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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

Help - he's an idiot

43 replies

Rightallalong · 29/05/2014 23:02

My DP left the country 3 weeks ago for a business trip. We had reconciled after his recent EA.
The AP lives in another country.

Unfortunately, I found him out straight away and finally forced a confession 5 days in that he'd been seeing her - enough of a deal breaker for me - but he also confessed that it had now turned physical. She could have turned things physical on his last trip but didn't. She's kept him at arms length throughout because she had a boyfriend, another work colleague of theirs. He dumped her the week before this trip and so now ex 'DP' is worth a shot. Because I can only guess he follows her around with his tongue hanging out.

So I put his stuff in storage straight away and told him to contact his DS whenever he likes.

Last time, he really tried to keep communication with DS open. He was the first person he wanted to see on his return.

When he came back from mediation saying he was making a mistake and wanted to stay, I took the risk. He booked and paid for two holidays, looked into a wedding as a surprise, talked about Christmas, looked into the new mortgage. You name it, he did it and all involving our DS. He looked me in the eye and told me he wasn't going to see her and she didn't even know he would be in the country. The hotel receptionist let slip he'd just gone out with his colleague hours after his check-in! Busted!

Our DS is devastated. He is 10 and won't talk to his Dad when he calls very often and says that he hates him. When DS tries to call his dad, he ignores the phone. He has emailed his Son once in the 3 weeks he's been away.

My Dad died the other day and we have the funeral approaching. DS needs love and support from both of us and that total selfish arsehole doesn't appear to care one jot. I could do with a hand, I work full time but in a new temp job and don't get paid when not at work. He told me to get a cleaner before he left but obviously, that is now a luxury I cannot afford. Just him being around to look after DS wouldn't hurt - I know his job is important but it's his 'father-in-law', I'm gutted about my Dad and getting sick of handling everything alone.

If I totally cut this miserable fucker off for any length of time, I get accused of blocking him from his child. Yet he can ignore us whenever he likes.

I'm sick of being accommodating on behalf of DS. I gave the ex the best time to call - which he knows damned well, but he was calling while we were about to leave for school to avoid anything lengthy. He knows our son is broken-hearted but he does nothing to help. He is not attempting to get home early despite the stress I'm under from the mess he left and then with my dad dying a week after we found out about him.

I asked him to show us some respect and not call when she's listening - yet it transpires she's always there. A text to say he's busy wouldn't hurt though would it?

He's promised he's committed to getting the financials formalised and I'm with a solicitor tomorrow.

I'm pondering whether to report that he punched me in Feb to the Police? Can I use the photo's of the bruising as evidence to get a court order to keep him away from me? I'm terrified he'll lose his job if I do report him - yet he doesn't give a shit about banging someone he was line-managing until a few weeks ago! He asked me not to report it and uses our son's school fees as a rod to beat me with.

We do need his financial proposal.

I wanted our son and him to be the good mates they always were before any of this midlife crisis bullshit! Do I have to keep communications open so I don't get accused of trying to stop him speaking to his son? I'm the one asking DS if he will speak to dad if only to get out some of the anger and tell him how he feels.

I'm now unable to tell him when dad is likely to call or when he's likely to see him because when he doesn't call - it's rejection just like when he ignores our calls or messages.

What a mess! He could've just left. Or fessed up before he got on the plane. He admitted he thought he'd get away with it - he was going to come back and carry on as if nothing had happened!

Had I not forced the confession , he would have had to come home early and he would've carried on lying to me. It's rather chilling - he was arranging a wedding for us ffs!

After 12+ years, I wish this felt like the lucky escape that it really is. I feel broken! But strangely strong too.

Any advice on how to handle the contact issue? Doesn't sound like he's going to want to see his child, until things get nasty and then he'll try to get as much time as piss that he won't stick to...the OW seems to enjoy a power trip too and is probably not helping matters.

Any tips appreciated.

OP posts:
Rightallalong · 29/05/2014 23:06

As much time as 'poss' - not piss!

Autocorrect turned potty mouth!

OP posts:
Tinks42 · 29/05/2014 23:18

What an awful situation OP how painful. Please don't take this the wrong way but you have to be the strongest person in the world here and put your son first. He will always love his dad no matter what he says or does. Try to bite the bullet and go with the flow at the moment. Let his dad speak to him when he does and don't comment. Remember the child is in the middle of this whole thing. I say this due to having to do similar. 10 is a very tricky age due to them knowing so much and his teens are around the corner. Once through this, and you will get through it, you will be able to look at your son and know YOU did the right thing.

Rightallalong · 29/05/2014 23:25

Thanks Tinks. I am putting him first, absolutely but I can't work out what to do when he does want to talk to dad and dad ignores.

Should I just fudge it? DS knows what dad is doing as the first time he left he was like a bull in a china shop and blurted out he fancied her etc. then tried to make out he'd been unhappy etc. but said all this to DS! Idiot!

Everything about it is so wrong!

There is no thought for DS's feelings from the ex and it just seems so damaging and I spend much of my time writing emails about our son's needs. He agrees then carries on messing about.

The days we don't speak to him are calmer. But then I'm not able to stop him calling when he wants and upsetting him again!

It's awful.

OP posts:
Tinks42 · 29/05/2014 23:41

What I did was say that his dad loves him but he's just going through a rough time at the moment and continued to say this until it became right. So, yes I fudged it I guess. I now have a very happy grounded child who speaks to his dad when "he" feels like it... In fact, I have to remind him to do so these days.

Tinks42 · 29/05/2014 23:46

Just remember your son has YOU.... If you stay grounded and speak generously about your ex your son will be able to relax and make his own mind up over time.

vertec · 29/05/2014 23:49

OP no advice on your pig DP, but I just wanted to say condolences about your dad. You mention it only in passing when I'm sure it's a massive, massive thing in your life. So sorry you're dealing with real grief at the same time that your DP has thrown your life up in the air. Love and hugs to you xxx

doorbellringer · 30/05/2014 00:03

Only practical advice to offer.
How about unplugging the home phone and telling ds that dh is away with work (poss block his number on ds mobile without him knowing) and make him call your mobile so you can give ds the power back, ie dad is on the phone do you want to speak to him? Only to avoid disappointment on ds behalf?
Hugs to you. You sound like a wonderful mum and ds will remember that.
To you: get him out of your life. Start now send ds to state school before high school so he can settle in before High School. Take back the power.
Leave him to OW - what a catch she has.

Tinks42 · 30/05/2014 00:10

Excellent idea from doorbellringer.

Rightallalong · 30/05/2014 00:12

Tinks, that's very good advice.

Thank you. I have explained his dad is not being his usual self but he really loves him. I just find it hard to believe myself!

Thanks Vertec. I'm still shocked about my Dad. It is hard to know where the hurt and anger over the ex ends and where the grief for my Dad begins.

I do see a counsellor due to the ex, but our sessions were coming to a close! I've dealt with fear of rejection and abandonment and self-esteem etc. and got to a good place.

Then twatty did that to us.

And then Dad, my rock through all of this died suddenly.

I have to be strong but my god, I need to cut ex DP off for a while to gain some composure. I feel physically sick when he calls as I have no idea what glib clap trap he's going to come out with next!

I think he's a proper psycho, we have no purpose to him now and he cannot empathise with anything we're going through.

Awful!

Thanks for your support. It's the early hours where my thinking gets done!

OP posts:
Rightallalong · 30/05/2014 00:15

Doorbell, yes, done that too.

But I always cave in and think 'what if he really tries hard and I'm depriving my Son'.

I think I'm clearly delirious even thinking he may have a change of heart.

OP posts:
Rightallalong · 30/05/2014 00:16

Thanks all. I'm just a bit bewildered as to why this happened at all.

OP posts:
EverythingCounts · 30/05/2014 00:24

If he really wanted to try hard, he would call your mobile, write letters, even turn up on the doorstep. I don't think you should worry it is you getting in the way of contact. Good advice here. Take back the power as pp said and protect your son. Sorry about your dad - that must be very painful.

Rightallalong · 30/05/2014 00:34

Thanks Everything.

I think taking back the power sounds the best thing to do.

OP posts:
Tinks42 · 30/05/2014 00:34

I also loved my father more than anything until my son came along and he died 9 months after (ive always said that dad sent him to me). OP, you have to roll with the punches on this one, its the hardest thing in the world but and I say a big but here, your son is what matters. I'd let lots and lots slide, pick up the pieces again and again. It may not be most peoples advice but it really worked for me.

Tinks42 · 30/05/2014 00:38

your son will know who lets who down here, my son did. I used to drive to wales just so my child would know his dad. Everyone use to tell me I was the biggest fool in the world. Now they say what a fantastic teen you have. I did it for him, please do that too.

Rightallalong · 30/05/2014 00:52

I do everything for him and always have thinking about it .

I am constantly sending mail after mail and text after text just asking him to do the right thing, let him know he still loves him, to look past a little lad's anger and to keep trying.

It's so difficult because he doesn't even try.

It needs to come from him and when it doesn't, it just makes me try harder to put everything right for my son and I'm getting nowhere.

I guess I'm just have to see if he has any change when back here.

He flies back into London in a week but has said he wants to see DS in Manchester the week after???

He's not seen his son for a month and he 's happy to wait a week more to see him. He's more interested in getting his clothes out of storage.

I despair! I'm sick of trying. If I sit back, he'll totally not bother I don't think if the last two weeks are anything to go by!

He's on about moving out there to be with her so phone calls will be the main method of contact anyway!

He did a convincing family man until Mid-December. I can't believe this! He was pretty convincing when he said he wanted to work things out.

I'm disgusted really. It feels very unfair and I'm sick of trying with someone so bloody awful!

My DS is suffering badly and nothing I do can sort his father out. I will suck it all up of course, I have to.

OP posts:
Tinks42 · 30/05/2014 00:58

Op I was disgusted and could have written a list just like yours. What im trying to say to you is minimise all this list of "his" bad doings. I just forgot it all and let his dad call him when his dad was around. Its the hardest thing to do ever but it works for your child.

Tinks42 · 30/05/2014 01:01

OP, I know exactly how you feel... but you have to take a massive back seat here. what your ex does, he does and you cant do the both. all you can do is graciously keep the door open.

My ex used to do stuff like go away to the bloody Bahamas with a new one and never see his son....

Rise above it!

Tinks42 · 30/05/2014 01:22

I had a conversation with my ex this week... it was very cordial and he was very contrite and embarrassed by his actions over the years... I don't really care to be fair. My son loves his dad and his dad will now come to the fore. it was so worth it. They are starting to have a great bond and Im glad because it was what I always wanted for them.

whitesugar · 30/05/2014 01:36

I recommend you get counselling for your DS. Ten year old boys are at a sensitive age. Some of his pals will no doubt have been through similar which will make him feel he is not the only one. Having someone to talk to without worrying about upsetting you will really help him. I hope it works out for you. Your DH is behaving like a complete bastard. You are well rid. Don't forget to take care of yourself.

Tinks42 · 30/05/2014 02:05

with respect whitesugar 10 year old boys don't need to be thrown into councilling, they don't want to talk to a stranger about their feelings.. councilling only works when the person wants it, as in an adult,.
10 year old boys need their mums to be strong.

Mrscaindingle · 30/05/2014 07:14

You sound a bit like me Op last year, I have two DS aged 13 and 10 both of whom were not speaking to their Dad after he decided not to come back from abroad as he met someone else.
I can see the pain and frustration in your posts and I felt exactly like that. One year on and DS2 has made his peace with the whole situation and had a relationship of sorts with his Dad although I doubt it will ever be what it was before but it is on DS's terms and he seems to have been able to have put all the anger to one side and carry on.
DS1 though is another matter mostly because he os older and knows exactly whats been going on.
All I did was tell them that their Dad loves them and he will always be their Dad. I also told them that I was the lucky one as the most important things I got in the settlement was them. It is a shitty lesson for kids to have to learn that their Dad is a selfish twat who doesn't value them the way he should. But as long as your Ds has you and knows how much you love him he will be fine. Thanks

whitesugar · 30/05/2014 08:25

Tinks, my son had counselling when he was ten and was going through a traumatic time. It was invaluable. Divorce groups in our area recommend counselling for children. I find your comment that counselling is only for people who want it e.g. adults utterly ridiculous. So traumatised children have to specifically request counselling. Maybe you should share your view with the NSPCC and other children's advocacy groups who take a very different view. Mind boggling.

When a person's spouse is unfaithful and neglects their child the person is likely to be distressed and demoralised there are probably not at their strongest.

OP I am sorry about your dad and all the difficulties you are experiencing. In my experience counselling helped my son enormously.

Breezy1985 · 30/05/2014 08:37

So sorry to hear what your going through, I just wanted to add, do think about counselling for your son, mine are 8 & 9 and had counselling through relate when their dad did similar, it helped them immensely.

DonkeysDontRideBicycles · 30/05/2014 09:04

Sorry to hear of your troubles OP but the reference to him hitting and bruising you a few months' ago leaped out at me. Was DS the slightest bit aware of that?

Maybe you'd like to call Womens Aid and get some impartial advice and support? Their 24 hour helpline number is 0808 2000 247.

My sympathy for your loss.Flowers

Good to hear you feel some strength amidst the mess ex plunged you into. I am in no doubt you are well rid of him.