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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

Going on a Bear Hunt - we're going to get through it!

358 replies

madamehooch · 14/11/2016 13:11

As a previous poster on a wonderful thread which has been a real lifeline but which has now ended, this is a new thread for anyone who has been subject to the misery of having an extremely long term relationship (20 plus years ) end. It's a place to find support and congratulations for whatever tiny steps are made and a big non-judgmental hand hold to help us over the inevitable bumps. There will be little LTB on this thread as usually he's already left us (smiling through the pain is always encouraged )😀

OP posts:
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Kirk123 · 18/11/2016 12:59

Dawn you have had such a hard time with him 😢 , let's help you get him out of your head 😘 You didn't deserve to be treated with such cruelty .faffy you can't go back unfortunately only forward , I felt like that at times I shoukd of done it 5 years previously when I found him sex texting he said that's all it was , the liar 😡

faffalotty · 18/11/2016 13:11

I'll ponder some more on the contacting issue...

Out of curiousity I recently joined a couple of dating sites. Some very strange men on them but also some who look human and capable of forming a sentence. I've just been granted a free month's trial on one of them so I can now reply to messages. It feels very strange. I can't imagine actually going on a date with anyone, but a bit of harmless chat is ok (hopefully no weird photos). At the moment I feel like I'd quite like just a male friend, a gay one would be ideal! is there a site for that?!

LouSaint · 18/11/2016 13:25

The tapir ha- 'latest' woman why can't these men be on their own? My STBX has never been single-ever! I don't think he could be. I guess that's why they trade down, anyone is better than being on your own!
My PIL were encouraging me to find a man, how bloody patronising! Just because their dear son is 'happy' I guess it would ease their guilt if I found someone too. My poor sons have been through enough in the last year without me swanning around with a succession of new men! They haven't got their heads around their father abandoning them, and dating a woman nearer to their age than his.
Faffalotty sorry you had a bad night- a gay best friend would be a great idea!! Hope today is more positive!
Kirk I'm up for a beach wedding! Anywhere hot right now would be good!
Hobbit -I too feel damaged- I can't imagine ever wanting a new relationship.
Dawn- sorry that you are going through hell with your ex- spray the damn deodorant everywhere whilst sticking your middle finger up metaphorically to your ex! I'm trying to facilitate some sort of contact between my Sons and their father. He's not interested! Twat!
Xx

Kirk123 · 18/11/2016 13:37

Faff I went on one dating site , had 1 date a lunch date a year after my ex left me , omg he was so needy didn't speak to his kids , had nose hairs 🙈 And was planning a holiday for us both 😂 No dates since came off them ASAP , I too Lou was just like you how could I bring a new man into my kids life when they were traumatised ( I know they are adults but we were their parents ) no wonder PIL want you to meet someone then they feel better 😡 , don't keep trying to facilitate him seeing his kids that's his job not yours , it makes me so angry how much they hurt our wonderful children 😢 I tried for ages now I have given up , it took too much energy up I needed all that to be there for my kids and be the strong supportive mum ❤️

faffalotty · 18/11/2016 13:51

That sounds like an interesting date Kirk! You couldn't see the nose hairs in his profile pic then?

Do you find that you have become much more focused on your children and more concerned about their happiness? I already was, but I think even more so now, I think we have become closer and I really appreciate any time we spend together and the laughs we have (even when they're laughing at me!)

Kirk123 · 18/11/2016 14:06

Yes I sure do faffy , I want to protect them from all the hurt and I can't believe doesn't want that too !

ohdearme1958 · 18/11/2016 17:18

Sorry just got home. I'm spending the night at my daughters because in my sons very confused mind he thinks if I come off an aeroplane I arrive home at 8.30 in the morning just the way we did when he was well enough to travel. So he thinks I've been in Beirut to visit a cousin who's sick but I've really been in the Uk. He can'tbe told that though because it would do untold damage to him emotionally, it's very much a case of - mama go UK, DS go UK. Anyway I came off another Uk flight tonight because the ideal one was full and I can't go home till tomorrow - but I've already been told my boy (my young man) is fast asleep in the spare room downstairs just waiting for me to arrive with his 2 packets of smarties.

So, this thing about these men deserting their children, even the ones like my darling boy whos severely disabled - It's a bloody killer as you all well know. My husband has seen him 5 times in 3 years for periods of 10 minutes at a time. He sees our grown up children and their children every month or so for perhaps 15 minutes. Amongst other things Its my punishment for calling a halt to the shenanigans that was our life together. It's also my children's fault for not getting on board with him once the dust had settled. They will have no part of his new life. I knew it would happen and I even told my children you are all encouraging me to put an end to the hell we are living but trust me when I tell you that if I do - we won't see your father for dust.

I knew it would happen because you see there are some men/people who have such shallow emotions that they can't even create a proper bond with their children. They just aren't capable of it and the really can just walk away. And do these people ever 'get it' and one day have their regrets? I honestly think not and I know it's helped me a lot when people have said to me he'll regret it one day and Ive been able to say no, he won't, because he's not made that way.

Anyway about 6 months ago my children said to me Mama stop beating yourself up about dad, leave our relationship/lack of a relationship with him to us. You told us this would happen and we'll handle it. We're ok. We know where we stand and more importantly dad now knows where he stands with us - something he never thought would happen.

Anyway to cut a long story short I arranged to meet my husband for one last ditched attempt at getting him on board with our children but it was a waste of time just as I knew it would be. It was horrific to be honest because there was no pretence given how battered this mans ego is because people have stood up to him. He very clearly told me 'I don't want them and I don't miss them. Who do they think they are?

Anyway ladies he's not alone in having the kind of brain that makes forming proper relationships even with your children possible. And to be honest I now just think poor man isn't well, he really doesn't know any better. He is a very damaged soul. it can help a great deal when you stop saying I don't know how he can do this and accept that for some people it's very easy to do.

Kirk123 · 18/11/2016 17:35

Bravo great post oh dearme ,it's taken me some time that I too have accepted that I can't influence the way he treats his adult kids , it's not my problem to fix and I can't control it , a wise man told me recently don't forgive him feel sorry for him that he has not got enough emotional intelligence to see he has to work at rebuilding his relationship with his kids and it's not just a given , I never wanted it to be a best parent competition but I wasn't even in the contest I didn't need to be , they wanted me to heal their wounds 😢 I am so pleased your son is waiting for you his previous mum , take care x

faffalotty · 18/11/2016 23:06

Sounds like you've made a great realisation there dearme. I hope that it has given you some peace of mind. I think it's very difficult (and different for each person) to create an understanding of the situation that gives you peace and allows you to move on.

faffalotty · 18/11/2016 23:15

On a different note, I went out to meet a new group this evening. Possible new friends?
Almost immediately I knew. Nice enough people I'm sure, but I felt uncomfortable and awkward. Then I could feel myself falling into my sad state. Funny how being in a roomful of people can make you feel more lonely than being home alone.

I've not got weekend fear which is good. I'm getting a couple of bits of furniture that I bought on eBay - one tomorrow and one on Sunday. I'm furnishing my home with some real bargains!

Anyone have any exciting weekend plans?

Kirk123 · 19/11/2016 08:23

And it's precious mum not previous ohdearme sorry 😐 , no plans for me on call for work , just woke from my dreams about him we were in Disneyland and he missed his sisters wedding ( we live in uk odd I know ) and he had been with ow not his real ow , I woke up so upset , I am mad now now that try as I might he is in my bloody sub conscious 😡 Happy Saturday mums , just breathe and take an hour at a time , we are good enough once more ❤️

Dawndonnaagain · 19/11/2016 08:40

I dreamt about mine last night, it was strange and yet familiar because I was damn well cleaning up after him!

faffalotty · 19/11/2016 08:54

I hate it when I dream about him. Fortunately didn't last night. One piece of homework from mindfulness course is to write down 3 things I'm grateful for as soon as I wake every morning. Focus the mind on the positive.

This morning the first one I put was online support Smile

Kirk123 · 19/11/2016 09:35

Good idea faffy I am going to start that from today and get a little notebook by my bed ❤️

Forme2016 · 19/11/2016 12:00

That's lovely Faff, good idea to start the day on a positive note.

I'm off to Manchester for the day/night to meet my oldest friend who is also separated so we're going to have a fine old time Grin

Have a good one everyone else

kaitlinktm · 19/11/2016 12:07

Yes! What is it about these dreams? I have them less and less often after all these years, but still occasionally. What really annoys me is that in the dreams I am always nice to him and pleased to see him - not at all like I would be in RL.

Have a good weekend each! Smile

Dawndonnaagain · 19/11/2016 12:09

Good idea faffy, I'll try that.

Have a good weekend everyone. Wine Flowers

Kirk123 · 19/11/2016 12:16

Forme I live near Manchester , may see you there some time 😉 I like a fine old time too , enjoy your night out in real life ❤️

madamehooch · 19/11/2016 12:41

Hi all. Glad to see that this thread is off and running. I had my telephone counselling assessment yesterday so am now in the system and have cut back on contact to the practicalities. I'm just very very sad all of the time 😥xx

OP posts:
Kirk123 · 19/11/2016 12:58

Madame I hug you with all my strength , sad is a horrible part of this process , I have true empathy for you today , I too am sat here all alone whilst everyone else it seems plays happy families 😢

faffalotty · 19/11/2016 13:19

Hooch - sorry you are feeling so sad. Although it is horrible, it is ok to be sad. If you can, try and do one thing today that makes you less sad. Watching telly, having a bath, eating or drinking something you like or tidying out a cupboard - whatever floats your boat. I think some days even the smallest moment of respite is to be seen as a triumph.

Kirk - don't be fooled by appearances, lots of people are probably having stressed out family time.

I've been out for a walk this morning. I find it helps massively, particularly out in the countryside looking at trees, birds, water. Only problem is I didn't realise how bloody cold it is! Needed an extra layer and gloves. Trying to thaw out now

TheTapir · 19/11/2016 13:26

I'm another in the Manchester area!

I've been outside for some exercise this morning and this afternoon I plan to have a bath, put my pjs on and sit in my snuggle seat watching tv, reading and eating biscuits all afternoon.

I have no children so although I have one less worry, or reason to have to contact my stbxh, it does mean that am alone for so much of the time.

Kirk123 · 19/11/2016 13:34

My children have flown the nest , so I am alone too although I do keep borrowing my daughters dog , I am doing a work essay of 8000 words these next 2 weekends so trying to feel that I am a clever academic woman ! Not a mad woman dreaming of her ex and feeling a wee bit lonely 😢 I can't wait to like weekends again one day ! I feel a Manchester meeting coming on 😘

faffalotty · 19/11/2016 13:45

You've always got us, I know it's not the same but you're not totally alone.

Kirk, I'm now intrigued at what your job is?

Strangely I was thinking earlier this week about where I could go on a train trip and I thought of Manchester. I've only been there once, must have been 1987, to an open day at the university

Kirk123 · 19/11/2016 14:07

I am a nurse in the community , I am currently doing a fellowship for older people from a top university in London , I was picked from lots of people , I have done it this year it's nearly over and I have been so depressed this year so good job I have to do it as it filled my life as well as my fantastic job in the NHS