So, I had my two-hour mediation yesterday. My six-year old daughter started being sick just before 4 am so I didn't get much sleep. (She's developed a stomach ache every time she is about to see her father or after she leaves him.)
During the mediation the lies came thick and fast. After ten minutes of a semblance of calm the accusations and falsehoods came raining down on me.
I don't think the mediator has cottoned on yet about him; he is wonderfully convincing. I think we came out fairly even (sounds like a boxing ring). I stood my ground, remained calm, respectful but managed to speak out. 'Please could you answer my question?' That phrase needed repeating a few times before he grudgingly answered with a yes or no. But still the lies followed, one after the other. 'That's your opinion' is another go-to phrase I use.
It's fascinating how everybody is to blame but himself. My lawyer has lied to me, the electricity company advisor lied to me, I'm the reason why my children are so unpleasant to him and unhappy. He is a baffled, sad victim.
Truthfully, I cannot wait until the next session in three weeks time. There is so much that needs to see the light. The mediator at the end said he was hopeful for us as we were communicating respectfully and intelligently. He also noticed that my husband remained static in his stance about the future. To improve communication between the parents, both must make an effort. Clearly my husband wasn't buying that.
My future ex certainly did fall into a pattern of contradictions. Some I managed to highlight others, due to my sleep deprived brain, will have to wait until next time.