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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

Marriage ended after 27 years. This is "My Death".

874 replies

mrsmciver · 12/05/2013 12:43

My husband left 4 weeks ago after I found some dubious e-mails to another woman he works with. I have posted about this on another thread, but still need the support from all you lovely ladies out there.
I asked him to go to his mum's after I went mad screaming and shouting and both of us crying. He went to his mum's, then round to my parents explaining himself and accepting all the blame.
I still let him in the house later that night and we both sat talking and crying about how we would get over this, then he collected some things and went back to his mothers.
I phoned him the next morning demanding the ow mob number but he would not give it to me as he said i would jeapardise his job if she went to his boss. We were both still crying and he asked what to get for his breakfast as his mum only has fried food and he likes to keep fit and eat well so he went to shop to buy that and washing powder for his clothes.
He also came up later that afternoon and we both talked some more. He said he had been very flattered by the attentions of this high powered business woman and had got carried away, swore there was nothing physical.
He told me he would give me her mob number once I had calmed down and to be careful what to say to her as it would cost him his job. he said he would give it to me the next morning whilst on the train as he was away for a few days on a business meeting.
Next morning he phoned and gave me her number, I put it in the drawer as after all the trauma I could not face calling her, was in no state to do so. later that evening after another sleepless night, he phoned sounding like his normal self, and I told him I had not contacted her, but he probably knew that as she would have phoned him if I had.
I then asked him when he was coming home and he said he wasn't. he said it was so out of character for him to do that and that the blinkers had been taken off his eyes and that he must have been very unhappy to have done it in the first place.
I got very upset, begged him to come home, but he won't. He is staying at his mum's. I ended up in hospital after trying to end it all. Can't imagine life without him. And now he wants to settle all our financial affairs and divorce. Am distraught. We have two daughters, one is sitting her Higher exams right now and the other is expecting a baby. They have been so wonderful, they are so strong, told me I am better without him. He had been treating me badly weeks before and I knew something was "off", that was why I had looked at his phone.
He has said he can't forgive me for looking at his phone and have now destroyed all trust. And that I would make his life hell as I would now be paranoid and forever questioning what he is doing.
He says he has no energy left, nothing to give, and that my health problems have drained him. I have anxiety and stress. But it is not as if he was a carer, I did most things for him! He doesn't know what he wants, but he knows he does not want "this.
I am devastated, cannot do this anymore. Have been a mess, shaking stuttering, he was over Frid night and said he is never coming back and that we will be divorcing.
How do I do this? How can I live without him? We have been married for 27 years, ever since we were 15 years old.
I always had a feeling I would die early, in my forties, and this is it, this is "my death", I will never get over this. It is getting worse.

OP posts:
Graceparkhill · 26/05/2013 10:12

Morning MrsMc . I know this is the oldest cliche in the book but it is very relevant in your situation.
Take each day as it comes. Now is not the time for looking too far ahead.
Have you had breakfast? Shower ? Can you listen to the radio? Because it is a Sunday how would you feel about going to church?

mrsmciver · 26/05/2013 10:20

Hi Grace, no have not had a shower yet and I think I am now too late to go to church but thank you for answering me, I felt so lonely, my purpose has gone and I don't know where to put myself now. I have had a cup of tea, I would normally be thinking about Sunday lunch but do not have the will for that at the moment, am so scared, who will ever want me now? It is not as if I want someone else either, I just want my husband back, the real one not the other one.

OP posts:
Graceparkhill · 26/05/2013 10:25

It is very early days and you are bound to be still in a state of shock.
Don't put yourself under any pressure - go with the flow. Book? Magazine? Sunday paper?
Could you manage a wee walk?

mrsmciver · 26/05/2013 10:36

It is the oddest thing, but 6 weeks on I still can't concentrate on anything. Can't read a paper, I am just looking at the pictures, and i certainly can't concentrate on a book. Cannot watch tv programmes either. My life has gone. I keep trying to go on but see no joy in anything anymore.

OP posts:
Graceparkhill · 26/05/2013 10:52

Is there anything you would like to do/ achieve today ? Preferably something manageable .
Set yourself a wee goal? Are you on your own today?

MushroomSoup · 26/05/2013 11:35

It's another beautiful day where I am. Sun is shining. The chickens are destroying enjoying the garden.

Come and have a coffee and I'll get the chairs out on the decking.

mrsmciver · 26/05/2013 11:46

The family are going to my sisters for dinner later on. It is rainy here today, but then it is Scotland.
Oh chickens, sunshine, decking.....coffee? I'll be right over! Sounds lovely!
Do you think I should get a wee dog? I would be worried it would be too much for me right now, and I would not be able to give it the attention it needs. I am barely holding body and soul together for myself and youngest daughter in this house. Don't know if I would be able to manage another.

OP posts:
springymater · 26/05/2013 12:13

I have recently been through a bad time and, like you, couldn't seem to get anything done, on a daily basis. Getting dressed was a major achievement (still is, really, though not anything like as bad).

the NHS graciously ( Hmm ) gave me 6 sessions with someone (can't remember who or what she was tbh!) and she gave me a diary, in which I could record what I had done each day. She gave me weekly sheets, which I filled out by the hour. At first I found that whole blank page overwhelming and I felt crap about the things I couldn't do, let alone the things I could do. But I gradually filled it up: first, with appointments, so that was something I could put in to break up the blankness of the page; then I filled in things like 10am made a cup of tea, 10.30am washed up. That may sound pathetic but, I assure you, it was anything but.

Some days I couldn't do anything at all. I decided I would just ignore that day and pretend it didn't exist, not fill in anything at all but not leave it blank eg fill Wednesday with Thursday's achievements. I told the womam/therapist/whatever she was I was doing this and she couldn't help gasping with frustration. 'Springy!' she said, 'How about some compassion because there are days you can't do anything?' That was a real turning point for me. In some ways, it was her compassion for me that helped me to have compassion for myself.

It is true that at times like this it is one day at a time - one hour, one minute at a time. You have to be kinder than kind to yourself. You will adjust. You don't think you will, but you will. Get through each day, try not to cast your mind forward. YOu won't be able to help it, up to a point, because your whole life has been turned on its head. But you will adjust to the new you - in fact, I suspect the new you will be far freer than the you you were before.... You won't get there in a day, but I do believe you'll get there. That's not wishful thinking or platitudes.

You are still grappling with shock, and that will take time to work its way through your system. While you wait for it to pass, go easy on yourself xxx

nkf · 26/05/2013 12:16

Can you go for a walk? The garden centre? Deep breaths for any panicky feelings.

MumnGran · 26/05/2013 12:36

Sunny here ...dogs playing in the garden helping me weed (why are there so many weeds when we have had so little sun Sad )

I think a dog is a great idea Mrs M, when life has settled down a bit for you. They are brilliant companions ....I talk to mine all the time they answer back less than the cats!
They are very sensitive to atmosphere though, and take lots of time, so I would suggest its a brilliant thing to start planning.....what sort of dog you would like, what the different breed traits are. Great for nice cheerful discussions with the girls. Then you will be all set to go and get exactly what you want when the time is right ....and I think you will know, in your heart, when that is Smile

Loathe to make trite suggestions, but the key to handling difficult times of day is to totally change your pattern. My really difficult patch was cooking dinner, for a friend (the same one who painted the cars!) it was bedtimes .... I think most people have one. Could make all sorts of suggestions such as walking ( or diving into Mumsnet, first thing Grin ) but you will know what might fit for you. Doesn't really matter what it is, as long as it stops you going round and round the loop every day.

Please try to listen to the "positive voices". It is really hard when you have spent years with one person, and a narcissistic one at that.... we all began this hateful process believing we had zero value and "if he doesn't me, then who will".
Everyone handles those feelings differently. Some women go and have a fling or two just for the hell of it .....and because it reassures them, some women transform their image. Some women jump into a 'permanent relationship' with the first man who comes along. I fall into the "wouldn't have another one if you paid me" camp. Not if he was dripping diamonds. All of the above are Ok if they work for you ....and THATS the thing that really matters.

A new woman was born, when he left. THATS what you have to remember. You are NOT something he doesn't want ..... that person died. You are a new woman, with new goals, a new strength, and you no longer need a man to tell you that you are an OK person

I am not saying you will never feel the need for a comforting male arm, or ...... well, whatever it is that you are missing at the time, BUT from here on in it is on YOUR TERMS!!

First bunch of flowers of the week.... Flowers ......for getting through to Sunday Grin

note to self ...have GOT to start writing shorter messages to Mrs M

MumnGran · 26/05/2013 12:40

You won't get there in a day, but I do believe you'll get there. That's not wishful thinking or platitudes
...and aint that just the troof !!Smile

skyeskyeskye · 26/05/2013 13:24

MrsM - I said when XH left that he took everything from me. I couldn't read a book, I couldn't watch tv, I just had no interest in anything. I spent my evenings on facebook talking to friends to get me through the night and also on Mumsnet getting support. He took away my enjoyment in everything..... I know exactly how you feel.

But gradually it came back. I records things on Sky and watch them when I have time. I no longer watch the soaps like I used to. One of his criticisms was that I watched too much tv and I suppose that comment has got to me somewhere deep down.

I keep saying that I could write your posts and I did. I have got up this morning and cried, because it is a sunny bank holiday, all my friends/neighbours are busy doing their own thing, or on holiday and it feels like I am the only person with nothing to do and nowhere to go. DD is with XH since yesterday and wont be back til Monday evening. In reality, there are several things I could do, but I just don't feel like doing them.

Just be kind to yourself, accept that there will be down days, and try and plan something nice to do , a day out somewhere, or visit a friend.

My friend got a dog after her H left because he would never allow her to have one. That dog gave her a purpose in life when her children were at school as it needed walking.

You WILL get through this, it really does just take time. Remember that you have done nothing wrong, that he is a selfish man who changed and that your life ultimately will be better without him. My XH is up to his eyes in debt, which thankfully is not my problem any more.

mrsmciver · 26/05/2013 23:26

Thank you for all your posts, they really do help me to get through. It is about trying to get through each day at a time. My whole routine has been disrupted and I look around this house and don't know what to do with it now. I need to move, I know I can't stay here anymore. One pal keeps saying to me not to make any rash decisions, but I definitely know I will have to move house, too many memories here for me now.
I think my life will be able to move on better in another house.
The girls have had no contact with their father for nearly a fortnight now, he was texting and phoning them now and again but they wouldn't reply and they last heard from him on Friday night and they haven't heard from him since. Not exactly trying that hard is he? But then again he may give it another couple of days and try again. Mind you, there has been a lot of football on this weekend so he would be busy with that too!

OP posts:
springymater · 27/05/2013 19:27

Hope you were ok today Mrs. Bank hols can be challenging - hope your girls are keeping you loved-up and cosy xxx

mrsmciver · 27/05/2013 20:30

Too right about bank hols, used to love them, now i hate them. Thought I was going to be on my own today but my sister phoned and I went out with her and my nephew to the shops for a little while. Was really glad I was out, the house is a mess but could not face being in on my own and doing housework by myself.
Hope all you ladies are ok, what did you all get up to today?xxx

OP posts:
Lambzig · 27/05/2013 20:43

Glad you are getting out, I really think it helps to distract while you start to heal.

I used to hate Sundays as everyone was busy and I just used to mope around dreadfully.

Stuff the housework, you will do it when you feel like it and don't feel guilty.

If I were you I would avoid drastic decisions at the moment including moving, (I would also avoid the drastic haircut if I were you, it took me a year to grow that fringe out). Financially, I am sure your solicitor would tell you to stay in the house for now. Perhaps grit your teeth and get through it for that one.

mrsmciver · 27/05/2013 21:00

Cannot bear to be in the house now. Really really hate it. But I will need to grit my teeth for now, but it is the place I least want to be.
Where did my life go to? Keep thinking this is all a dream and I will wake up.
At least I have support, what do all those poor souls do that have noone? I would not be here without family and friends.
Oh and I have had a bit of a drastic haircut! Think it suits me though, I don't have anyone now to say otherwise!
Hate Sundays too! You are right, everyone does seem to be busy, why did I never notice that before?

OP posts:
springymater · 27/05/2013 22:21

how about a cleaner? I find the state of the house really affects my mood - if it's tidy/organised I feel much better, i can think straight. If it's a mess I feel jumbled. Even if you don't ultimately want to be there, it might help to get a cleaner for a short time?

Graceparkhill · 27/05/2013 22:55

Glad you were able to get out today. I do genuinely believe things will get better for you. It sounds like you have family support and a grandchild on the way which is lovely.
Your ex will be the loser in all of this but I am willing to bet that you will be a much happier person in future.

MumnGran · 28/05/2013 04:22

Good morning! well you survived the first Bank Hol, Mrs M. :-)
And am so pleased to hear about the new haircut......even if you decide a to grow it out again, its still the first major sign of the new independent you.

As for "Keep thinking this is all a dream and I will wake up" ..... I guess everyone will differ, but I still occasionally had that feeling for about 5 years, in fact right up until a total relocation. For me it wasn't a wishful thing, just a surreal "actually, if I wake up properly this will turn out to have been a dream" .... a bit like Bobby Ewing in that famous Dallas 'series that never was'. This despite the fact that I would not have wound the clock back at that point, if I could have.

The mind is a strange thing.

nkf · 28/05/2013 07:57

Every day you get through, particularly the "big" days is a triumph. It's a step in the right direction. Tackle housework 15 minutes at a time. Have a good Tuesday.

Lambzig · 28/05/2013 10:12

I think you will get through this fine.

Let me tell you about my break up. My DH left me three months after we had moved halfway around the world to a completely different culture. I didn't know anyone there at all or even speak the language, I didn't have any money, any support and my ex would not even take my calls.

I found myself some confidence, somewhere to live, a job, a social life and stayed for a further two years before eventually moving back to the uk. I also lost two stone and got my strength back. It was difficult, painful, lonely and absolutely and utterly the making of me.

This will be the making of you too. It will be a delight for your daughters and friends and family to see you come through it a stronger person. Please take their support when it's offered

As for the house, can you do something to make it yours, paint a room, new bedding or curtains, move furniture around, buy something new that you have chosen?

Glad you like the haircut, mine was truly hideous!

mrsmciver · 28/05/2013 11:12

I think my daughters are getting fed up of me now. They say that I am better off without him, I know that they are right but.... it will take time to get over this.
I really hate him for what he has done to us, horrible, selfish man. Why do this when his daughter had exams to sit and his eldest is pregnant. It was because his hand was forced when I found those e-mails.
Lambzig, wow, you are really strong, I would have caved in those circumstances, that was awful for you.
Somehow I don't think this will be the making of me, I think this has truly destroyed me, I am not a very strong person, and I don't mean to be dramatic but I genuinely think I will never get over this and it will eat me up inside.
Never in a million years did I think he would do this to us.

OP posts:
Lambzig · 28/05/2013 12:00

Mrs M, I may be strong now, but I wasn't then. Before ExH left, I was so shy I used to get him to order for me in restaurants. I hated speaking to people in shops and would walk out of a shop instead of asking for my size or for what I wanted. When I had to go to conferences at work, I would hide in the loo during coffee break to avoid having to speak to anyone (gosh that is so embarrassing, I must really want to help to admit that) I did everything exH told me and believed everything was my fault. I spent ages convinced it was my fault he left despite the OW.

I felt there was no future, I remember sobbing to a GP that I would always be alone, never have a family, that my life was over. It's an awful feeling. Two years later, just back in the UK, I met my DH.

You wouldn't have caved in, you haven't caved in now. You have stood up for yourself and you have reached out for help.

Of course it's still so new, of course you are going to have days where you feel it will never get better, but you have so much to look forward to. You are a lovely age to be around a new baby (I am your age and looking at my six month old roll around the carpet as I type), you have a younger daughter to help out into the world and you have family and friends who need you.

I am sure your daughters are not fed up with you, but perhaps frustrated that you are blaming yourself and not seeing your husband for what he is. Perhaps ask yourself, what if it was one of your daughters in 15,20 years time in your shoes, what would you say to her? Pretty sure you wouldn't let her cave in.

Please go for a walk, see a friend, do something to distract you today. And please keep talking, to us, to your therapist, to your GP, to friends and family. You will get through this.

MumnGran · 28/05/2013 12:33

Dearest dearest Mrs M

'fess up! You forgot the note on the fridge, didn't you?

Remember the day when you felt you were awesome! you are still that person. She is just sinking, thi9s morning, under the weight of the negative.

It is really important that you start to mentally contradict yourself.
Each time you feel this has truly destroyed me, I am not a very strong person ...(snippped) .... I will never get over this and it will eat me up inside you have got to tell yourself a positive. Put a list up on the fridge next to the AWESOME note. It doesn't matter how silly they are. Everything from I look great with my new haircut to the bastard was a narcissist and nearly destroyed me My list even had on it: I am forever free from bloody cricket, and the Antiques sodding Roadshow
If you can't think of a positive when you start telling yourself self-destructive things, go look at your list and choose something to focus on.

This really matters. All of the women who are talking with you here have been in your position. We have all felt that our worlds have ended, that we would not be strong enough to be alone, that what we had was better than anything our lives could hold in the future. Some of us felt that life was no longer worth living.
We are all here saying that we are no better than you.... no stronger than you ... and no more worthwhile than you.
The only difference between us is that we know our lives are infinitely better than before....and that is simply because we have had TIME to adjust, and find out who we really are.

You badly, badly need to raise your self-esteem, which is at a very low level (no surprise given what you now know about x). Next time you see your counsellor, it would be a really good idea to ask her how you can work on this.

One word of caution Mrs M. I also had two daughters - seemingly around the age of your own girls. It is so easy to lean on them, when they offer such great support but it does take a real toll on them.
I doubt that they are "sick of you" but they do also have their own emotions to deal with. Try to present them with strong positive attitudes when you can .......and do the emotional off-loading on your sister, or good friend who is not quite so emotionally in the middle of it all. Its hard ... but will pay dividends in the long run.

Let the mother hen come out , and be righteously protective of the little one taking exams, and the DD who is late stage pregnancy. They both need you on their side.

x x x

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