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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

Some friendly words - part 2. It's over.

960 replies

ASmallBoxofChocolateBunnies · 30/10/2019 22:42

First of all I wanted to apologise to the lovely people who were so supportive on my original thread. I had it deleted because I had a weird 'outing' experience, but it doesn't matter now because this evening I had the phone call telling me it was definitely over.

I thought we had been making some progress trying to work things out, but no, it's done.

22 years destroyed in the space of a few months.

In his words, something just switched off. Which is nice.

I don't believe there is an OW, but I suspect there may well be shortly.

Moving away for a job, living in the village he grew up in which he had never wanted to leave originally, and where he now feels more at home than he has done in years. And yes, he did say that, although he did apologise when I pointed out that didn't make me feel super wonderful.

Too much time alone, too much time to dwell and gnaw at all the little things that weren't quite right, all the little niggles, and BOOM suddenly he's able to completely shut, bolt and nail the door up behind him,

And I am just broken. I know I am strong, I know I can get through this, but blimey, it is just, pain.

It seems such a dreadful waste. Ironically, if he hadn't got this job earlier in the year, we may well have been in Las Vegas now, celebrating 20 years of marriage, which is somewhere I'd always wanted to go, and we were going to splurge, irregardless of our not terribly healthy finances.

I just did not see this coming. I still believe our niggles, issues etc were eminently fixable. But fixing them needed someone who was present. And he evidently hasn't been for the past few months.

It seems to have happened very quickly in his head. There was a catalyst of moving within the village 2 months ago at which point it's like a light went out.

So we never had a chance really, he never said how he was feeling because there doesn't seem to have been a period of doubt, just love one day, nothing the next.

Have to work out how to tell the children (well, young adults).

As is so often the case, the one person I would turn to, talk to, the one person I could rely on to have my back, to make me feel better just by being there...is the very person who has broken me.

Of course I still love him. He's been my love, my person, my best friend for all this time, and to lose all of those is horrifying.

We 'got' each other so much, on so many levels just not having that is more than I feel I can bear. I feel like I'm bursting out of my skin.

When he first told me how he felt, and then when we were talking so I wasn't sure, but hoped there was a chance, I thought that limbo was bad, and actually knowing might feel better. It doesn't.

If anyone is there, please could you spare a moment.

I am very lucky, I have some wonderful friends, but at the moment I just can't go to bed and I feel, just, horrible.

Thank you

OP posts:
Woolybear · 07/01/2020 12:03

@Bigpooh13 and SuperbMonkey

You can do it. I had no motivation for months, couldn’t look after my house it was a struggle with looking after my son who has special needs. Couldn’t sleep, couldn’t get out of bed. I’m in my mid 50’s too and the thought of dating and men actually made me feel sick but there are some good guys out there. One day you’ll wake up and the pain will lessen, less frequent and you’ll have a good nights sleep and you will know you’ve reached a turning point. I still have days if I allow myself to think about him, the tears fall but I do my best to block it.
It’s not your fault, it’s theirs for being such immature babies.
Big love to all of you.
P.s. the support on here is fantastic

SoTiredTonight · 07/01/2020 12:09

@Bigpooh13 Your post made me sad. Hang in there, you will get there. One day at a time. That’s what I tell myself... Flowers

SuperbMonkey · 07/01/2020 12:19

My post above, I meant to say that it does help! Fat fingers!

@Woolybear, thanks for your kind words. The support on here is fantastic. I may so grateful that Bunnies started the thread.

TurmoilAndHeartbreak · 07/01/2020 14:37

How are you today @Asmallboxofchocolatebunnies ? I hope you are still sticking two fingers up to your H. You deserve so much better than him. We all deserve better. I took my wedding ring off the minute I found out my H had fallen in love with his OW (now GF of 4 months, living together from the day I kicked him out). I still notice it's absence.

Well done @Woolybear you have come a long way in a short time. I'm a month behind you in terms of when H left and can't quite believe how the time has slipped by. Some days I feel strong others weak but I suppose overall it is getting better/less painful ...I'm still having hypothetical arguments in my head over whether I could ever take him back. I still can't quite rid myself of the hopium and it's exhausting. I think I need a dose of Chumplady to get me back on track. I found a MN thread about embracing being single which was inspiring ...I'll share the link when I find it again. I certainly can't ever imagine being able to trust a man again or ever be willing to share my home with one so I'd rather embrace single life and focus on myself and my DS for now. I need to give up the hopium in order to do that though I know. It is such a waste of energy to be constantly ruminating like this but it's hard when he blames me for the split/his affair but also still claims to love me. Very confusing but as someone wisely says somewhere on this thread it is deeds not words that count.

Big supportive hugs for everyone on this thread. Keep talking and sharing Thanks

TurmoilAndHeartbreak · 07/01/2020 14:41

Choosing to be single - feels such a relief! www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/3784434-Choosing-to-be-single-feels-such-a-relief

For some positive thoughts on single life (I know none of us "chose" this but I want to embrace it none the less!) I have no intention of chasing after another relationship anytime soon that's for sure.

SuperbMonkey · 07/01/2020 15:36

I can tell that I am having a weak day as there are typos in my posts. I need to take more steps to protect myself but I am struggling to do that. Also feeling lonely in spite of friends, as I am in the house so much on my own, it’s a big house, and I need to be at the computer to find a job. Perhaps I need to lurk in a coffee shop tomorrow. I feel like a waif and stray.

I’ve followed the ‘single life’ thread @TurmoilAndHeartbreak. It is positive. Some people seem to move on with so much strength, even after a relatively short time. I suppose the truth is that I still love my H. I couldn’t take him back (and he doesn’t want to come back). There’s no point pretending that I don’t love him, to myself and here. Turmoil, I’m the same distance out as you. I’m taking your advice on board as you sound so much stronger. I need to focus on what on what I can do rather than what I can’t and look for positives.

Need to do tasks and complete this tedious application form.

Woolybear · 07/01/2020 15:54

@TurmoilAndHeartbreak

Aww thank you so much, it brings tears to my eyes every time I read of everyone’s experiences. I’m in a cafe and crying because I feel for you all and understand how horrible and hard it is. It is painful but the frequency I think about it is less, when I’m weak I think about the good times which makes me grieve, when I think of the bad stuff I’m strong so I try to do that. Believe it will get better. I’m not ready to commit to anyone/man for a long time but I’m enjoying meeting new people and one of my questions to any new man is “how did your last relationship end” I know they may not tell me the truth but if I ever found out they’d left their children/family for another woman or ghosted someone they’ll be dust!

I’m also wondering how a smallboxofchocolatebunnies is? 💖💖💖💖
Big love to all of you going through this heartbreak shit 💖

Grumblina · 07/01/2020 18:25

Hi everyone. I’m sat here crying my eyes out reading about all of you. My ex and I only split up yesterday as I found out he had cheated after 3 years together. I found out before Xmas but tried to get past it but I just can’t. He’s also been very emotionally abusive towards me. Calling me a fat cunt and putting me down constantly. As I also explained in my other thread he was putting knives to his throat threatening to kill himself when we disagreed, kicking and punching doors and walls etc. I know it’s for the best but I am in physical pain. Probably nothing compared with all of you who were married and together a lot longer. I’m just not coping well at all

Bigpooh13 · 07/01/2020 19:39

My aniexty is taking over . I need to control it. Mainly due to sorting paperwork for divorce. Hate that word . Cant even type it without crying. I keep looking at my rings and cant bear to take them off yet . Gonna wait till I'm divorced as it might piss him off to see me still wearing them. Also as I love them and they dont fit any other fingers. He is totally nuts and I hope it's worth it for him. Still love him but he ain't coming back. Somehow he is now mr Jekyll. Hes been playing games with me all along and thinks I dont know. Dick. He thought I would just roll into a ball and accept his financial offer. I might fo actually as it's not a bad offer. But I will make him suffer abit longer.

Woolybear · 07/01/2020 20:11

@Grumblina
Oh my god you have had a horrendous time, honestly you are so much better without him. My ex was controlling and emotionally abusive, played lots of mind games and was aggressive around my son but never held a knife to his own throat. Thank your lucky stars he’s left, I know you probably feel you love your ex and it is physically painful,( I thought my heart was literally breaking in two) and although I knew all his bad points I focused at the time on the good until a friend pointed out that even Stalin and Hilter May have had good points but they were evil people.
Your pain is as real as anybody else’s, please please don’t ever have him back and make sure you let family/friends know what he’s like for your own safety. Much love to youFlowers

Woolybear · 07/01/2020 20:20

@Bigpooh13
Good luck with all the divorce crap. Make him suffer a little longer, it’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through. I took everything I could out of my exes house , my furniture, blinds cabinets, lights you name it as I knew that was the only way I could maybe get back at him as I knew he couldn’t afford to replace everything quickly and I had spent a lot of money on his house... windows, doors, new bathroom, fire etc., And then I wrote to the new woman to tell her what kind of man he was. I know it was petty but I felt so much better for it and then I drew a line under it and got my strength to move on.
It’s not easy, still bad days but not so much. You’ll get there bigpooh13 and he’ll be upset when he sees you happy again Flowers

Woolybear · 07/01/2020 20:23

@TurmoilAndHeartbreak
P.s. I was relieved to be single, I thought my ex would never let me go as three years ago he’d said he would rather kill me than let me go. In my sane moments I’m relieved, he let me go!

SuperbMonkey · 07/01/2020 20:34

@Grumblina, I’m glad you found the thread although I’m very sorry that circumstances bring you here. Your situation is horrible too. He sounds like a brute (at least mine was never violent). Focus on you and doing something indulgent for yourself.

@Woolybear, your experience sounds horrendous too. There seem to be so many terrible men about. Violence is unforgivable.

@Bigpooh13, please be sure that the offer is a good one before accepting it. You only get one good chance to get this right. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Have a break if you feel upset (understandable if you do). Take care of yourself. Flowers

Bigpooh13 · 07/01/2020 20:39

Thanks everyone . You give me strength. So sorry to @Grumblina. That's horrendous. I dont wanna turn bitter. But I have kept all his texts from him. Ready to send to his old wife when I have his money. He knows this and doesnt think I'm that person. Really. There is a few more things up my sleeve.

Grumblina · 07/01/2020 22:19

It’s particularly difficult when he keeps messaging me going back and forward we can’t be together but then another message saying he wants to come home. I can’t block him because we have finances to sort out.

ASmallBoxofChocolateBunnies · 07/01/2020 22:48

Evening all.

Still, I am so sorry, that all sounds like such a headfuck. I do understand about feeling too embarrassed and humiliated to share the full extent with people in RL. I feel humiliated by my H’s behaviour, and I don’t have the added twists and turns that you have. But do know that you have absolutely no need for shame whatsoever. This is all on your H. Totally and utterly 100%.

I am glad the counselling session went well.

Thank you SoTired. Yes, kick in the gut indeed. I’m still holding onto my Warrior Woman, but it doesn’t change anything – despite the fact he’s apologised and acknowledged my feelings, he still did and said those things. He still chose not to do anything to keep our marriage, and chose her instead.

Superb, everything you say about the regression is so, so true. It just has no basis in reality. I am glad yesterday was better for you. I think I read an article about Sally Phillips a little while ago. She is amazing.

I’m 53 this year, and can’t imagine I will ever want to date again. I’ve had 2 serious relationships, never really been fussed about casual dating and have no idea how I would ever go about giving anyone my trust again. I trusted H implicitly. And, like you, I still love him, and miss him.

Bigpooh, yes, it doesn’t seem to matter to H that his own family members think he’s a colossal idiot! He is in his own little world, and pretty much anything he says is just pure self-justification. I wonder how long that will last?

My counsellor said the same thing, about how we expect to heal too soon, and then get floored when we slump. Weird thought that we have such high expectations of ourselves, turn ourselves inside out wondering what we did wrong, how we could have done or said something different, when the arses who have caused all this seem to have no expectations of themselves at all, and seem to be singularly lacking in any kind of self-reflection. It hit me this morning, that although H may have acknowledged my feelings, he still gave out some of his bullshit justifications, and it’s interesting that they are all about me – where I went wrong, where it was my fault the marriage wasn’t working. Not one single tiny bit of blame for himself. Breathtaking.

Turmoil, yes that thought that nothing fits any more really describes it. All the other pieces are still there, but because of the missing bit, everything is out of kilter. I think that’s something I never really appreciated about a situation like this. At a push I could imagine the sadness, betrayal, anger etc, but would never have imagined just the wrongness that filters through absolutely everything.

Still sticking 2 fingers up, but they are a little wobblier today.

Vision, what a total and utter shit he is with the holiday and no money for presents. How can they live with what they have become? But no, no, no! You are not a fool. No normal, decent, rational person would ever countenance doing such a thing. You are not a fool for not having predicted that a seemingly normal, decent, rational man would be capable of such grotesque behaviour. None of us here are.

Feelings can change, sure. Sad, but it happens. It’s not morally wrong to fall out of love with someone. But it is monumentally morally wrong to do the things we talk about here. There is no justification. How could we possibly foresee that?

Hello Wooly – I am sorry you went through that, and thank you for the encouraging words (and hug!). It is good to hear positives from further down the track.

Oh Grumbelina, I am sorry. What an abusive twat. It is a physical pain I know – I would never have believed it if I hadn’t felt it. Big hugs to you and I hope you find the strength and comfort here that I have.

After my Wild Warrior Woman of the last couple of days, it’s probably inevitable that I’m having a slump. Picking over some of the things he said at the weekend, being incredulous all over again that he threw away something so good over what? Not being fawned over enough for a few weeks???

Imagining them laughing and talking together, having sex, being all cuddly when that should be my life, it was my life so recently and how can this be real? Feeling like someone’s got my insides in a deathgrip, but can’t seem to stop.

And the fact that he has effectively left the dc too. That is just unfathomable. He has so damaged his relationship with them. How he imagines it will be the same I do not know. Distance alone makes it really hard, and why should they make the effort with him, when he’s not done the same for them? They do not deserve such a shit for a father. Bad enough to treat me so poorly, but them? Jeez, I can’t comprehend it. And he was such a good dad. Really close, really hands on from the beginning.

As I said, totally become his dad, even down to the similarity in crappy partners. I am almost beginning to half believe he has been possessed…!

And the bastard hopium is back. I embarrass myself. What would I want with such a sad, pathetic loser who has humiliated me and treated the people I love best so abominably? Fuck.

Many, many hugs to all, and thank you for the incredible support.

OP posts:
SuperbMonkey · 08/01/2020 07:31

@ASmallBoxofChocolateBunnies, just checking in to say ‘thank you’ for your thoughtful, caring post. Have the best day that you can, and I’ll be back later. x

TheoneandObi · 08/01/2020 07:44

Ladies
I'm feeling awful at having been sucked in and reading your brave stories when I have no experience to match yours. But I want to say wow. You lot are amazing. Especially you, OP. In the eye of a storm, and sounding at least way more clear than I would be. Good luck to you and your DC. And fight for your best life because it sounds like you blinkin deserve it xxx

TurmoilAndHeartbreak · 08/01/2020 08:17

Dear @ASmallBoxofChocolateBunnies despite going through such a traumatic time yourself you really are such a comfort. I don't know how you manage it but the care and warmth from you really shines through in your posts. I totally relate to everything you say about your H, it amazes me how similar the behaviour of these men is.

I know I need to extinguish the hopium in order to move on. I don't know how though. I'm thinking...1) read chump lady 2) write a list of awful things H has done and 3) write a list of his bad habits that I no longer need to live with 4) re-read threads about how good single life is ....maybe the rest is just down to the passing of time?

SuperbMonkey · 08/01/2020 09:12

@ASmallBoxofChocolateBunnies, I hope you feel loved and valued on this thread! I agree with what you and @Stillfunny say about humiliation. I feel ashamed and humiliated too. It’s a struggle to tell people about what has happened. I feel that they are making judgements about me and my behaviour in the marriage when I know that I was a loving and supportive wife. Imperfect yes, but human, warm, and caring. I feel that I am not good enough to compare with the ancient ex when I know that I’m better than both of them and that they deserve each other. The lack of self-awareness in terms of taking no responsibility of any sort for their actions is staggering. As you say Bunnies, we tie ourselves in knots trying to work out what went wrong and how we could have stopped it. The truth is this is on them, and their affair partners who knew that they were married men. The behaviour is morally bankrupt.

It looks as if we are all having a new year slump, and that isn’t surprising. Bunnies, we can’t be warrior women all the time. Even warriors have off days! Christmas was highly emotional for all of us, and New Year equally, if not more, so. We are anxious about the future and what it holds. My counsellor said that I should use this as an opportunity to think hard to about what I want my life to look like. I’m a bit older than you Bunnies. I find my current future a scary place. However I am going to review my boundaries, look at what I enjoy doing and do more of that, and give the love spent on my H to myself. That will be a refreshing change even though it will be hard.

Your children sound amazing (no surprise with you as their Mum). They are strong and can see your H for what he has shown himself to be and not what he says he is. Introducing your DD to the OW was misguided on his part. He is forcing an unnatural situation on your DD which she has seen through. He would have been better advised to have waited.

Hopium is a devil. I keep reading the Get Over It post from 1 January on chumplady. That helps to manage hopium, although I suffer from it less often now. Hope is the thing. The future will be different but it will be our future, and we can create something good out of this horrible life experience. I say this having cried myself to sleep last night, but I slept well and feel refreshed this morning. Grief is good and healing, which is another reason for not fearing the slumps.

@TurmoilAndHeartbreak, you are leading us in making positive changes, as is the wise @Woolybear who is further down the path. Woolybear is such a wise name. I imagine her sitting in a warm place surrounded by honey and playing with her cubs!

@TheoneandObi
Thanks for your support. We are delighted that you have not been through the same experience. It’s good to know that there are some decent partners out there! It gives us even more hope.

Warrior women, onwards and upwards today (or at least for the next 30 minutes). xx

newuser000 · 08/01/2020 09:47

Ladies you are all amazing.

I keep reading this thread as I'm also in the same place - few months in and progressing into divorce. He left with no real warning, mid life crisis, OW, we have school age kids.

Sending strength on the low days and praise and admiration always - we will be better than ok eventually because we are doing it properly. Recognisning emotions, processing and rebuilding with the strongest foundations (even though sometimes its hard to believe).

SuperbMonkey · 08/01/2020 10:00

@newuser000, welcome but so sorry that you are in the same place as the rest of this elite warrior tribe. You sound strong and calm. I hope you aren’t paddling too much underneath the water. Please read along and post when you feel the need. We will be pleased to share your triumphs and your struggles. Flowers

Bigpooh13 · 08/01/2020 10:05

@SuperbMonkey. Everything you say is how I'm feeling. He does say sorry, says hes selfish. Hasnt blamed me. But he lies as well. Do you think they have memories of us. Or is it all just gone. That scares me. . I think of us running away and starting again some where new . Then I think you idiot that's what hes done to you. Just hoping he will turn up with some money.

SuperbMonkey · 08/01/2020 10:30

@Bigpooh13, understandably you are going over what he has said and done. I don’t think that is helping you to recover (others may think differently). Can you focus today on what you can do to improve your feelings and, perhaps, your situation? I know that you are worried about money and I recall that you have some health problems. Could you talk to your doctor about whether there is some voluntary work that you could do (which might lead to a really fulfilling part or full time job in which you could meet new people). You used to work for your H so you have skills and talents that you can use. I’m looking for a job too, and it is difficult when you are in emotional turmoil. It does give you focus on yourself and what your future might look like. Don’t tell him what you are doing. Keep contact to a minimum. Can he give you money by paying direct into your bank account? It is torturing you to see him so often and he knows that you are still ‘available’ to him. This isn’t a good look for a warrior woman Smile. Have you spoken to the job centre to see if they can help you put a CV together taking into account your health problems (and once you have been to the GP of course - don’t do anything without medical clearance first). You are a skilled woman and it’s time to use those skills for your own benefit. Can you sell anything online? Is there a college where you can get a cheap manicure or pedicure. Get selfish and show everyone how wonderful you are!

Coughgate · 08/01/2020 11:36

Hi, sorry to jump on, I did do my own thread but didn't get a response. Just here to say that I too have split with my husband 5 days ago and have 2 small children, we have always worked things out and i thought we would be together forever but this time it really is over. I am shocked because there's always the hope that you will click your fingers and it all goes back to normal, that would be the easier option for the children, for ourselves (maybe) and financially and we do still love eachother but there was lying over money through the years on his part and I can't help but think maybe if i had just stayed and put up with one last lie he might change, I have regret and questioning if i walked out over something so stupid but it was lies over the years that built, I was the one who walked out and should be deciding if I want to be with him but he is pushing forward making arrangements and everyone time he txts me he acts mature and civil put still keeps reminding me in some way that we are breaking up and I am the one left like the little teenager sobbing feeling begging towards him even though I don't want to put up with anymore lies. I just feel like I cannot believe this is my marital life, I am homeless living on an airbed at my mums with 2 children and need to go down the route of finding a home and cant help but blame myself, if only id put up with the lies etc for the sake of the children.