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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

Giving an ex a second chance

115 replies

Melissa58 · 19/11/2019 18:26

Hi all

So I was with a guy for 13 years, we had two children together but spilt the end of last year. Throughout the relationship I gave my all, he was great at times and loving but proposed twice and both times backed out due to his 'personal issues' with commitment and marriage. He would never get a joint bank account. He controlled every penny when I was out of work caring for our babies before returning to work. Even then I'd pay all childcare costs with my low income and nothing was dealt with as a couple. Towards the end, he was nasty and spoke badly towards me even in front of my kids. After 13 years of giving chance after chance I finally ended it for good.

I built myself up after he'd destroyed me mentally and emotionally, I became independent and started to enjoy being single. Then about five months ago he pleads for another chance, says he's a changed man, it'll all be different this time. I said I was happy single and just wanted to find myself, maybe go on a few dates. He basically said it's him or dating as he's not waiting around (I never asked or expected him to). Me being me gave into the pressure and said I'll give it another shot.

So four months back together, he's doing everything right and trying to make me happy, doing the things I longed for before. He's even gone as far as getting the snip because the pill has never agreed with me, no contraceptive has. He did that two months in when I said don't do it for me, you must be sure and do it for yourself. He says he doesn't want anymore kids, but also now says we know he did it for me.
No matter how hard I try though, my feings towards him are not the same as they once was. Everything is forced for me. Sometimes I'm content and think I can make it work, especially for the sake of the children and him as I don't want to hurt him. I'm not in love with him anymore though, and I wonder will I get this back. I don't know what to do for the best and how long I should give it! It's consuming me and making me miserable.

OP posts:
BendyLikeBeckham · 23/11/2019 12:27

OP, it is finished. Accept it and end it for good. He has been putting on an act to get you back. He will slip back to his old ways because that is who he is.

Once the feelings are gone, they are gone. You won't like or love him more in the future. You will just cause yourself more pain by staying because he will treat you badly again.

Nip this in the bud now.

He won't 'do something stupid' because he was manipulating you, and even if he did (as an attention seeking act) it would not be your responsibility.

You owe it to yourself and your DC to live a happy life. Perhaps one day with someone who you are crazy about and who genuinely loves you. Not this guy.

Melissa58 · 24/11/2019 09:57

I guess it's fear of the unknown. How will our lives pan out if I decide to leave him for good this time, will I be making a mistake walking away when he is madly in love with me. I know it's all what ifs. I wish I knew that he wasn't going back to his old ways, that the new him is him for good. But even then, can I get my love I had for him back?!

OP posts:
Melissa58 · 26/11/2019 17:19

Now he's saying I'll regret it if I end it, once he's moved on I'll be thinking 'fuck', his words! Playing mind games with me.

OP posts:
Elieza · 26/11/2019 17:42

I don’t think he is ‘madly in love’ with you.
I think he’s just scared of being alone. As you are too.
The more time you waste on each other the less time you have to meet the right one and be happy. He’s not the one.

Starlight456 · 26/11/2019 18:11

He doesn’t want you to have someone else .

He isn’t god’s gift he has treated you like shit.

The sooner you separate the sooner you can find happiness.

Melissa58 · 27/11/2019 07:51

So let's just say he has really changed, do you all think its too little too late and I'd be daft to give him another chance?
I do love him but I don't think I'm in love with him, I'm not even sure! All I know is my feelings aren't as strong as they were and I can't seem to let him back in my heart.

OP posts:
RantyAnty · 27/11/2019 08:51

He really hasn't changed. Abusers don't change and even if they did, it would take a lot longer than some months to undo years and years of behaving like that and the mentality that goes along with it.

You were fine without him and you'll be fine again.

Babyg1995 · 27/11/2019 09:02

This happened to me was with my ex 11 years he was also financially abusive as in I had nothing to spend on myself I ended it then stupidity tane him back 6 months later .he was a changed man but by then it was too late I didn't love or respect him anymore so I ended it again and he cleared me out even stole my jewellery and the change jar haven't had any contact since with him and wouldn't have him near our children again he had also stolen there things .if your not happy I would end it now.

Melissa58 · 27/11/2019 12:03

Yes that's my issue, I've lost love and respect and don't hurt he won't hurt me again. I enjoy spending time with him and the kids but it happy for him to leave once they're in bed so probably more like friends, I'll always love and care for him.
He's so sure I still want him and am still in love but him being pushy is off putting.

OP posts:
AcrossthePond55 · 27/11/2019 16:24

You might possibly sponge the spots off a leopard but he remains a leopard, just the same.

You've given him a chance. Your heart just isn't in this relationship any more and IMO you can never get that back.

Be kind to yourself. Break the ties.

Starlight456 · 27/11/2019 19:38

A Hv once told me when I asked if an abuser can change... she replied that they will do the minimum to get you back exactly where they want you .

This is what he is doing . IF he has changed and you don’t love him then surely working towards co parenting is better .

I sadly suspect when you are clear it’s over his previous self will return.

Howyiz · 27/11/2019 20:36

Of he really loved you he wouldn't be trying to manipulate you.

Melissa58 · 27/11/2019 21:14

He's playing every angle possible to keep me. First he got upset saying if it's over I'll know what it's truly like to be alone, and that he won't even be my friend, not even for the kids sake. He said I will get zero help from him, as he was the one who fixed my car if it ever went wrong and when we split he agreed to do minor repairs if I let him keep his belongings in my garage including a car and alot of valuables. So he helped me and I helped him. But he said last week that won't happen anymore if I end it. He said he won't go with anyone else as only wants me.
THEN this week he's changed his tune and says how he knows he's not a bad catch and that I'll end up in a failed relationship then regret my decision to end it with him when I see him with someone else.
What are your thoughts on this?

OP posts:
RantyAnty · 27/11/2019 21:29

He's still manipulating you.

How many repairs on the car did he do while you were split up?
How much would he have had to pay a storage unit to store a car and his junk somewhere?

is he working and paying towards the DC?

Be disagreeable with him and you'll see he hasn't changed at all.

Starlight456 · 27/11/2019 21:39

Classic behaviour ... switch behaviours finding the one to get to you.

When I first split up with my abusive ex . I did everything , laid a carpet learned to use a drill. Learned so many things . I wanted to prove I could do it. I have now relaxed and pay sometimes due to time, sometimes because some people can do things better than me , sometimes it is worth paying to save time . My point been you can learn to do minor repairs if you want to or pay a mechanic not a reason to stay in a relationship.

Think about the point he wanted to try again when you were dating.

You are alone now . You don’t trust him, he doesn’t especially show how you feel just what he wants

Melissa58 · 28/11/2019 07:15

The amount he would have to pay a month for storage is definitely higher than the repairs he did! I bought the parts and he fitted them.
I would never stay with someone for that reason, I'm just saying he's making that point and trying to worry me saying I'll struggle without him. He's trying every angle to make me see I'm better staying with him. Manipulation at its best.

OP posts:
Starlight456 · 28/11/2019 08:06

You are stronger than you think . You would do just fine alone.

QuentinWinters · 28/11/2019 09:29

Chuck his stuff out of your garage then.

Melissa58 · 28/11/2019 12:08

That's the difference between him and I, I would never throw his stuff out. I kept them for the 5 months we were apart and was happy to help him out by keeping them until he got his own place. It's because I'm too soft that I'm in this position!

OP posts:
Melissa58 · 01/12/2019 08:56

No one will ever love me like he does according to him! And I'll never be happy.

OP posts:
DisplayPurposesOnly · 01/12/2019 09:06

Can you really not see he hasn't changed at all? He's still being abusive and manipulative.

Hold firm.

RantyAnty · 01/12/2019 10:02

This guy really isn't more valuable than you and his wants/needs aren't more important than yours.

You're a kind person but he really isn't.
He has nothing to offer. He brings nothing to the table that benefits you. He acts like he helps you soo much but he doesn't.

Does this guy work at all?

You're right. It's all manipulation.

No one will love you like her does? Geez what a crock.

Love yourself! Give him notice of a week or 2 to leave and to take all his junk with him.
Love yourself and value yourself. You really don't need him at all.

AcrossthePond55 · 01/12/2019 13:19

No one will ever love me like he does according to him

Well thank fuck for that, right? His kind of 'love' is worse than no love at all!!!

Kick him into the next county. Spend a little time on you own learning that love, whilst it isn't always perfect, doesn't cause more pain than joy. It doesn't make you doubt yourself. It doesn't take advantage of your good nature. What it does do is add to your life. It adds joy, comfort, and confidence.

These words are as old as time, but sums it up pretty well:

"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Starlight456 · 01/12/2019 14:48

I guess the question is op . What are you going to do ?

You know what is going on you post it, you know it’s not right.

The longer you stay the more if this shit you will be fed. It is not going to get better.

Melissa58 · 01/12/2019 18:56

Well I've ended it today, and he's gone through the motions of upset and then saying nasty things to me to make me cry, and now he's hopeful we'll end up back together and happy! I give up, it's like nothing will tell this man, he's determined and so sure he won't lose me! Even when I've said I want to be alone and ended the relationship.

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