesn't help, makes it worse! Re-learning abdominal breathing as well is important (forgot to mention that in the first post) - use your tummy to breathe in and out, not your upper chest muscles. I also find that arching my back helps release it too.

We have a horrible advert over here that shows what it's like to have emphysema, breathing wise - sounds very similar to this type of hyperventilation. :(

Ormiriathomimus · 10/07/2012 11:17

I've had the breathing thing many times before. I know it's just panic but the first time I thought I was dying Hmm as I also felt my heart was racing.

valentine - he's solicitous yes, spending lots of time with me, he's very affectionate, he even went running with me on Sunday (he managed 8 mins before he had to stop ), walked the dog, not going out until he's checked I'm OK with it. I have been left in no doubt that he loves me and he wants to be with me. We have talked and talked about us - what I want him to say is that he's angry with himself and with her for being so stupid and risking so much. I guess I need him to experience the anguish and pain that I did. I know you all said that - but I'm not sure I want to risk my marriage for my own emotional satisfaction. Does that make sense? Yes, I know he did that without a second thought but perhaps I'm not like him.

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