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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

3 children 3 exs 15 years on........

10 replies

1971Poppy · 06/11/2018 14:08

I have spent many an hour recently boring the backside off a good friend. so I think you all will be my sanity check.
So I am no spring chicken, strong independent, widow, mother.
after my partner died I met a man and have had an on off relationship, which reignited this year.
as we are much older now and I thought much wiser it was going swimmingly.
we live miles apart now, we used to live nearer but he moved a couple of years ago.
one evening last month I had a message via social media from one of his children, the last time I heard from her was 8 years ago. I say child she is 25. she messaged to ask if I knew that he had another child 6 years ago.

um...…. no he hadn't mentioned this !
so lets be honest here, in the past few years I have always hoped that once all our children had grown then we would look at being together. I had loved him. I didn't hide that fact even when we were apart.
so after a lot of soul searching I asked him if it was true, and yes during one of our breaks he had a relationship and child,
children are the greatest gift life gives, I adore my children. I couldn't be without them.
so.... what to do ! the good in me says WOW how fantastic.
he says he has a very poor relationship with the mother.
infact he doesn't have a good relationship with any of his Ex's.
I may be able to understand why !
but another child doesn't fit into my plan, I wanted us to grow old together, holidays etc. I wasn't planning on being wicked step mother ! or dealing with the fall out of an ex who has an axe to grind.
I understand why they have one !
the bad in me says RUN !
is it ever going to be forgiven or forgotten that is took his 25 year old daughter to tell me.
I of course asked him why he hadn't told me..... yes the same old line. I was waiting for a good time !
he says he had another child … wait for it... cause we weren't going to.
and if I had been more open about my feelings then this wouldn't of happened. REALLY.
is there a way forward, or do I walk away.

OP posts:
Lifeisabeach09 · 06/11/2018 14:16

I don't see how him having a child with someone else six years ago impacts you. You don't have to take on a step-mother role yet if ever. You are thinking too far ahead.

Is this man someone you wish to be with? Forget love, do you trust him and does he have integrity? Does he respect you? Is he likely to be someone that drags you down? Does he enrich your life?

Questions to ponder. But as you are having doubts, go slow. Sounds like your instincts are trying to tell you something.

Annasgirl · 06/11/2018 14:18

Whew, walk away, be kind to yourself, and then you will find someone, or not, but most likely if you are open to finding love, then you will.

I am around your age (if your DOB is close to your sign in) and I have a 6 year old and DH and I realise we will be looking after a child until old age, but I do not have a 25 year old and we did all our travelling pre kids so we had our eyes wide open. I would not like to have this thrust upon my - and not even by him but by his DD!!! Also, how could you possibly love someone who has no relationship with their 6 year old child??

tickertyboo · 06/11/2018 14:21

There is dishonesty on his behalf by failing to mention his child. Maybe you've noticed dishonesty from him in the past, but chose to ignore it because you were enjoying his company. So many women do, me included; but it makes for a very unpleasant time for one's state of mind.

Honesty and truth are key.

1971Poppy · 06/11/2018 14:42

thank you, yes I am struggling that he doesn't have a relationship with the youngest.
the goodie toe shoes in me says I can help with this, make him be a good dad.
but at the same time I am banging my head on my desk.
its most definitely not the child I have issue with its the DAD !
I know your right … walk away.

OP posts:
Aussiebean · 06/11/2018 15:50

It reads to me like you have this romantic fantasy In your head and you have decided he will be your leading man and no matter what he does you are going to force him into this role.

You have been on and off for years. You always thought you would be together once the kids have grown. You want a retirement with him.

Sounds like you have it all planned without actually working out whether or not it should be with him.

1971Poppy · 06/11/2018 16:28

thank you, yes you could be right !
:)

OP posts:
Holdingonbarely · 06/11/2018 18:15

So he doesn’t see the youngest at all

Charley50 · 06/11/2018 18:37

I think the fact that he neglected to mention to you that he made another child is pretty shitty really..

PolkaDoting · 06/11/2018 20:34

That’s a massive thing to hide!

TeachesOfPeaches · 06/11/2018 20:40

I'm a bit confused - does this man have 3 children with 3 women?

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