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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

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Should he have come home?

588 replies

SpottyPony · 10/08/2013 11:16

Long time lurker, first time poster. I have written this several times and not had the courage to post as I am feeling very down and sensitive but could use some intelligent insight, the sort that I have come to admire on MN.

The situation is that DH is working away abroad, has been for the last 7 weeks and not due to leave for another fortnight. On Wednesday our DS (6mo) fell ill and was referred to hospital from the doctors. He was admitted and fitted with an IV drip for fluids as he was dehydrated from severe D&V which later transpired to be gastroenteritis. Very listless and crying in pain, I was hugely worried about him. I don't live in the UK and have no family around for support. I called the relevant numbers to inform his seniors what was happening and to let DH know too. I received a phonecall to say DH has been informed and is being offered a flight back the next day to be home and support us and to hold out for further information. I did feel bad for interfering with his work commitments but needed support, and also out of respect for him as a parent and thought he should be there with us.

He refused the flight. A friend even offered him his flight and told him he would fly out another date and that DH should be at home with us. He said he "didn't want to" and that he had "things to do". Their main purpose of being out there has now ended and is merely tying up loose ends and preparing to return home. He asked about DS once during his first day in hospital, the second day I heard nothing and had to contact him to inform him of progress. I have now not heard from him since my last contact to him, we have been discharged today as DS is a lot better. DH's last communication with me was to inform me I was being a nag, to leave him alone as he was busy and has since deleted himself from the apps that we kept in contact with and I am unable to get through to his phone when I call. I should mention that where he is has a good nightlife and he has been out several times since getting there, so it appears he is having too good a time to come back and support his family.

AIBU for thinking his main priority should have been to get home to his poorly son and to support me too? I don't know whether I'm sounding whingey and needy. There is a backstory so as not to dripfeed - DH has been at home for just 5 weeks of DS's life as he's been away with work so frequently, but when home he doesn't interact with him unless forced, ignores him during the night (has gotten up once during the night and that's when I literally begged him and he did so with very bad temper) and will leave him in dirty nappies if I'm not there as he "didn't realise he needed changing". He has several younger siblings and has been around babies a lot. He says as I'm on maternity leave, it's my job to do everything associated with looking after a baby and that he shouldn't have to do anything. This includes any housework and cooking as he says that's my role now. When DS was born he had to stay in ICU for 11 days as he didn't breathe for some considerable time after a traumatic 26 hour induced labour (which DH went home for the most part as he was tired) and he visited him 3 times during those 11 days as he "doesn't do hospitals", so it's not as if this uncaring attitude is purely caused by his absence due to work and not bonding properly with DS as it appears he's never cared from day one.

This is something I am prepared to LTB for as it's the last straw really. This is probably the longest AIBU ever typed so if you are still reading, thank you so much for your time.

OP posts:
Doha · 01/09/2013 21:36

Oh Spotty what a wonderful update and l am so pleased your DP's have stepped up for you.
Don't look back just keep your eyes firmly focussed on the future and do what YOU want to do for yourself and your DS.

PS I think your ex left Germany as he couldn't face all the gossip and finger pointing on the base...coward !!!!

HeartsTrumpDiamonds · 01/09/2013 21:44

Spotty I've been following your thread and am so pleased and impressed how you have handled everything. Grin

Idratherbeknitting · 02/09/2013 13:31

Hi Spotty,
I'm so glad you're home safe, and that your move went really well.
I have thought of you often and wondered how you and your little DS were getting along.

Isn't 'doing your own shopping' liberating! It took me a long time before the slight buzz of "No, I'll choose what I want" wore off.

I hope that things are easier, and much happier for you from now on.

GladbagsGold · 02/09/2013 14:27

Spotty - bloody well done! I am chuffed to bits and so pleased for you. Good luck x

YoniMatopoeia · 02/09/2013 16:13

Great to hear that you are doing so well Spotty.

It's good to see that the military can do the right thing by families sometimes. I often think the quote...."If military personnel were meant to have families they would be issued with them" is all too true from the way we get treated by the powers that be, but sometimes they do get it right.

ChasedByBees · 03/09/2013 06:51

So pleased to read these updates. Well done Thanks

DorothyBastard · 03/09/2013 07:09

I'm really glad to hear you're home Spotty, you're so brave and strong. You're doing such a good job for your DS. Congratulations and welcome back x

forumdonkey · 03/09/2013 18:12

Just wanted to add my congratulations on being a strong and dignified lady throughout all this. I'm so thrilled that you're happier and beginning to settle back with a positive start to your wonderful, exciting new future.

I've thought a lot about you and your ds and send you lots of love and wish you much happiness lovely lady xx

here's to you Wine

qazxc · 03/09/2013 18:18

Spotty, I'm actually tearing up at your updates (in a happy way). So glad to hear you are doing well. so glad that your parents have been supporting you. Onwards and Upwards!

Distrustinggirlnow · 03/09/2013 18:44

We missed you too spotty Grin

Am delighted to read your update. Am delighted you are back safely and that your parents have stepped up.

Are you where you said you'd be or somewhere else - PM me, it's too complicated speaking in code, but I want to be discreet Smile

Look at you, shopping in Asda and everything Grin

Lavenderhoney · 03/09/2013 19:43

I've just read your thread and have so much admiration for you - I have a feeling I couldn't have coped as well as you, and I am quite a bit older than you.

Your sister and bil sound ace, and so glad your parents are stepping up. No doubt they thought he was wonderful and its such a shock when they find the man they entrusted their little girl to is an arse. No excuses, mind, but my dm did much the same thing once. She needn't have worried, I had no intention of living at hers:)

I hope your ds is ok, and you are getting to grips with all the paperwork.

Don't let him back will you? You have a lifetime of happiness ahead of you, and so does your ds, without that excuse for a husband. If my dd is ever let down by someone, I hope I will have raised her to have your strength of character and courage to cope. And my ds of course!

Viking1 · 03/09/2013 20:04

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

CookieDoughKid · 03/09/2013 22:05

Hey Spotty! Just checking in to say hello! All the best, keep well!! X

CoffeeOne · 03/09/2013 22:06

OP this thread has brought tears to my eyes. You are such a brave woman and you should be proud of yourself. And your DS will grow up to be proud of you too. Your H is a poisonous ogre and thank goodness you got away.

I was once in a relationship with a 'con artist'. They are utterly selfish human beings and the only way to feel good about yourself and your life again is to remove them completely. You deserve so much better, and you will be able to trust and love again when the time is right.

SpottyPony · 03/09/2013 22:10

Thanks everyone! I'm so glad I started the thread what seems like a lifetime ago, this really is a fantastic site and the support has been amazing.

Busy day today, lots of form filling and applying for various different benefits which I am hugely grateful to the staff for helping me with - they're wonderful. My head was spinning afterwards - quite a lot to take in! DS was very helpful in this appointment, and decided to squeal loudly and pull my glasses off my face at every opportunity Grin my removals arrived shortly after, and after choosing what I wanted to take to the accommodation and what was to remain in storage, it is now all unpacked! Took me all afternoon, but all DS's toys are assembled including the dreaded jumperoo that plays a catchy little tune that I find myself humming in public so a good day really.

H has done his very best to try and ruin this contentment and optimism though. He has been hounding me through Facebook as I haven't given him my UK number, stating that he will be turning up at the centre tomorrow on his way back to Germany and will wait outside until I appear with the possessions he wants from me (my phone, laptop and all electrical goods I took) and if I don't appear within half an hour, he will 1. Call the police and social services to inform them I regularly beat DS - I cannot even fathom how he would dream up something so disgusting as I love DS more than life itself and 2. Would be reporting me for theft at the same time of those items.

He is trying to break me, this is his last day in the UK before he goes back to Germany and he is trying any tactic to bully his way into getting what he wants. He hasn't asked about DS in over a week, this is purely to get his possessions. He is very stupid for putting all this in black and white - O am purely ignoring it and saving all messages. It has dampened my previous jovial spirits, but not to the extent he used to. I can't wait til he slithers off back to Germany and I can resume getting mine and DS's future sorted.

OP posts:
Viking1 · 03/09/2013 22:17

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

apprenticemum · 03/09/2013 22:18

Spotty you are a star!!!!! I do hope that you have printed off or saved this thread to read back whenever you feel down or helpless. Like me, you have learned that you have the power to stand up for yourself and no man will ever do that to you again. A harsh lesson but hopefully only experienced once. You have also learned that when the chips are down, your family came through for you and they always will. It sounds to me that you are surrounded by love. What a happy place to be.
You are so right there is only one way now...onward and upward Go Girl!

Monty27 · 03/09/2013 22:24

Hi Spotty, great to hear you're back in the country :) I would try and ignore ex as much as possible to be honest, and when things are more stable see if he wants to see DS.

JulieMNHQ you're post to Spotty was perfick :)

whitsernam · 03/09/2013 22:25

Would it be possible to show the messages you're getting to staff at the centre, so they can have people on alert to help you if he does actually show up tomorrow? They must be aware of his recent behaviour?

SpottyPony · 03/09/2013 22:36

Viking thank you, and yes at least he will be easy to pin down to pay for DS as I imagine some people find themselves dealing with a nightmare trying to get payment for their children whereas this aspect at least should be a little more clear cut.

Monty27 yes I am just ignoring the messages and will see after the dust has settled and things aren't so raw where we're at with him seeing DS. At the moment I don't trust his behaviour, and he hasn't actually asked to see him and instead just demanded items back.

whitsernam yes I informed the reception staff what he had been saying and they said they would like to see him try and cause any trouble; they will simply call the RMP's or civvie police and have him moved on. I have given a description of his car and told them his car registration number so they will keep an eye out.

OP posts:
Waffling · 03/09/2013 23:46

You're brilliant. And you're quite safe there. It's perfect!

Please do one small thing everyday to celebrate your freedom, and TELL US.

Best wishes.

CeliaFate · 04/09/2013 07:41

How lovely to hear a positive update SpottyPony.
You sound full of hope and happiness.

Your twatty ex has shot himself in the foot by messaging you; print them out and file them away as proof he is indeed, a twat.

Onwards and upwards!

stonesteps · 04/09/2013 10:59

This is all so good to read - try to see his threats as signs he is losing power and trying desperately to cling to some last vestige of the hold he had over you - if he wasn't so disgusting he would be pitiable. It's all a bit desperate and so far beneath you.

He will find some way of slithering back under his rock as someone else put it - he'll probably make it your fault by saying youve hurt him so much, or youve made his life hell bla bla bla... then he can disappear and you can have the life you deserve. Please keep us all informed about your progress, there are lots of posters and lurkers who are in awe of your strength.

Jarlin · 04/09/2013 12:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

notsurewhattodo23 · 04/09/2013 13:27

Good grief. I have just read the entire thread and can't applaud you enough Spotty. What a horrible situation you have been in but well done for getting out so quick.
I'm on my own now with my 3 year old DS after my partner cheated on me. It is hard at times and lonely but stress free and I no longer have to tidy up his stuff & the house stays clean!!!
Well bloody done