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Relationships

That's it then - hold my hand?

71 replies

Againagain97 · 21/03/2017 21:09

Due to celebrate 25th wedding anniversary next month .... or rather was!!

Holiday to Thailand booked....but leaving this letter for OH tomorrow.

OH,


I was looking at the email you sent to Jim last night as you asked me too. For a long time I've not checked your browser history but I did.

I see that you are again watching porn, the search was naked MILF in sauna. I cannot control you, you can access via the internet anything you want.

But I do have the choice of wanting to stay in a relationship that makes me feel inferior or to preserve my self respect and dignity and leave. I cannot and will not ever be able to match those women that excite you so much that you lie to me.

I try so very hard to please you, often at the risk of my own mental health well being. You know all to well my history, the abuse I've suffered at the hands at others and of course the abuse that I've received from you. Abuse that you've sworn has ended, including you NEVER indulge in porn again, that you have promised time after time and that it was worth in it for me. That your inability to maintain a sexual relationship with me, was my fault. You lie so much, it's shameful.

You can't maintain an erection with me, not because I'm over anxious (which given how you've been with me, I obviously am) but because I'm not slim, attractive or a “MILF”. As I've said I'll never ever be what you want me to be, I just can't. What you're watching is not real life, it really isn't. You need to address this because you'll continue to have failed relationships with such high expectations.

I feel a total sense of relief… I've known for years things “weren't right” I've voiced it, told you my fears. You've always dismissed me…but ultimately I was 100% right. I'm not what you want, you “service” me very quickly now and then to keep me quiet. It again explains my feeling of not being good enough, because it's what's happening.

I've accepted and "forgotten" so much of your nasty sexual behaviour to me. Recently you've been angry that I'm not able to move on....because you'd never do anything like that to me again. Be it nastily reject me, watch porn above our relationship because you've learnt your lesson.


On a practical note, I've booked myself into a hotel.

I'm asking you to have respect and not contact me. I need to be on my own and deal with this.

All my fears have come true.

On a positive note, my worst fears have again been founded. Already I'm facing it and will in a long time be able to deal with this.

I'm sad that the pull of the “internet” was more important to you than our relationship. Our relationship cannot continue and I now need to draw a line.

You've had countless warnings, which not even you can deny.

This has been a tough but unsurprising end to our marriage.

I'll contact you over the weekend to discuss our “next move”.
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purpleporpoise · 21/03/2017 22:50

Second one is much better. Good luck OP. Hope some space helps you sort your head out and plan your next move. Get some legal advice too

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BIWI · 21/03/2017 22:51

Instead of:

I'll be in touch over the weekend to discuss our "next move"

I think you should say:

"When I've decided what we should do next, I'll be in touch"

It's not a decision he has any say in, it's all up to you now and you need to make that clear, and take the power back.

Good luck, and I'm sorry Flowers

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Shitalopram · 21/03/2017 22:51

Second letter is much more powerful and puts you in control. I totally understand the wanting to lay it all out, but he is not the person to entrust with all that. Everything you wrote in your first letter is valid and important, however he is beneath your finer feelings.

If you do want to take out "Have some respect" I would swap it for "I expect you not to contact me."

Good luck. I think you are doing something marvellous.

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blackteasplease · 21/03/2017 22:53

That second letter is great.

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Shitalopram · 21/03/2017 22:55

Also agree with BIWI and think it is a good idea not to say when you will be in touch. If you say "over the weekend" that's putting pressure on yourself to have a plan by then.

I had a long and painful split from someone who insisted on time limits for me to think things over - it was all controlling in the guise of "giving me space"

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blackteasplease · 21/03/2017 22:55

Although actually I think you should make the changes WIBI and shit suggest. Especially about the "next move". Make it clear that you are calling the shots.

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Againagain97 · 22/03/2017 06:13

Thanks all.

For the PP that said the first letter was cathartic, yes it is/was. Strange how writing things down is so cathartic.

I feel a lot of anger this morning. I just knew that something was "wrong". I kept saying/asking but he made me feel "mad".

In many ways, I just want to rant and shout at him, not for the lost marriage but for messing with my mind. But to be honest if I did that he would probably try and win the argument. By doing this he would say things that get more in my head and give me more self doubt.

Does that make sense?

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mysinkingheart · 22/03/2017 07:02

Totally makes sense OP, kudos for catching on to how the mindfuck works so fast.
If you know he'll just gaslight in response then best to leave without explaining yourself..as a pp said, he's not worthy of your feelings as he clearly will not respect them and instead could use them against you as you said.

It is hard, but when you're free of this life will be simpler and you can grieve (or celebrate) the end of the relationship in peace.

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Againagain97 · 22/03/2017 07:14

Thanks mysinking

I need to fast forward three months, when I'll be in a better place.

I suppose he stayed with me because it was a comfortable life. I earn good money, we have a "good" life in terms of holidays, trips etc. It was all easy.

But ultimately he didn't want the "whole" me, I knew that something was missing. I wished he'd been honest and not make me have to discover it again. The lies! He will swear blind this was the first time since he promised to stop and that be complete coincidence I stumbled across it..... yeah right.

I've looked online at properties that I can afford. In that respect it'll be a straight 50/50 split.

I may sound strong but I do feel crushed.

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MangoSplit · 22/03/2017 07:25

Of course you feel crushed and sad Sad You'd be a robot if you ended a marriage and felt perfectly ok about it.

Good luck OP. It's good to hear that you are financially secure.

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TheNaze73 · 22/03/2017 07:37

Good luck, it sounds like the right move for all parties

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mysinkingheart · 22/03/2017 07:38

Oh op I know..
It's a case of getting through it step by step. But you will. Do you have RL support?

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Againagain97 · 22/03/2017 07:50

Mysinking......I will have RL support, but at the moment I just want to be alone and come to terms with things.

I don't want to real life talk, I expect I will in a couple of days or so.

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mysinkingheart · 22/03/2017 07:58

Of course, I should have said for later on. You need to digest it first..took me ages. Slightly different context but same underlying problem of someone who disrespect women but somehow makes it feel like your failing. Manipulation is exhausting to live with so you'll need to be gentle on yourself for quite a while..there's no rush. But do keep away from him, he'll only slow you down.
You're being strong and doing the right thing x

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hellsbellsmelons · 22/03/2017 08:51

You are doing all the right things.
When you leave for the hotel just block him for now.
Then when you feel ready you can unblock him and take it from there.
Have you had legal advice?
Is the house mortgaged?

You will feel crushed.
It's 25 years of your life.
But you are taking back control of your life and moving forward.
You will feel relief (I know I did recently) but the sadness will hit you.
You will go through all the stages of grief and it's not easy.
But your freedom and new life await at the end of that tunnel and it will be infinitely better than the one you have now!

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Bluebell9 · 22/03/2017 09:09

I'm sure you've thought of it but if you are leaving the house for a couple of days, make sure you take all your important documents and anything else that has sentimental value.
You are being strong, good luck.

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Againagain97 · 22/03/2017 10:56

I think I will look towards renting a small flat in the short term.

I honestly don't think I can cope with the pressure of living under one roof.

How do others manage?

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Adora10 · 22/03/2017 12:01

Well done OP, it's so refreshing to read from a lady, who instead of blaming herself for her OHs shit behaviour, can actually see that you deserve so much more than what he's offering, onwards and upwards.

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Againagain97 · 23/03/2017 07:02

So very stupidly I spoke with him.

I know I shouldn't, please don't flame me.

H I don't know what your talking about!?

Me I 100% know, you can't convince me I've not seen it

H it was that once honestly!

Me So you expect me to believe that I one off randomly check your phone and by sheer coincidence it's the ONE AND ONLY TIME. That's awful bad luck.

H. Ok, it's been the "odd" occasion

I ended the conversation at that point!

He expects me to live in a non physical relationship rather than separate.

He tells me lots of people don't have sex "at our age". He tells me it's you that's choosing to finish our marriage. He tells me that his habits have not had any affect on our sex life.

I asked why he very often can't maintain an erection or if he does it's so bloody rushed. He said it's his age (early 50s). I think it's because he is more than satisfied elsewhere.

He's also said "well what about the holiday" I told him he is welcome to go alone. It's the least of my worries at the moment.


I slept fairly well up until 4 this morning, so that was good.

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Againagain97 · 23/03/2017 07:10

And do you know what...

I have just stopped fancying him now! Not physically but I just am thinking "yuck".

When I think back to the heart breaking lying in bed wanting him etc and him just not interested. And like a switch of a light, it's gone!

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jeaux90 · 23/03/2017 07:11

I'm sorry that is so just soooooo ohhhh I was so angered by his response. That you are choosing to end the marriage.

I hope that made you angry too, him taking absolutely no responsibility for his actions impacting your marriage.

I did the same as you, walked, rented a small place (me and my dd). As soon as I had the keys the relief set in. A feeling of freedom.

Go have some time to yourself, cry and be angry. Stay strong, be nice to yourself. Then get some real life support.

Big hug, honestly, it will be ok. X

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rosabug · 23/03/2017 08:11

Not sure why you are posting all this on here. In some of your letters you talk to him like a child "learned your lesson" etc. I know a lot of women don't like porn, but unless it's an addiction it's not such a massive deal. You also sound like YOU have some issues and perhaps you need to work on them TOGETHER. I think your letters are ultimately about wanting to shock him 'into line'. You could do with addressing your motives and responses to things.

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Againagain97 · 23/03/2017 08:33

Rosabug, out of interest are you male or female?

Shocking him info line? Tried that and failed!

Working together? Tried that and failed! Agreed to go for counselling, he didn't want to. Tried discussions, he didn't want to!

I have issues? Yes, always agreed with that!


Why am I posting on here? For support?

I'm ending my (almost) 25 year marriage. Lots of people on here have done the same, thought it was a good place for support.

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Againagain97 · 23/03/2017 08:35

Oh and I'm not "anti-porn" and in my opinion it's an addiction. It's ruining our sex life and to that's a deal breaker!

Also I'm far from a like a child.

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BitOutOfPractice · 23/03/2017 08:42

Rosabug yeah yeah it's all OP's fault Confused

Again I think you can be proud of yourself. For all the gaslighting he's done, for all the times he's tried to blame you, for all the times he's tried to make you feel like you're going mad, you still knew. You still had a gut instinct that you trusted. You were still right about him. And of that my dear, you can be proud.

I'm not saying it's going to be easy. But there is still that women there that can fight, and know right from wrong, and stand up for herself. That will all get louder and stronger the further you are away from him

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