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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

Getting my life back

221 replies

Witchesandwizards · 28/07/2020 18:16

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/relationships/3877702-Just-need-to-share-no-solution?watched=1&msgid=98693727#98693727

The next chapter starting on a slightly more positive note. x

OP posts:
ilovemydogandMrObama · 03/08/2020 09:17

Just catching up - agree with others about the mediator who seems to change based on the wind...

Although I have done a bit of mediation (for CPD mostly), not sure I agree with her meeting you and DH separately. Initially, yes of course, to be able to get the history from both sides, but she has crossed several lines and appears to be jockeying for position, i.e., mentioning that she knew your hot shit lawyer. She did not need to say this, and either she cannot filter, or she is trying to impress with her pedigree. I cringe when she keeps changing her view based on who is in front of her. I also really question her furthering the narrative that you haven't adapted as the reason why it's all going so wrong, such as highlighting her own qualifications in change as if to say that she is an, 'expert,' and gets it, when in fact the issue seems to be a toxic family who are hostile to the newcomer casting light on their dark and dirty secrets.

Is there any way you could try and get through to your DH - maybe a last ditch effort on neutral territory? He also has been lied to and whether he chooses to believe it or not, his mother has manipulated him. It's not easy to admit you have been duped, especially by his own mother.

Mix56 · 03/08/2020 09:32

It comes back to him being weak. He must have had regrets at some point, since he returned to NZ, Gone is his happy life & home. His job sounds stressful, he spends his spare time with his brother, he lives with his mother. He knows his kids haven't adapted, & he is on the way to a divorce.
But he doesn't want to lose face, imagine going back to the UK & admitting it was a failure... He has lost everything, the only thing he has left is a vague promise of 50% of the company.

justilou1 · 03/08/2020 10:49

One thing I have learned from a lifetime of living with people like your delightful DH, is that they do NOT like to feel bad. They are like toddlers and demand instant gratification. Guilt makes them feel really bad. They don't like that. It's really icky. You make them feel guilty, so to them, the logical response is to be angry and punish you for this. (Fuckers.). They hide this kind of behaviour, but they don't ever change.

FaceOfASpink · 03/08/2020 10:56

justilou1 spot on.

Witchesandwizards · 03/08/2020 21:26

Thanks for all your replies, I will get back properly this afternoon when I have more time.

But I have just found out that DF has fallen again and is now in hospital with 7 breaks in his ribs. I'm absolutely devastated, not least because I should have been flying home in 24 hours.

I am on the edge and DH is lucky I have a gym class now or I would be filling in the anonymous tax evasion reporting form. I need to sweat and swim then I might feel calmer.

I also started to tell my parents on Sunday about what is happening so MIL has no hold and I can let them down gently. I used a bit of a white lie though and said that SIL has found out that what she has believed about the 50% share for the last few years is not true, and that I am now also pissed off with DH and asked him to tell me the truth because that is also what he told me. DM and DF both clearly remember him talking about it a lot. I will tell them a bit more over time now I can't tell them face to face what has happened. I just think the shock of 'me and DH have separated' and looking a custody of the kids is too much for them to absorb from the other side of the world. I wanted them to see me so they would know I was ok.

OP posts:
leafeater · 03/08/2020 21:32

I'm so sorry about your father. 💐

Witchesandwizards · 03/08/2020 21:34

Thank you @leafeater
I can't believe that 'strangers' on the internet have more compassion than DH x

OP posts:
Grrrpredictivetex · 03/08/2020 22:20

@Witchesandwizards so sorry about your father. You must feel so helpless. Stay strong and calm if you can. Big hugs 🤗

Thehouseofmarvels · 03/08/2020 22:26

@Witchesandwizards

I'm so so sorry to hear about your Dad !

Sending hugs

AcrossthePond55 · 03/08/2020 22:28

Oh, I'm so sorry about your dad!

Saying a little prayer for his speedy recovery.

RandomMess · 03/08/2020 22:42
Thanks

Be kind to yourself Sorry about your Dad

Inaseagull · 03/08/2020 23:11

Bless your dear DF 💐

Sssloou · 03/08/2020 23:22

Oh you poor thing - so sorry to hear about your lovely Dad. You must be devastated and shocked. Is there any way that you can get home ASAP?

That’s v thoughtful of you to drip feed where what is happening - but do you trust your MIL not to make contact - especially now that she has an “in” / excuse to wish your DF well. Could she get their details from your DH, find them online, or even contact details from your DCs. I wouldn’t trust her. Maybe your brother could break it to them face to face? But equally they really don’t need the extra stress right now.

FaceOfASpink · 03/08/2020 23:30

That's sad news about your father. I hope he's getting the best possible care.

Catmaiden · 03/08/2020 23:45

I am so sorry about your Dad Flowers

Witchesandwizards · 04/08/2020 00:18

Thank you everyone.
They are putting a brave face on for me so hard to know how things are.

@Sssloou she wouldn’t dare I don’t think. My mum is actually pretty tough and a straight talking northerner Smile
I aim to get to a position ASAP where DM knows as much of the background as possible, but not how far our separation has gone. The idea being, if MIL does call, DM herself will question her.
I can probably get to this while DF is in hospital.

OP posts:
Witchesandwizards · 04/08/2020 00:19

DM said DF is comfortable and the staff are amazing. So much so, she suspects he may want to stay for a change of scenery and break from her!

OP posts:
justilou1 · 04/08/2020 00:31

I hope if your MIL dares call your poor Mum that your Mum gives her the rounds of the kitchen for being a lying, gaslighting, evil bitch!

ThickFast · 04/08/2020 11:55

So sorry to hear that your dad hurt himself. You must be desperate to be back there

Thehouseofmarvels · 04/08/2020 12:42

If your Dad is so unwell it's a shame that your husband can't allow you and the kids to return to the UK even for six months so they can spend loads of quality time with him :(

justilou1 · 04/08/2020 14:26

It’s not her husband, it’s quarantine.

picklemewalnuts · 04/08/2020 16:46

Bless you, Witches! I bet you'd like to stick pins in your stbx right now!

I'm glad your dad seems comfy though.

anticon · 06/08/2020 13:22

I just caught up. So sorry to hear about your dad. Sounds like he's well looked after though, which must be a relief. Hugs

Grrrpredictivetex · 07/08/2020 11:56

@Witchesandwizards do hope you've heard better news about your father. ThanksThanks

Sssloou · 10/08/2020 19:55

How is your lovely Dad doing Witches - I hope he is on the mend. Any idea on when you will get back to the UK to visit!

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