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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

Putting oneself back together again

37 replies

meoryou · 22/12/2015 11:08

Dear All,

My marriage has ended and we're undertaking mediation to help us agree on contact, finances etc
We are working hard to make split amicable; although it can be stressful as we're still under same roof (financial reasons)

My question is; how do you begin to heal? Sometimes I think the healing starts when we decide & accept the relationship is over.

How do you trust again? What keeps you going? How do you manage the low-level stressors that seem abundant. How do you put yourself back together again?

Like death by a thousand paper cuts at the minute. However I hope for a more contended future, for me, our kids and my stbxh.

I'd really appreciate any pearls of wisdom that will help sustain me over the months ahead.

OP posts:
Goodbetterbest · 23/12/2015 13:09

I think it will be harder whilst you are still under the same roof.

Telling the children is awful, but they probably have an inkling. Mine certainly did. It was a relief to have told them - we said we weren't happy together and knew we weren't going to be happy together so are being really, really brave and aren't going to be married anymore. I specifically didn't mention not being in love because I didn't want to introduce the notion of stopping loving someone (ir them).

Despite XH cheating on me and being vile I continue to support him. I booked and went on flat viewings with him, we went to mediation, and a year on he is spending some of Xmas with us. We both have new relationships. (Well, his pre-dates our separation).

This time next year your life will look very different. That is no bad thing. Let your emotions come, deal with them as they happen. Focus on the children and support them. There's a new chapter opening.

meoryou · 23/12/2015 15:44

Your post encourages me good . I will be supportive too as best u can anyway, because it's important for the kids. I like the language you used when telling them, too.

Has anyone any recommendations for books they can read once we tell them? Ages 12, 8 & 4

OP posts:
meoryou · 23/12/2015 23:33

Bump for books?

OP posts:
MrsJuice · 24/12/2015 00:00

I have been in your situation. Massive pile of bollocks, and emotional turmoil. Took me a long time to realise that we needed to split for the sake of the children, instead of continuing with a soul-destroying charade.

He was financially abusive, along with his other failings. I wasn't perfect either, but I took responsibility for everything. He was unfaithful, I was miserable.
Upon separation, he requested joint custody - aka no maintenance. I took him at his word, and provided a fair split of responsibilities. We lived under the same roof for a year while assets were divided. Hell!
On 'my nights', I stayed home and behaved as usual. On 'his nights', I put the children to bed, then I exercised to the point of obsession, stayed at my Mum's/friends' places for some reconnection with myself. I returned early enough to organise the children and prepare for work etc. They had no idea of my absence.
I regained my individuality and remembered who I was.

Upon finally moving to my new home, I relished his absence. The children took it very well (2 and 7), and now appreciate the purpose of the split. He hid all finances, bar property equity. I let him keep it, and maintained my pride.

I am remarried now to a fabulous man. We saw Relate to resolve my crazy boundary issues. We've had lots of personal problems that we've faced head-on. We're a great team.
Ex-H is a lonely, single man with no drive or happiness. He's a ball of resentment. That's his loss. He got cold, hard cash and a cold, empty life.

You won't regret this, you just have to plough through. I hope you have good, supportive people around you who will remind you of your worth.

You never expect this shit to happen, but it is always worth it for the existence of your beautiful children, and the lessons you take from it.
Talk to people who understand. Imagine your future life, and freedom. Just keep going.

There are fabulous things to come!

Ringsender2 · 24/12/2015 01:10

Hi, I can't offer advice but it seems as though I may be following in your shoes at some time in the future, although I hope this can be averted. Some lovely thoughts and observations from others. Good luck with Christmas, i hope you have joy through the kids, and good luck with letting them know. Take care

weekendninja · 24/12/2015 02:09

Death like a thousand paper cuts... I couldn't have put it better myself.

It's been almost three years since I discovered my DH's first affair and a year since his second. The second felt like a relief if I'm honest because I couldn't have carried on for much longer.

At present I have days where I'm ok and days where I am not. These could be triggered by events such as putting up the Christmas decorations or him crying and begging for another chance. Whatever it is makes me feel guilty. I even feel guilty for my life moving along slightly.

I worry that life for all of us - him, my DS's and myself - will never be truly happy again. All of us, I'm sure, never smile like we used to.

I guess we just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I'm sure one day the future will be brighter and we must just remember that.

antimatter · 24/12/2015 02:18

after 13 years together and 2 kids we split because of ex's affair

it took me over 3 years to get better but I think it was partly due to the fact that I was also unemployed and had no one to talk to face to face about my situation

instead I talked a lot about it on various chat rooms and internet fora

the more people are around you you can confide in the better for you
I didn't really found books helpful. Only short counseling, I think no more than 10 sessions made huge difference to my recovery.

Goodbetterbest · 24/12/2015 12:51

Books - yes, our mediator recommended Parenting Apart - think it's by Christina Mcgee. It's very helpful - and would be useful for you both to read it.

Don't get me wrong, I resent him massively. As I continue to tolerate and be kind, he is still an utterly selfish, self-absorbed prick. He didn't but a flat which would accommodate the children, insisting he looks after them at my house. He has an enormous sense if entitlement as he pays me maintenance.

It's far from perfect, but if I hadn't supported him it would have take. A whole lot longer to get rid of him. Everything has an end. After the new year I'm working and setting on boundaries. Dreading it, but going to be strong.

meoryou · 24/12/2015 14:27

Boundaries.... Me too. I've conceded most arguments/debates in the past because I'm rubbish at sticking up for myself.

I'm counting my blessings today, but still feel, detached. It's as though my energy and capacity for love have been thoroughly diminished in trying to make the best of my marriage.

We will be selling the house but won't have enough equity to buy agsin, therefore will be renting.

I don't want to think of the 100's of thousands of pounds spent on our mortgage with sod all to show for it.

I'm pretty introverted but sociable if that makes sense? I have a tendency to naval gaze a bit too much - which can contribute massively to feeling ground-down and worthless.

OP posts:
RedMapleLeaf · 24/12/2015 14:43

You would have had to spend money on a roof over your head, and unless you mean that you're in negative equity at least you haven't been renting.

meoryou · 24/12/2015 15:32

true - just having a moan there. l need to be better at letting things go.

OP posts:
RedMapleLeaf · 24/12/2015 16:27

Sometimes we need to let things go, and sometimes we need a good moan Smile

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