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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:
ASmallBoxofChocolateBunnies · 15/01/2020 18:56

Still here and sending much love. Few things (good, just busy) going on in RL, so not much time to go online at the moment.

Warrior hugs xx

OP posts:
TurmoilAndHeartbreak · 15/01/2020 20:51

I'm still here too I just had a lot to deal with in RL including a job interview today (I was in a state of high anxiety over it all & dealing with intrusive thoughts about H popping into my head when I was trying to focus on preparing).

I've also not been sleeping very well and decided that phone addiction (& to mumsnet in particular!) had to be broken in order to improve my sleep. I'm going to try and be more strict about when I switch off (9pm tonight but think it'll need to be earlier really) otherwise I will have to delete the app again! I am going to limit the threads I read as well, as I ended up scanning so many, hunting for answers that I will never find Sad

I've been thinking of you all. This is so tough but we're all still keeping on going - well done all of you. Be kind to yourselves Flowers

thegrassisgreenernow · 15/01/2020 22:49

I'm still here too.

@TurmoilAndHeartbreak when I re-signed up this time after some years, I didn't download the app as remembered how distracting it was before, so have to log in on lap top each time! A pain but keeps it more under control for me and my compulsiveness.

@caketimeisover you are amazing to have taken things so far so quickly. I had a (very expensive) meeting with lawyer in week 2 and have put everything on the back burner since, with no discussion with DH about any of it. Still just can't face it.

So good to hear everyone's getting on with life.

Shields up ladies.

SuperbMonkey · 15/01/2020 23:21

Hi everyone.

@Bigpooh13, crying’s necessary and good.

@ASmallBoxofChocolateBunnies, it sounds as if you are in good shape with lots going on. Warrior hugs back xx

@TurmoilAndHeartbreak, job interviews are stressful on top of everything else. The intrusive thoughts are a menace. I’ve even had them in interviews - not good at all. I do a bit of hunting through threads looking for answers too. I wonder if anyone else does? Thanks for the kind words. It’s good to have an online support group of women who understand. Not everyone in RL gets it.

@thegrassisgreenernow, good to hear from you and to know you’re watching. I don’t use the app either.

@caketimeisover, you are awesome and Mighty. I’m in grass’s camp. Some bravery issues lurking in my brain.

Shields up indeed. Sleep well xx

Stillfunny · 15/01/2020 23:43

caketimeisover My heart goes out to you and your children. The asshole does not have a clue what he is sacrificing for his selfishisness. Hope you get a good deal financially and start a better life without him.

I too , scan threads and when I see something that is particularly relevant , I screenshot it so that I can read it again. Many of sentences from this thread are on it.

Having more good days than bad since 2020 started. I was looking forward to not constantly thinking " ..this time last year..." .

And it is getting easier to just say aloud that the marriage is over , but he still living here. Not that uncommon here.

All very noncommittal talk here. Not in a rush to do anything as I have no definite plans. Hoping he will break away first before I have to try to make him leave.

So much good wishes to all. We will all be OK eventually ! No man should be allowed to destroy the future for us.

Bigpooh13 · 16/01/2020 08:08

So pleased to hear from you all. I dont have the app. But need your support. Looking for work but not getting anywhere with. My financial position is so frightening. I'm thinking of shaming him to his friends. If I didnt have credit cards Bill's due to his tightness it wouldn't be as bad . So going to see the citizens advice to see what I can do as cant get any benefits.

SoTiredTonight · 16/01/2020 09:47

Sorry I haven’t been posting, but been reading along. Crisis point here yesterday but too much to go into just now, I’m just exhausted.
@Bigpooh13, what type of work are you looking for? Have you contacted agencies? Temp work is sometimes a good way to start, and often becomes quite long term or even permanent if that’s what you are after?
Have a good day everyone, I for one am feeling cautiously positive this morning. If I just wasn’t so tired... xx

Bigpooh13 · 16/01/2020 09:56

Thank you all . Offering me advice . When obviously you are all struggling with your own personal issues. Just shows how wonderful you all are. What are these men doing.

SuperbMonkey · 16/01/2020 10:11

Morning all. I’ve got a cold. Evidence that all this stress impacts our immune systems!

@Stillfunny

I find it helpful to look again at certain sentences from this thread, especially at lower times. Chumplady is brilliant for helping me to woman up as well.

@SoTiredTonight no need to apologise. Just popping up with a line every now and then is a bonus. Your advice is always positive and helpful too.

@Bigpooh13, going to Citizens Advice is an excellent idea. They are really kind and caring. There is another organisation called Christians Against Poverty (they help regardless of whether you are a Christian). I heard something about them on the radio. They will contact the credit card companies on your behalf and explain the circumstances. They also give you support. Citizens advice may know about them.

SoTiredTonight · 16/01/2020 10:23

Thank you @Superb, I appreciate that! Smile And I second what you say about CAP, they do amazing work all free of charge, they can help with debt management, budgeting, job searches... If you need any more encouragement, Money Saving Expert endorses them too. Wink
Have a look here: capuk.org and enter your location to check what they offer in your area.

As to stress affecting us, I seem to think that my hair has gotten thinner... I’m quite upset about that and keep checking to see if it’s just in my head. But I’m pretty sure by now. Sad

SuperbMonkey · 16/01/2020 11:30

@SoTiredTonight, you are very welcome. I’m pleased to read your endorsement of CAP. @Bigpooh13, please look at their website and check out www.moneysavingexpert.com too. It is a life saver for everyone. There’s a great forum on there with all sorts of interesting threads. As you see we’ve got your back on here!

Still, my stomach has been all over the place since the beginning. Lost loads of weight, and when people say how they wish they could lose weight I suggest that they get their spouse to leave them for a Schmoopie ... 😀. Funny that they never seem to keen on that idea. xx

SuperbMonkey · 16/01/2020 11:40

Too keen. Agh!

Bigpooh13 · 16/01/2020 12:15

@superbmonkey. Yes they dont like the weight loss plan.
Thanks for the tips . I'll get on them.
Still cant say my husbands left me without crying. Acceptance hasnt hit me yet.

Stillfunny · 16/01/2020 15:01

Stress has led me to overeating in my case. Wish I had the opposite, then at least some benefit from the trauma.! Definitely affected my health . I had my first ever panic attack the night I found out and truly thought I was dying of a heart attack. And so did he- wanted to call an ambulance. And a few months ago , I had sky high blood pressure and had to be medicated. Talk about ruining your life.

Bigpooh13 Do you live on a farm that is jointly owned ? Can you threaten to sell if he does not cooperate financially ? Hope the CAB can help you.

SuperbMonkey · 16/01/2020 16:04

@Stillfunny, it seems to get us all one way or another. Just back from therapy. I got very angry. Probably a good thing.

Stillfunny · 16/01/2020 20:57

I find anger easier to manage than grief or sorrow

SuperbMonkey · 16/01/2020 21:03

So do I.😀

SoTiredTonight · 17/01/2020 01:28

I was flipping between sobbing hysterically and shouting at him tonight. He called me an angry fucker. Slightly amused by that in hindsight although it’s frustrating that he won’t acknowledge the hurt and fear behind the anger. I’m feeling quite broken at the moment. @Stillfunny noticed on my fitness tracker that my heart rate was going through the roof earlier, a little disconcerting. Hope your BP is ok now?
Good night ladies, hope you get a good rest. x

SuperbMonkey · 17/01/2020 08:18

@SoTiredTonight, sorry to read this. Of course you are angry Confused. Why wouldn’t you be! He, how shall I put this, lacks empathy and emotional intelligence. You are on the rollercoaster and are in a dip. A high will come.

Has anyone noticed that on other threads some posters seem to enjoy the drama of people’s lives? They don’t seem to care about the person going through the drama. That’s why I love this thread. We care about each other and feel for each other. xx

caketimeisover · 17/01/2020 09:24

Mediation this morning. Feel sick. Spent last session sobbing. Argghhhhhhh.

SoTiredTonight · 17/01/2020 10:04

Thinking about you this morning @caketimeisover - hope it’s not as difficult for you today! Flowers
Thank you @SuperbMonkey, I’m feeling devastated today and worried that I’m slowly sliding into a depression. He says he hates his life and has had suicidal thoughts. He’s not the type to use emotional blackmail, so this has massively upset and concerned me. I’ve urged him to speak to the GP and to my enormous surprise he agreed.
And yes, you are absolutely right about many people thriving on the drama on MN. It’s sickening. They don’t seem to realise that these are real people’s lives at stake. Or maybe they are just coldhearted bastards?

Stillfunny · 17/01/2020 10:06

SoTiredTonight I did that almost every time we talked about in the last year. Ashamed to say that I even slapped him.
Sad.
Unfortunately for him , I am also more articulate than him and always had an answer . To being called an angry fucker, my reply would be " Absolutely - angry you brought this shit in my life." And the only fucker here is you - with your OW" .

Don't know if it is right though - this is why I am going to counselling. I think I am totally justified and he deserves no respect ( like he showed me none ) . And at least then I don't feel like a helpless victim.
But I am being told that it is not good for me and I need to stop . Feels good to me !! So obviously need more counselling and coping skills .

You did say that you had reached a crisis point. I guess the reality of moving towards divorce is heartbreaking . And of course you will be emotional.Flowers

Stillfunny · 17/01/2020 10:11

caketimeisover So sorry to hear this. Don't quite know what mediation involves - is he there too? I wouldnt care what he sees or thinks of you - why shouldn't he see the consequences of his actions.
And I imagine the professional sees it many times unfortunately.

ThelmaAndLouise2020 · 17/01/2020 10:47

Morning everyone, thinking of you especially @caketimeisover I hope you make progress with mediation today and that it is easier for you than last time. If you sob again it's ok, you are a human going through a bloody awful time. If I possibly can I allow myself to sob when I need to...I can't really hold it in which was partly causing my terror before my job interview this week, I was genuinely scared of crying in front of them!

In the spirit of trying to think more positively I have changed my username again. I have joined in on the happy to be single thread (I'm not happy yet but want to be in the end!) and realised I did not want to define myself by the split or be constantly reminded of it when I posted on here (so, I used to be Turmoil&Heartbreak and before that I was shinsplints).

I have so much I need to do but I'm taking the day for self care & nice things for myself today as a reward for surviving my job interview. I had counselling yesterday and realised I am just not ready to proceed with the divorce yet so I'm not going to kick myself over it. Given that it is nearly 6 months since H left I can imagine it getting to 2 years before I can truly let go of all hope. What I do need to tackle next week is the finances though...god I need that job!

Sending love and strength to all of you today Thanks

SuperbMonkey · 17/01/2020 12:34

@caketimeisover, good luck with your mediation. I hope it goes well and that you are able to stay so calm. Fingers crossed and let us know how you get on. We can learn from you. xx