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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:
Lambzig · 21/06/2013 14:09

Mrs M, I think if you want to get your teeth done, or whatever you want to do then do it. If it makes you feel better about yourself. If you would just do it for revenge that's ok too!

If you are fitting in skinny jeans, have nice eyes and a great haircut, you sound like you will be quite the catch.

Skye, I am starting to really worry that your OW might be the person I am close to. Please tell me she doesn't live in the southern Home Counties?

skyeskyeskye · 21/06/2013 14:22

Lamb - no she doesn't....... don't tell me there are two of them?!

Lambzig · 21/06/2013 14:29

Yep, another one then, a close relative.

Lots of men always, wrapped round her little finger, on 2nd marriage which she is wrecking with an affair, does the pocket money thing and is a car crash.

Says she had a terrible childhood so she can behave how she likes now.

Lavenderhoney · 21/06/2013 16:01

Mrsm, book yourself in at the dentist ASAP:) what's good for goose and all that.

Your exdh sounds very controlling- little book for expenditure! Some things I don't think you will miss.

mrsmciver · 21/06/2013 16:48

Oh yes!! Think I will! Am going to do something for myself.

Don't know about quite the catch, have health probs. But am thinking a bit more about what I want to do now?

I never go anywhere to meet other men either. How do i do that? All the men I know are married. And that is defo off limits, may be feeling broken but I do have morals and I would never want to hurt any one else the way I have been hurt. (exh the exception and the pig in knickers that he was turned by) and by god she looks like that too!

OP posts:
TheOwlService · 21/06/2013 17:33

Very early days to be thinking about other men Mrs M.

You need to be a lot stronger in yourself before you even contemplate it! I know that sometimes the temptation is to try and replace something with something but you are way too vulnerable at this stage.

Perhaps just think about building up your self confidence and widening your circle of friends? :)

MumnGran · 21/06/2013 18:15

Hiya Mrs M .... great news about the shopping trip, the mascara and the upbeat posts Smile

Good news too that you are thinking about having some fun in the future. However, I wouldn't be mumngran Blush if I didn't want to offer a piece of advice on the subject of other men ......please don't look for a new life partner too soon.

Others may disagree, but I truly believe that to come through this kind of mess into a really happy life later, you have to learn to live with yourself before you aim to live with anyone else again. That may just be me, and am sure the other girls will offer their spin on it, but think it does matter that we learn about who we are now, and want we really want from life (and new partners) before acquiring a permanent fixture.

Of course, this cautious attitude is actually a licence for unashamedly playing the field in the interim, if you feel like it Grin

mrsmciver · 21/06/2013 22:25

Don't worry am absolutely not looking for another man, I was curious as to how to go about it that's all.
I miss having someone to snuggle up toSad
And I know there is no way I could handle a relationship like that right now.

I don't even know how to widen my circle of friends, how do I go about that? I have lived in my bubble for so long.

And right now I am so very worried about finances in the future. How will I manage? I will be in poverty. There is a thread on here somewhere about money and divorce and there is a woman who was a SAHM, divorced and has been left with nothing. I am terrified.

OP posts:
mrsmciver · 21/06/2013 22:40

Ok Ladies why would exh be living in the back room of his mothers house? Why is he reluctant to buy things like a tv for the bedroom and a suitcase? He says he will buy a house eventually, but I have not spoken to him for weeks now so do not know what is going on. And he is on his hols which he will be back from tomorrow.
There are so many unanswered questions here. Any thoughts? Anyone seen this before?
I have a feeling I am still being kept in the dark and that he has an agenda.
Hope you do not get me into trouble for posting this, know I should stop obsessing about what he is doing. Just very hard after being together so long. Sad

OP posts:
badinage · 22/06/2013 01:20

Haven't been on this thread for a while Mrs M, but regarding your questions, it seems obvious to me. He's waiting for the OW's marital situation to resolve and either plans to move into her place once she's kicked her H out, or is waiting for her to get her equity to buy/rent a place with her. I've seen that happen quite a few times in RL, incidentally.

You may have posted this earlier, but have you got around to posting in legal yet or seeing a completely different divorce specialist solicitor?

I really do think you need to get the divorce and finances sorted out as quickly as possible because your husband's financial control of you in your marriage is hardly going to ease up now he's left. I'd be very concerned in your position that I was going to get well and truly dumped on financially and so I hope you've taken earlier advice to be less passive and more proactive about your financial future.

DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 22/06/2013 02:00

Either he is regressing to carefree teen crashing out at his parents' or as badinage suspects, he is eagerly awaiting the green light to move in with High Powered Colleague, dental work gleaming.

Hope you had a good time shopping with DD2.

Lambzig · 22/06/2013 08:51

Not sure about OW, but agree its not unheard of. I think he may just be regressing. I doubt if he is happy.

Love the pig in knickers expression. My FIL uses that one. I also love his expression for a woman of questionable virtue MIL mentioned -"Her, she couldn't catch a pig between her knees" said with a derogatory sneer.

Mrs M I wanted to let you know that I am going on holiday tomorrow (apologies if that rubs it in) and probably won't be on the Internet for a couple of weeks. Didn't want you to think I had drifted away from the thread. Looking forward to catching up on how far you have come in another couple of weeks (and to more of Mumngrans late night wine fuelled confessions).

mrsmciver · 22/06/2013 09:52

Lambzig, have a lovely time. I will miss you.

OP posts:
TheOwlService · 22/06/2013 10:01

Widening your circle of friends - some ideas.

Volunteer
Part time job?
Book Groups
Meet up (check out the website)
Never turn down an invitation to anything :)
Have a weekend away - National Trust volunteering holidays etc

I think it is just a case of taking taking your courage and just getting out there. Just maybe one thing a week at the moment so you are easing yourself into a new social life. Hope this helps.

springytats · 22/06/2013 13:07

As he's on holiday, perhaps now would be the time to move any money that could erm be erm moved??

I wouldn't buy things in dribs and drabs because that will alert him that you have changed your view of his control over the money - that would send a very clear postcard! Better to sneak it all out (if that's legally possible) all in one go.

Leave him spluttering and red-faced, I should.

PS you're sounding good, Mrs. Keep going. Someone posted upthread about when you're taking your meds. eg if ADs then perhaps take them at night. Are you still on sleeping tablets/tranqs? It's not a good idea to take them for too long and they may be causing some of the morning wobbles...

mrsmciver · 22/06/2013 14:34

Yep, have done all of that springy! Will say no more nowWink
He is back from hols now. He will start pestering soon again I think. Especially as he got lawyers letter just before he went.Could be wrong but he would have been mulling it over on his hols.

Am still on sleeping tabs, anti d's, valium. You name it I've popped it!!

There is such a lot of things I do not 'get'. There are so many things that have not been explained. Pig in knickers has her own company in the north of england. What the hell would she be wanting with the exh. He is ok but hardly a 'catch'. And do you know? I honestly do not think he will ever get anyone better than me! No one will pander to him and his bad moods like I did. OW is not attractive at all, and I am not just saying that. Oh my god, I can't believe I am thinking like that now.

To be honest, I am more worried about the money side of things than ever being with him again.

OP posts:
springytats · 22/06/2013 15:28

Darling, please take a look at the sleeping tablets and valium - how long has your GP been prescribing them? ADs do the same job but it takes time - it's usually OK to have tranqs for a short time while the ADs take effect.

Tranqs are highly addictive - and if you take them for too long, they are not only ineffective but create more problems than you had in the first place! Coming off them is also a nightmare - so best not to get hooked in the first place.

I'd rather say this now when you have a chance to get it all looked at, saving you a nightmare further down the line, than say nothing.

I am intrigued to hear what you've done with the money!! WELL DONE YOU. That's the ticket. Get him where it hurts

ShedWood · 22/06/2013 16:39

MrsM you are amazing! I've been lurking on your thread and just wanted to say that at the very start you were calling your husband leaving your "death" but now in your words I can see you are being reborn!

Get your teeth done, get your hair done, spend some of that money that's been saved up on making you feel fabulous, and take that lovely DD of yours on a wonderful holiday somewhere sunny and have some fun, you both deserve it Grin

ShedWood · 22/06/2013 16:40

P.S. How about Italy? The men there are goooooorgeous (just saying) Wink

MumnGran · 22/06/2013 16:55

Hi Mrs M - sorry I missed last night. DD forgot to return borrowed laptop charger cable.

Wish there was something positive I could say about the financial worries, because I know they sing a constant refrain when in that position and its very draining. I think that's why those of us who have 'walked the path' were so very keen for you to press the divorce, in the early posts.
Unless very wealthy, every woman I have known to go through this has faced the financial precipice.

Whatever we end up with, at least the final settlement allows us to plan and work with what there is ...rather than a limbo of not knowing how things will pan pout. It is a rotten period to get through, but sounds as though you've now made some really positive moves and secured some funds from his reach - and that is a good place to start.

Widening circles of friends? Hmm. I didn't find it very easy because I am a natural introvert. No!! Don't laugh!!! just because I am chatty here, doesn't mean I'm a party animal. Truly I am not much of a 'joiner' or bar-fly. Best thing I did was move to a small village with a brilliant community spirit. Its hard not to be sociable when someone always talks to you when you poke your head out of the door Smile. Sometimes I feel I have reverted to childhood, as the place is full of retired colonels + wives (the 'ladies who lunch') so its somewhat like having copies of my mother everywhere I look ......and very judgemental .....but so far I haven't blotted my copybook >
And I went back to work, which also helped the process.

To be honest, the new life just seems to happen by degrees. You start something because you have to, for one reason or another, and that leads to something else .....and before you know it, you are keeping busy. The first step is the hardest, but I think that may be the only one that can be planned .......otherwise you don't live life, you just operate to a script.

Not sure if that makes much sense .....but hopefully you get the drift Smile

mrsmciver · 22/06/2013 18:25

I will need to have a look at my meds again right enough. Last week was a bad bad week, and I was at the docs on thurs and they gave me more meds again!
I am on a lot I must admit. The sleeping tablets and anti d's are a must but I will try to cut out the valium during the day as they are very addictive, I know from using them before due to health probs.
Yep mornings are horrendous, wonder if that is anything to do with the meds or my very low mood at present?
I would love to think there is a new life out there waiting for me to grab it. Where do I go to get it though? Haven't a clue! I wouldn't even know if I was being chatted up, would just think someone was being friendly!
I am sooo naive about all these things.
Have got a funny feeling 'romance' is out of the window for me now.Sad
No, am not going to think like that! There must be a lovely man out there somewhere for me.
Mumn I think I will need to come and live with you!!! So you can keep me right!
And so we can go our jolly hols together! (And please don't spend them all in the bathroom!) xxx

OP posts:
colette · 22/06/2013 18:38

mrsmciver
Just skimread this thread. What a difference from the beginning ! You sound so much more in control , will keep following . I am sure there is a lovely man - it's all in the future and you are moving forward

springytats · 22/06/2013 19:16

ime ADs do the job of valium and sleeping tablets.

I had terrible PND back in the day - and stopped sleeping entirely (twas grim - single parent [by then], with a new baby, and a toddler Sad ). I would've taken anything, I promise you. ADs did it for me, turned me round totally. I would never have thought I could come back from that - but I did. I was in the. most. awful. state - but I got well. I didn't take anything else except ADs. I'm a fan of ADs at the right time - like now, for you.

Anyway, I'll try not to go on (hard though!). You're sounding good Mrs Smile . You may not see it, but you're better than you were. yy mornings are horrendous but rome wasn't built in a day my darling xxx

MumnGran · 22/06/2013 21:15

I would second springy (>) and say AD's also worked for me without the add-ons. Did have valium when my son died, and would say that one can very quickly become dependent.

Not sure when you next see the GP, MrsM ? the AD#s should have kicked in by now ... or very shortly. Usually takes about 6 weeks for the full effect. Of course we are all different, and the important thing is that you stave off the anxiety issues, but if you are worried about "rattling" with pills, then maybe next time you see him you could ask for a review of all your meds?

Sounding good today though MrsM. End of another week when you have had some really "awesome" moments again.

Definitely time for Flowers
x

MumnGran · 22/06/2013 21:19

....and I will have you know there is nothing wrong with my bathroom habit!! It's .....errrm .....better than the alternative view, at certain times.Grin