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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:
mrsmciver · 19/06/2013 16:52

Lambzig, Mumn, skye

Thanks for keeping it real Ladies! I need a reality check don't I? I think the meds I am on make me all muddled up too and then I start to think that maybe it is me being unreasonable. By feck it is not! When I was reading your posts it all came back to me about how awful he has turned out to be. What an utter s...t!!

I was out with my mum for a little while today and when I got home I found a dental bill that has to be declared to the tax man for about a £1000, oh yes, he is being very good to himself now isn't he? he has good teeth anyway so haven't a clue what he is getting done, think he may be changing his fillings to white ones? I can remember him in the past talking about that. And he has been keeping us short of money!!
Is this the man that I was married to for all those years? Did I walk about with my eyes closed for over thirty years? Have I been that stupid?

Unbelievable!!

I have a bit of anger back now. Thank goodness. Serves me better.

What will it do to him when he can't see his daughters and grandaughter? Sorry, but scorned wife here, I am going to take satisfaction from that. Mind you the way he has treated them I am not sure anymore if it will affect him that much! The girls have emphatically said that they want nothing to do with him anymore.

I cannot blame them. He last texted them last thursday wanting to take them out for an ice cream(what age does he think they are), and he won't get in touch with them while he is away his hols and he is back saturday. The earliest they will hear from him will be sunday. He just won't have a clue as to how to relate to them anymore. Angry

My counsellor said that one day I will pity him. But I know that I won't. I think I will end up hating him.Sad
That is why I worry that I will become bitter. I also do not want to be seen as a snivelling wreck(I Have been devastated but I hope I haven't came across as that). You would tell me, wouldn't you Ladies?

xxx

OP posts:
mrsmciver · 19/06/2013 16:55

Lambzig

Yes please tell us how you got through those trust issues? I feel like I would need to get out a detailed questionnaire, private detective and medical check screening on any man I may get involved with in the future!

OP posts:
MumnGran · 19/06/2013 17:07

Honestly, Mrs M ? ... I think you were a snivelling wreck, but have been very much on the way up and up Smile
A few wobbles here and there but truly so much better than when you were first posting.
I would like to know of a woman who wasn't a 'snivelling wreck' in the same situation. That's what it does to you. I should have taken out shares in Kleenex! And Prozac!!

What really matters is not where you were before, but where you take it from here.
I see so many glimpses of the fun and positive YOU, now. Its lovely.
That's the woman who is going forward ....has come out of her crouching corner of misery ....is going to be a "rock-on" granny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today its Flowers for your lovely supportive daughters.

mrsmciver · 19/06/2013 17:27

I asked for that didn't I? Grin

That's ok I can take it! After what has happened I can take on anything now. And I think I will have to take out shares in valium. I am sure I am keeping them going.

What I am finding hard to get through is the jealousy.....
Imagining him with someone else. I can't seem to get by that. How do I keep that out of my head? It tortures me. Sad

OP posts:
skyeskyeskye · 19/06/2013 17:53

The thought of someone else with XH is still a difficult one for me sometimes... Like everything else, it takes time to not care. I think that OW, if it has got that far, is probably way more adventurous than me. But after ten years and with a young child that wakes up, there's not a lot of swinging from the chandeliers. OW is younger, thinner, a slut and child free.

But I would rather be me than her. At least I'm faithful and honest and genuine. She is cheating on H number 2 with his best friend. I would far rather be me.....

It's best not to think about it MrsM. "That way madness lies!"

Think about the bad things and why you are better off without him.

DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 19/06/2013 18:02

I think this is one of those threads that is set to be an epic. From tears to laughter Flowers.

MumnGran · 19/06/2013 18:27

...and back again, I think, Donkey A bit like the whole damn process really. Just when we think we have it straightened out, off we go in another spin. I am sure there wasn't anything about this in my pre-nuptial classes. Now that would really have been a help!

Mrs M .... please don't take the wreck comment wrongly ....I was just trying to say that we are all that way when it happens! I think you know me by now .... so hope you know it was honest comment and not meant as any kind of attack or criticism?!?!?

As for imagining what is going on in the X's sex life......please don't torture yourself that way. As Skye so rightly says: that way does lie madness.
You do sound a bit low tonight?
I wondered what the chances were of having a night out? ....dinner and drinks with a couple of good friends? or cinema and curry with your sister?
Just think it would do you the world of good to get out and have some fun. Laugh at someone's stupid jokes, and just let your hair down a little.

We all need it now and then, and I think you are very overdue some fun!!

MumnGran · 19/06/2013 18:28

Just re-read this and first para reads as though I am talking about this thread .... it was supposed to infer that tears to laughter and back again is what happens to every woman going through this process.
Sorry if it read any other way, Mrs M Sad

Lambzig · 19/06/2013 19:26

Sorry all, been out in the sun with the DC all afternoon, so just catching up.

Trust is a tricky one. I was very wary, particularly as DH is a bit younger than me. I definitely saw things with him as very casual for a long time. He always says he knew I was the one for him straight away, but that it took him six years to persuade me to marry him.

It took time being with him (sorry, we keep saying stuff takes time, when at the moment you just want to fast forward to when things are ok again), and I was probably the controlling one at first. Also I did have little paranoid sessions sometimes that he would cheat on me. I think DH is very different to my ex which helped and was very patient with me. I think it's also a very different, more equal relationship, more of a partnership. Gosh I am making it sound very unromantic.

I think there is also an element that I got to like myself after I split with ex and got to see how strong I was and how capable I was. Ex probably expected me to run home after he dumped me, but I didn't. I got to be confident and I think if you feel confident then you believe that you are worth loving. I would always keep my independence though, which is why the idea of being a SAHM for a while is such a hard decision for me.

The jealousy is a killer, it's really one to avoid thinking about. Just think about how having made such a mess of things, he won't be happy.

Skye that is shocking, husband no. 2? why on earth do people like that bother getting married? It clearly means nothing. Nothing wrong in sleeping around if that's what you want to do, but don't get married and don't drag other people's partners into it. No wonder you would rather be you, someone like that will never be happy.

Lambzig · 19/06/2013 19:31

Oh and the pity. Yes you will pity him, if you happen to think about him, because you won't care enough to hate him. Your life will be full with other things.

BitOutOfPractice · 19/06/2013 19:59

Hello MrsM I have been away on business for a few days but came strght here to see how you are doing

The term "amotional rollercoaster" was invented, I think, for these situations. From overwhelming grief, to anger, to terror, to hysterical laughter - sometimes all in the space of 10 minutes.

I remember that feeling so well and my heart clenches for you it really does.

But please believe that the ups will get upper and more frequent, and the downs will retreat and you will recover your equilibrium.

11 months on, this thread has made me think about my ex. The man who made me feel the most incredible love I have ever felt. And the man who nearly broke me.

And do you know what? I can't remember f I've thought about him today or not. I honestoy can't remember. If I did, it was in some benign, neutral way that didn't even ripple my consciousness.

You will get there too. All it takes is time, your own amazing resiliance, and the love of family and friends

Just keep on keeping on xx

BitOutOfPractice · 19/06/2013 20:00

Sorry about the typos. Absolutely exhausted from work, travel and the ministrations of my new man :D

skyeskyeskye · 19/06/2013 20:03

(OW) was engaged to X when met a man at work (Z). She saw both men for a while, she stopped seeing Z and got married to X. Then she started seeing Z again. He also had a girlfriend. She went on holiday with her parents with Z, and told X that she was going with a friend.

She then divorced X and married Z. (H number 2).

She then started texting my XH thousands of times while married to Z. XH moved in with OW and Z after he left here. Z found out about the texts but doesn't believe there is anything going on because XH is his best mate.

OW (32) and XH (49) send each other emails talking about dates, say things like "gutted about tomorrow", "me too", "wish you could come with me xx". To me, that is not acceptable in any friendship..........he sends her motivational emails, suggests songs to listen to...

she goes everywhere with XH without Z. OW very sadly lost a baby a few years ago and apparently my XH is the only person who understands her..... [vomit] To me, had was as much use as a chocolate frying pan at emotional support... and until he gave her a few lifts he didn't even like her or have her mobile number.....

What goes around comes around. Z was happy to cheat on X........ XH is happy to cheat on Z. and when OW goes off in search of her next victim, XH will be dropped like a brick. Oh how I will laugh........

MumnGran · 19/06/2013 20:39

.... there is still a world of pain in that story though!
[flowers[ Skye

skyeskyeskye · 19/06/2013 21:08

Most people think it quite horrendous that she appears to be cheating on her second husband at the age of 32.... she is a person who will never be happy with what she has got.

whereas I, on the other hand, intend to be very happy one day, with somebody. Just don't know who yet.....

springytat · 19/06/2013 21:38

These bastards eh. They just don't deserve you

unashamed ((((hugs a-plenty))))

MumnGran · 19/06/2013 22:04

"Most people think it quite horrendous"
I would be stunned if everyone didn't think that!

Truly, you absolutely will find someone who makes you feel secure and wonderful, and treats you as you deserve.
The best things are always worth waiting for Smile

mrsmciver · 19/06/2013 23:20

I second that skye, that is one horrible woman. She will get her comeuppance, what goes around comes around of that I am sure.

You are way too good for your exh, he does not deserve you. You will find someone who will love and cherish you and one day you will be so glad that you have left your exh behind. He will be a sad and lonely man and you will be so far from him that you will wonder what you ever saw in him.
And it could be nearer than you think. You said yourself how far you have come, who knows what will be round the corner? Good things for you now my girl! Be positive, ask the universe and you shall receive!

Right ladies, it is ok to be honest with me. I will not get offended at all! Sometimes I need a bit of a slap round the chops to stop the hysteria. And I need you all to keep it real.

It is amazing the gamut of emotions a body can go through in a day, my counsellor said this is all normal. Wish I could leave out the morning emotions right enough, they are torturous. I have to really try to stop this as I don't want to be like this when my granddaughter arrives. I want to be able to have her overnight and not be a shaking mess in the mornings. I have to be in a more positive frame of mind. I have not lost anything now worth losing. I am the fortunate one. I will have all my family and my imminent grandaughter. I have everything worth having, he will have nothing, he may have money, but that will be it. He has lost everything, I will have everything.

Yes, that is the way to look at things now. I have everything, he has nothing.

OP posts:
skyeskyeskye · 20/06/2013 00:17

Way to go MrsM!!! You will be fine. We will keep telling you that. We are all fine. When you get down you just remember that granddaughter....

You are helping me to see how far I really have come, the others are showing me that I can make it all the way and I am trying to help you along that path too. Paying it forward is the one thing that I can do.

.

MnG, his family don't believe there is anything going on "because he just wouldn't do that". That's what I used to think.....

There is none so blind as those who will not see.....

skyeskyeskye · 20/06/2013 00:18

And yes, you do have everything, you have the live and respect if your daughters, which he will never regain.

downunderdolly · 20/06/2013 04:51

Hello MrsM I'm pleased that although up and down your spirit is still strong and amazed by the care and wisdom of all the lovely ladies on here (am I the only one who is thinking that MrsM and MumnGran should meet in RL and go on tres mischevious fabulous holidays together?).

You need to remember that even though I am sure the last 8 weeks or so seem like a lifetime it is still so EARLY into life after your STBX dropped a bomb into your life, marriage and expectations and you are still running for cover let alone trying to rebuild. You will my love but right now you will, as you have been doing, feel a million different emotions in one day to the point that you think your head will explode with the constant bombardment of emotions and impulses. I'm glad you are seeing a counseller.

I don't mean to be disrespectful to anyone in RL or on the thread who has lost a partner (I have some sadly in RL who I would never use this equation to) but in a way I found being suddenly left with no warning to be akin to bereavment but with the twist of the knife that you are haunted by the living and that your memories of them are tainted with the new found knowledge of betrayal. It is a very very hard thing to wrap your head around.

No wisdom re OW. My ex's send me an unsolicted email having had no contact (springy will remember) nearly 2 years after the event chastising me for continuing to believe they had an affair and telling me with no sense of irony that 'she can't tell me the number of times she tried to save my marriage but ex was looking to her for the emotional support he should have been getting from me'. Ex's culpability entirely but nice of her to devote (from phone records) around 3 hours per day on phone and texts for a the best part of 2 years putting in all that effort to save things for me. Obviously what with a 6 month baby and move to the other side of the world I was a bit distracted to thank her ;) .

Lots of love
Dolly

mrsmciver · 20/06/2013 08:42

Oh well here we go again Ladies, another morning, another day ahead.

Not too bad this morning, think it is because I have some plans for the day ahead and another grander plan which has to be followed through soon and which I am preparing for.Wink

Going out with my sister for a little while this morning. We will go for a little walk, (and she will take a mash hammer with her and hit me over the head with it if I get maudlin).

How on earth could he give his family up to go and live in the back room at his mothers? I do not understand. What is it he wants 'more' of?

Surely he can't be happy now? How can you be happy when you have caused such devastation to your family? Is he so blind to what he has done? Or is he so set on his own path now, for whatever, that he just does not give a damn? How can you do this to your children at this time in their lives?

There is such a lot I can't get to grips with. I'll bet even his family won't know the full truth.

OP posts:
Lambzig · 20/06/2013 08:50

Skye, I think you can definitely pity OW in your case. What a story. She is so insecure and messed up and needy that she can only feel relatively ok (not happy though, she isn't ever happy) if she has the security of a relationship with the thrill of an affair on the side. What a miserable way to live your life. She must be in her element having them both under the same roof. What a sap your ExH is, no one is going to come out of that one happy are they? Lets just say that I have experience of this type of woman.

Perhaps there should e room for a modicum of relief from you that he left rather than staying with you while carrying on being 'friends' with her and embroiling you in the whole sorry mess.

Mrs M, how are you doing this morning? You won't be a mess in the mornings with your grandaughter because a) it will be at least two more months and you will be stronger by then; and b) you won't have had any sleep all night so you will be too tired to be angsty Grin

MumnGran · 20/06/2013 09:06

Yeaaay ... a bit more 'up' this morning, Mrs M

Honestly, there is an old adage that 'revenge is best served cold' and it really is true. As we have said before, here, understanding why men of this age do this kind of thing is just beyond us. We will never get to grips with it and just turn ourselves inside out trying. But I for one and I bet most others have often wondered when and if their X's will regret what they have done.
Well, mine does!! and I discovered it only when DD2 got married. It was a close run thing whether she would even ask him to give her away ( long back story about his treatment of her ) but went ahead because I thought she would always regret it if she didn't ( very traditional girl, with strong image in her head of the walk up the aisle ) It was the right move all round, but I had a massive mental issue with seeing him.

Wow - did I get a surprise. Most of all I discovered that I really was over him because, as I have said before, I observed him as one would a stranger. No emotional investment at all.

He spent the day looking isolated, and to be honest I was shocked at his appearance. His eyes were just completely miserable. He looked old, tired, and stressed out. The chance to speak with some of his family on the day revealed that his new partner is a screaming harridan who has so many jealousy issues that she won't let him out of her sight!!
He kowtows to everything as she throws tantrums and rages when crossed.

So does he regret? Bet your bottom dollar!! Grin

Have a lovely day with you sister. Come and tell us all about it later.

DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 20/06/2013 09:09

I think for certain men and women, they go along quite normally and suddenly a little nugget of discontent starts festering. They feel they are getting a raw deal, they're missing out, Life is passing them by and if they can't fight Time they'll make a fresh start.

It takes a catalyst in the shape of OW or OM or a milestone birthday or an event which turns everything on its head. First the distancing, then rewriting history, then a joyous break for freedom: "I must put myself first, I deserve to be happy". Translation: Me, me, me!

They forget they will always carry baggage - they take themselves so seriously they don't realise they're part of the problem. Twunts have an altered perception of our world.

It's not even that people are habitually selfish: some undergo a transformation to the extent the ones left behind say, "I never knew they were capable of behaving like that...it's so out of character it must be a nervoous breakdpwn or some physical anomoly causing them to act that way".