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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

Curious to hear from people who have left marriages that weren't AWFUL but just unsatisfying

1001 replies

All0vertheplace · 15/03/2016 13:02

Have you made the tough choice to leave a marriage -- not because of abuse or an affair, but just because you were mismatched and things weren't working out.

If so, how was that decision, and how have your life and relationships been since?

OP posts:
shandybass · 02/05/2016 23:23

Diege are you still around? I hope I didn't frighten you off with my reference to your past posts. I just remember you as a kind poster during a difficult time for me.
I hope you're ok.

Hiddlesnake · 03/05/2016 04:49

Wow. That letter is amazing. Really powerful.

overthehillandroundthemountain · 03/05/2016 05:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

overthehillandroundthemountain · 03/05/2016 05:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 06:45

Thanks all not sure when will be the right time as I need to be extremely careful in relation to the kids since we are abroad. I have the name of a specialist German English family lawyer through someone on a different part of the site although I have not been in touch yet. I doubt it'll be until at least august as we have visitors over the next couple of months so it would be awful otherwise. Plus he is being fairly pleasant at the moment.

overthehill welcome. My mum also went through a significant period of unhappiness. But she's a very good listener and is my rock currently. Well done with at least trying relate. I'm not sure I'd want to. I've just lost all feeling for H over the last 5 years.
I'm still astonished at how many of us are in the same situation. At least we have a place we can offload to each other.

isthismylifenow · 03/05/2016 07:41

Morning everyone. I have just read each post back again.

How do you feel after putting all that down in writing Floundering? From what I can make out, you haven't sent the email, but writing things down like that sort of put things into more perspective doesn't it? I did the same, wrote a letter, even posted here about whether to send it or not. I did send it, but not the same day... I went back and read it over and over again, and sent it a week later. When I read back what I had written the previous week, and could see that I still felt the same way, it became clear to me that it wasn't just a bad day on the day that I wrote it, it wasn't pms affecting my mood, it wasn't the stress of dealing with everything on my own day to day... it was how I felt.

I am glad now that I did to it. Because it was the only way that I could actually say what I needed to say. Why, because I couldn't say what I wanted to because H wasn't capable of actually discussing something that he didn't want to.... every single time I tried to talk, he would walk out, storm off, leave the house and I would sit there, not even having got half the stuff out that I wanted to. And then when he came back, the little bit that I did manage to say, would all be twisted... however he processed what he thought I said, stuck in his head...as that. Saying I said things that I didn't and that sort of thing. So for me, to write it down and save the document, so I could re-read again after he had, just to be sure that it wasn't me going insane, as he would make out all the time that I said things I didn't, it really even started to make me think I was going insane. I started doubting every single thing I said, and actually started believing that I had said those things, but just couldn't remember. I was so sick and tired of being told that I have a memory problem, and could I not remember anything correctly, I started to believe it.

Even now, although we are separated, he is still doing it. Just silly things, like he said he told me he had taken a day off work today, so will come to see the dc later today. He didn't tell me that he was off, so now I get the rolling eye emoticon on the message again, saying, 'but I told you all this'. No, he didn't. I know he didn't otherwise I would have reminded him that the dc wouldn't even be here this afternoon as they have things on at school today. So, although I was again doubting myself, if it weren't for me knowing that the dc wouldn't be here, I would probably have believed him and wracked my brain for days trying to remember when he told me this.

Argh, again just needed to get this off my chest.... thanks for this thread again OP. If I had to say what I have posted here to any friends, I am sure they would just think wtf, as unless you are in the situation, other people just don't understand.

FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 09:10

isthismylifenow I haven't sent it. It does help to get it all out. I also posted this open letter to my husband about a month ago which I also haven't sent. I imagine what will eventually go will be a combination of the two. The thing is, I have done this before about 2 years ago before we came out here. I found the email the other day. And nothing has changed. H is very good with words and putting things back on me in a guilt trip 'don't you think xyz will be great for the kids though' type thing. And unless you write it down there is no way you get to put everything across in a conversation as it gets all twisted and bits get left out as the conversation is steered by H. 18 years of living with him and I find him so hard to talk to on any kind of non superficial level. I don't seem to have this problem with anyone else though....
It sounds like you did the right thing though, does it feel better to be on your own? Making you doubt yourself is horrible though. I guess if you know it only happens with things he tells you and no one else you can guess it is his fault not yours?

To everyone who mentioned spending time with other couples and realising what is normal and what isn't - yes yes! Why have I stayed so long? How the fuck did I end up like this? I think by the end of this year it will be over. I hope so because if I go back and read this in 18 months time and I'm still going through the motions then I have no excuse for it.

All0vertheplace · 03/05/2016 10:00

Thanks for this thread again OP. If I had to say what I have posted here to any friends, I am sure they would just think wtf, as unless you are in the situation, other people just don't understand.

No problem! I had no idea that so many people would relate. It's been amazing to hear from you all. Some really inspiring stories.

OP posts:
isthismylifenow · 03/05/2016 10:42

To everyone who mentioned spending time with other couples and realising what is normal and what isn't - yes yes! Why have I stayed so long?

Yes, this also made me sit up straight and read again. Shandy, I also think this, just simple little things, like I bumped into some neighbours in the supermarket, shopping together Shock. And her dh seemed to be quite happy about I!!. I could probably count on my one hand the amount of times H ever went shopping with me, never any of them willingly, and if he was there he would be making us rush around and I would end up forgetting half the stuff we went in for as I would be so stressed out. Then I see couples walking past my house, talking and laughing, just the two of them. In all the years if I asked H to go for a walk, just to get out, never once would he willingly either. If he did, it would be for less than half the walk I would normally do, just to rush back to house to sit in front of the tv and do nothing anyway...sigh..

does it feel better to be on your own?

Yes, it does. There is so much less stress in the house now. Its still hard for the dc, if they have been to H for the weekend, ds is a bit stroppy when he gets back for some reason, and dd doesn't quite know how to act about the weekend. They are both teenagers, so a difficult time for them both anyway, without this. But generally, they seem less stressed day to day, as there is no tension in the house at all anymore. I cant say I am any less lonely than when he lived here, as we spent no time together anyway. I don't know what is going to happen as we haven't discussed divorce as yet... but at this point I am still just taking a step at a time....I haven't quite got to the point where I can have that discussion. I am getting stronger each day, just not strong enough for that yet.

FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 11:12

Regarding what is normal, buying not 1 but 2 (not at the same time) family cars without entering into a discussion at all. That's not normal is it? Or is it?

isthismylifenow · 03/05/2016 12:01

No, not normal Floundering. Well not to most anyway.

My father did this. Bought a brand new Mercedes when I was a child. Didn't discuss it with my mother, he just drove home from work, parked it in the drive and came inside. Later on, my brother looked out the window as said we had visitors. We went out and no-one was in car. Questioned my father, who just replied along the lines of 'oh yes, got a new car today' and that was that. Shock

He is a complete narcissist though, this was along with a lot of other strange behaviour.

But no, I don't think its normal.

FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 13:07

Glad its not just me. Neither were new but it was still about £10k in total. Both were utterly ridiculously oversized for our area and needs!

All0vertheplace · 03/05/2016 13:57

Wow. No. Not normal. Is he bipolar? (Genuinely wondering.)

OP posts:
FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 14:09

Don't think so...? Just unemotional and doesn't see money he earns as ours. Hence why I am posting on this thread I guess. You know when you try to normalise things then have a bit of a lightbulb moment that what is happening in your relationship doesn't happen in other peoples? I've been having quite a few of them recently.

All0vertheplace · 03/05/2016 14:14

(Sorry, distractedly daydreaming about a scenario in which I would be able to spend 10 grand on two cars.)

That does sound like a pretty solid lightbulb moment, though.

OP posts:
FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 14:38

Me too! They were about 5 years apart. I feel like such a doormat Sad
How are you doing today Allover?

All0vertheplace · 03/05/2016 14:46

Thanks for asking -- not sure. Still in that dark mysterious unknown place, really.

I popped home from work at lunchtime, and as I approached the house I saw my DP leaving with a friend from work (same sex, I'm sure there's no funny business) but I waved up the road and he saw me & waved back. I drew closer and shouted "Hiya! Just nipping home for some lunch!" and he kinda responded ("OK! Enjoy!" or something) and then he and friend got in car and drove away. If he had waited another 30 seconds I would have reached him and we could at least have said 'Hi' and maybe hugged or kissed or something, but he saw me coming and just got in this car and that was that.

AIBU to be upset by this?

OP posts:
FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 17:07

Not in the slightest. If mn has taught me anything it's that there is a mourning period even when you are the one who ended it. It's been a massive part of your life and even if you know it's the right thing to do it's going to take a lot of adjustment

All0vertheplace · 03/05/2016 18:35

Thanks FW

OP posts:
IronNeonClasp · 03/05/2016 19:05

Hi All. Been reading but lurking. Update from me. Rowed Friday and Sunday. Didn't speak yesterday and all back to normal today. DH is in a dept plan and has just mentioned that he needs screen shots of outgoings by Monday. On verge of row but trying to be calm/assertive. I am earning double +.
My wages include DC clothes, family food and anything and that breaks down around house. This is not factored into what he pays into my a/c. I've asked him to write down exactly what is going out of his a/c. I wonder if this will include weeds. Geez what am I doing. I know it shouldn't come down to money and this is a raw point but WTF am I doing?

FlounderingWildly · 03/05/2016 21:00

Oh iron Flowers do you have to do a budget each to show who pays for what and how much? I wish I could suggest something.

LongDaysHotNights · 03/05/2016 22:15

I've been lurking on this thread since it started. I've also been following the 'Incompetent Husband' one and the 'Messy Husband' one.
It's got me thinking, there are so many people in very similar situations. Is this because this is how marriage just is after a while or are people marrying incompatible partners?
I've been with my DH for 14 years, married 6, one DS (3). He is a lovely man, a brilliant dad, very hands on with DS. He is very laid back, isn't bothered what the house looks like, doesn't organise family days out, or activities for DS, never instigates much needed home improvements. He doesn't like to be involved in conversations about the sate of our marriage, he would just plod along forever, brushing everything under the carpet. He doesn't instigate sex. Seems to have very little common sense. He has a terrible memory so I am CONSTANTLY repeating myself.
I am very hands on, very capable, I like to get things done, and I like to make plans and enjoy thinking about ways to improve our lives. I don't think we are compatible any more so we are separating. I have spent a very long time living with a huge amount of frustration. I spoke to him about 9 months ago about being unhappy, about my feelings about our marriage. We may have been able to save it, meet halfway, but he wasn't interested in talking to me, or helping me work things out. He made small improvements like hoovering and putting a load in the washing machine but it's not really enough. It got to the point where conversation was minimal, no chat, just essential day to day stuff like 'what do you want for dinner?'. It got to the point where the only touching was a peck before and after work, then I decided that I would wouldn't bother with that and see what happens, nothing did.
I flipped one weekend a couple of months ago, we needed to finish off some house stuff, DS was with my mum for the afternoon and while I cracked on with DIY, DH sat in the lounge listening to music. That was the final straw, I'd had enough. I told him then I was going to move out and I got the keys to a rental flat at the weekend. He said a couple of weeks ago he thought my decision was out of the blue, how he can think that I'll never know.
It is really hard trying to work out if how I feel is valid, sometimes I think the things that piss me off sound really silly, and I doubt that I should be breaking our family up. But the reality of living with the frustration is very difficult. I have been told for such a long time that my standards are too high, that it's my issue that I like the house nice, so therefore I should do it because it doesn't bother him. Lately he's been telling me that he's prepared to put up with my faults so I should put up with his because that's what marriage is about.
The problem now is that I feel like I've swapped living in almost constant frustration with living with guilt and sadness. He is being so understanding, and is now asking if I'm ok and how I'm feeling that I'm beginning to doubt my decision. He is a decent human being, he is a great dad, he is well liked by friends. Am I throwing away a good guy? Should I just try to adapt myself and 'put up' with his shortcomings (as I perceive them to be)? I've got the keys to my new place but have been moving my stuff slowly, so we are still around each other quite a lot and we are actually getting on so much better. I know I've instigated the split, but I feel so sad and can't stop crying!
Sorry this has turned out to be long!

All0vertheplace · 04/05/2016 09:34

Well, we had The Chat last night, and it sounds like we're going to divorce.

I'm sort of in shock, to be honest.

OP posts:
FlounderingWildly · 04/05/2016 10:07

[Flowers] allover what happened?

Hello longdays it sounds like a confusing situation. Maybe the space is what you need to think it through?

FlounderingWildly · 04/05/2016 10:08

FlowersFlowers and Brew Cake for allover even!

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