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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

Support thread for those of us having to 'co-parent' with a narc or very difficult exh thread 4

913 replies

Lilacpink40 · 13/12/2016 21:15

Hi allSmile

OP posts:
Lilacpink40 · 25/01/2017 10:34

Funny about the support songs in the head, anything that makes it easier is good imo. First I used to have "I hate you so much right now" song screaming at full volume in my head when I was anywhere near exH. It's now more of an annoyance, general "fuck off" song and I do the MN recommended line of "that doesn't work for me" as a rebuff for stupid suggestions.

I need to do the final part of stepping away and stop thinking of options to help him within my options. Only my DCs and me to consider really.

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Natsku · 25/01/2017 10:44

Haven't heard anything from GMB since they postponed the interview greencars but now I've got a date for when the documentary will be on telly and I think it might actually be possible to watch online abroad :)

WNs really do seem to have a thing about disliking women especially if they are no longer under their control, bunch of misogynistic twats.

Lilacpink40 · 25/01/2017 10:49

Nat you'll have to say when it will be aired being v nosey here .

Hmm interesting anout women-hating as exH's GF told our DD that her dad never swears. DD knows he swears and that I used to challenge him on sexism and racism. He's truly built himself a thin-walled bubble stream of lies to live in. I wonder if these WN could all be friends if they met in RL?

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Natsku · 25/01/2017 11:26

It'll be on the 13th of Feb and will hopefully be available to watch on yle.fi/aihe/artikkeli/2016/06/27/what-do-we-offer-public-abroad

I doubt my WN would be friends with the others, he hates people unless they are hippie dippy in his precise way and even then he hates them the moment they express a different opinion to him.

Lilacpink40 · 25/01/2017 12:29

Hippie dippy in his precise way 😂
Yes they all have their ways!

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nicenewdusters · 25/01/2017 14:56

Hi all. Really interesting about the Karpman drama triangle, I'd never heard of that. I had another talk with my dd (12) about this scenario recently. Ex takes no responsibility for our split, and casts himself firmly as the victim. Once again, I had to explain that we had all lost something because of what happened, that he had made his own choices (as had I) and that we all had to live with the consequences. I think his remarks to her are very subtle, so it's just something she's going to have to come to see (or not?) for herself.

Teabay My ex called me a Cold Hearted Cow when he too realised I meant what I said. I don't think even now he can believe that I walked away from him. Much better in their eyes for you to be the Ice Queen and me the C H C than to have to examine their own actions and character.

As for being sexist, my ex was/is a kind of 1950's style sexist. He didn't really think women should work when they had children, and certainly felt there were some areas where females weren't meant to be.

I can't decide if the WNs would all get along. I'm not sure "getting along" is something they do generally. I would guess that they're not easy going, take anywhere types. They are insecure, always looking for the possible slight from somebody else. As they would need to feel dominant I think they'd find it hard to be with many others of the same type also seeking this role.

What's the collective name for a group of WNs ? Grin A bin full of WNs, a victimhood of WNs ?!

Glad to see about the documentary Nats

Teabay · 25/01/2017 15:23

An entitlement of WNs.

Teabay · 25/01/2017 15:24

Like a parliament of owls, but not as smart...

nicenewdusters · 25/01/2017 15:40

Teabay perfect !

Natsku · 25/01/2017 15:41

Brilliant Teabay!

Teabay · 25/01/2017 15:47

Can you give me some help in keeping myself going? Struggling today, overwhelmed with work and the daily strife of being one step ahead of WN and the total responsibility of it all... Don't want to resort to ADs but unsure I can cope.

Natsku · 25/01/2017 15:59

Try not to feel like resorting to ADs is a bad thing, sometimes they are just the right thing to help you cope during tough times. But for today at least what can you do that makes you feel good? For instance I like going for a brisk walk, it usually lifts my mood which makes it easier to cope with all the other shit.

greencarbluecar · 25/01/2017 16:38

Teabay first of all have a (((hug))) I think we probably all know how that feels, and it's shit. (I've been so quiet because of it, in fact, every day is WN day atm but that's another story. Message is, you're not alone). Secondly, be kind to yourself. Nat's suggestion of doing something you enjoy is a great one. Even if that's just finding a way to have a cup of tea and a few minutes peace. That feeling of not coping, when will it end, it's awful. If you tell yourself 'this too shall pass', does it help at all?

ADs can be a scary prospect I know but Nat is right. If you'd take a painkiller for a physical pain, why not an AD for a depressed mind?

entitlement of WNs scarily accurate!

Nat I will try to watch the doc!

dusters I could have written what you said. I had a heart of stone, apparently, and he really doesn't like women taking any control. What unique creatures they are.

Lilacpink40 · 25/01/2017 17:13

Teabay this may sound and be too simplistic, but have you tried to write a list of everything you want to achieve and block it into 'now' and 'later' to see if it makes it feel less of a burden? Your WN is messing with your head and it can be hard to focus with their 'messages' taking up headspace.

Between 'ticking off' the list you could allow yourself non-worry time, e.g. in the hours before bed or while eating don't try to do anything else. Easier said than done I know!

I've had a short spell of AD and it felt good to feel more balanced emotionally, so I'm not saying ADs are bad though!

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Fidelia · 25/01/2017 17:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

greencarbluecar · 25/01/2017 18:33

Mine was very similar fidelia, except he didn't want me to put DC in childcare. Certainly wasn't prepared to pay for it. I think he seriously expected me to do both. How, I've never ascertained. Cloning myself, perhaps?

And not once was what I wanted ever a factor.

Lilacpink40 · 25/01/2017 19:58

Green and Fidelia I'm having "me too" moment. My ex didn't like me working as I couldn't keep up with housework / childcare without some help from him. Whenever things got complicated time-wise he'd say I should quit. I pointed out that all my money went on food and essentials every month so where would we get extra money (i.e. he wouldn't be able to have his flash car anymore). I can't believe I put up with it for so long.

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greencarbluecar · 25/01/2017 20:22

OMG lilac the cars and holidays and flash clothes and tech he had. While I scraped enough together to cover the basics. I put up with it for a long time too but that's what they do isn't it. Mine openly threatened me to keep me there and he went through with it after I left.

Still beats living with him though.

Lilacpink40 · 25/01/2017 20:44

Definitely better to be away.
Just had a blazing row with WN. He drops DCs back over a 45 min 'window' on a Thu evening. I said I'd have to pick them up as out tomorrow and near him. I said a time towards end of normal window so he doesn't lose time. He said "no" I couldn't collect them and I had to wait in for them. I went insane as I'm sick of still being the thoughtful one against a thick brick wall. Angry My anger may have worked though as after me threatening him (that I'd say drop back time to the minute from now on) he relented "this one time".
Sorry for vent!

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greencarbluecar · 25/01/2017 21:04

Vent away lilac. Why should you have to wait around, and who is he to tell you you should? I know they literally think our time is worthless and we have nothing else to be doing, but they're wrong. Just remember you are not being unreasonable here. Well done for standing your ground, easier said than done with these WNs.

FeelTheNoise · 25/01/2017 21:05

There always has to be a muscle flexing dispute doesn't there? Argh!

I'm sorry I've been so quiet, I've been putting myself back together, it was good to do. I've found a SHL, a legal aid one!

Lilacpink40 · 25/01/2017 21:35

Thanks green and noise, I just for once want him to say "ok". Although straight after that point I'll have passed out so will need help to get up .

Good news on SHL. Does s/he think they can move things on for you and do you have clear objectives? (Am I right that your WN was bad at returning DCs?)

OP posts:
greencarbluecar · 25/01/2017 21:54

When you find a SHL, how do you know they're SH?

Good to hear you're rebuilding Feel

nicenewdusters · 25/01/2017 22:25

Good for you Lilac. You're doing him a favour, why on earth should that be turned around on you.

I haven't posted much the last few days as I've felt slightly overwhelmed by the loss of family life. It's coming up to two years, but every now and again the realisation just kind of hits me. I think it's the finality. Even if I could be bothered or could take the chance to meet somebody else, they'll never be the dc's dad, it won't ever be "right" again. I know there's no answer, and only time moving on will help, but some days it just sucks more than others.

My ex and I have no contact at all any more, just messages via our dd. In a way this is good, no drama etc. It's also very weird for me. For example, they sleep over tonight at his. I was out and realised my dd had left something she might need in the car. My mobile wasn't getting a signal, and I couldn't text. I did think about just going there, knocking and hope one of them answered the door. But it just wasn't feasible. What a ridiculous situation to be in with the father of your dc Sad

EmilyRosanne · 26/01/2017 07:17

nice I feel exactly the same most of the time Sad I am still only a month post break up so it is all very fresh but although I'm not missing him I do feel really sad we will never have our family back, it feels silly really because he didn't make me happy but it wasn't all bad and I look back on family days or holidays and feel sad that it won't ever be the same again. I'm dreading the special occasions, birthdays, Christmas etc. without the children. I think that's why I stayed for so long when it obviously wasn't working and I miss our family.

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