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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

He's 'changed'....I was doing so well!

131 replies

beesfeet · 23/01/2022 20:44

I won't go into the reasons why my marriage broke down but through therapy I can see it was emotionally abuse and coercive control. Well at least I think I can see it. My therapist also says he sounds like a narcissist which I am not 100% on. I do still have some sort of attachment/love towards my husband unfortunately but I have been working towards my own needs and starting to think of my own boundaries.

And then he comes and ruins it. But I don't know if he means it.

So H has apologised for his behaviour towards me. He realises it was unacceptable. He blames work for the reason he made me feel unloved. He says he will not let that happen again and while I've been gone, he has realised how to leave work at work.

I have told him exactly how he made me feel, how I felt I had to tip toe around him and that he was emotionally abusive. He will not agree he was emotionally abusive but says he can see why he came across as controlling. He will continue to work on this in therapy. He's has approx 5 sessions so far.

He is 100% sure he can change, he will never let us get back to the place we were at again. He will help with the dcs, he will help with the house work. He will be the husband I need and the father the dcs need.

He has let me shout and scream at him while telling him everything he's done and hasn't got angry. He says he deserves it all.

I have said he hasn't been in therapy long enough yet and he needs to stick it out to see a change. He isn't asking me to come home, he said he would like some sort if inclination that we can try when the time is right.

What he hasn't done is sorted the bills as I removed my name off them and he has a pile of letters and things he needs to pay - he is clueless but if he sorted them himself it would show he is capable of doing things without me.

He also hasn't really asked how the dcs are coping. It's mainly how he is doing and how he feels. He does talk about himself a lot.

He also blames work for a lot of it like I said. It's not directly him. His behaviour after I left was terrible but that was blamed on a mental breakdown he has because I left. Again the blame wasn't on him - it was a breakdown.

Another reason he says is the reason for him treating me how he did is to do with a suicide in his family from 13 years ago. He didn't grieve for that and continued his life normal and never took time to deal with it. This is what his therapist says is a reason for his behaviour.

He has mentioned him meeting someone else - as a way to get over our marriage and that he feels if I don't give him an inclination that we can try resolve things then he will have to try meet other people as a way to get over me. Is this manipulation?

He has a habit of taking about things in front of the dcs. I am very conscious that they don't hear anything but he doesn't seem to have learnt and continues to try being up the subject in front of them.

He isn't going to change is he? It's just the fact I have been trying to get him in therapy for years and now I've left, he finally has.

I also wondered if I could contact his therapist. I know he won't be able to tell me anything as it's all confidential which I completely get but maybe I could get some idea of what to do.

I think what I'm worried about is he will change for another woman and I'll be feeling like I'm the one that's made a mistake

OP posts:
TinyW · 24/01/2022 13:23

If it smells like bullshit it usually is.

Don’t fall for this crap. Loads of excuses. Typical of what these types do.

Just end it for good and see how he behaves then.

A new woman will be getting the dogs life you got after a few months/years. Don’t worry about that. He won’t change.

Drinkingallthewine · 24/01/2022 13:34

It's galling isn't it?
When you think that all those years when you told him how his behaviour was hurting you and he dismissed your feelings each and every time. Then you get fed up and leave and then he pulls out all those changes out of a hat? So he could have worked on those at any point in the past, but chose not to, in spite of your distress.

Lol at him when he told you he's speaking to this woman about your marriage to get a woman's perspective and you ARE a woman and IN the very marriage he needs perspective on!

He's full of shit, but you see that now. FWIW I think you can walk away with your head held high knowing that you gave him every chance to work on this properly with you.

As an exercise, write a list of his promises, then highlight the ones that are still future, yet to be implemented, promises.
After that, start highlighting the promises that briefly flared into action but have tapered off again. Then highlight the ones that he's doing, but that you've had to nudge him back on track on. Bet the page will be fucking glowing by the time you are finished.

totallyoutnumbered · 24/01/2022 13:46

@Drinkingallthewine

It's galling isn't it? When you think that all those years when you told him how his behaviour was hurting you and he dismissed your feelings each and every time. Then you get fed up and leave and then he pulls out all those changes out of a hat? So he could have worked on those at any point in the past, but chose not to, in spite of your distress.

Lol at him when he told you he's speaking to this woman about your marriage to get a woman's perspective and you ARE a woman and IN the very marriage he needs perspective on!

He's full of shit, but you see that now. FWIW I think you can walk away with your head held high knowing that you gave him every chance to work on this properly with you.

As an exercise, write a list of his promises, then highlight the ones that are still future, yet to be implemented, promises.
After that, start highlighting the promises that briefly flared into action but have tapered off again. Then highlight the ones that he's doing, but that you've had to nudge him back on track on. Bet the page will be fucking glowing by the time you are finished.

All of this!!!!
Haffiana · 24/01/2022 14:39

He sent me a message to say he still loves me and he is concentrating on us. I replied if he had told his friend this and he said he 'wasn't going to message her anymore' basically ghost her.

Why are you making this woman your line in the sand? Why do you feel that you cannot stand up for yourself for the shittiness of your relationship as a whole? You do not need to make this woman your excuse.

You are still tiptoeing around him. You need to recognise this, and reclaim yourself.

beesfeet · 24/01/2022 14:50

@Haffiana

He sent me a message to say he still loves me and he is concentrating on us. I replied if he had told his friend this and he said he 'wasn't going to message her anymore' basically ghost her.

Why are you making this woman your line in the sand? Why do you feel that you cannot stand up for yourself for the shittiness of your relationship as a whole? You do not need to make this woman your excuse.

You are still tiptoeing around him. You need to recognise this, and reclaim yourself.

It must be a trauma bond. I can't explain it as I know I am worth more. It's more the fear that he does change for someone else. Which I know he won't.
OP posts:
irene9 · 24/01/2022 15:24

He brings up the subject in front of the kids because part of him thinks he's a kid and you are his Mummy. There's a lack of responsibility for being an adult in the relationship or noticing that context when you are present.
It's like the teenage son who tells his mother that Jimmy's mother lets them have pizza every night, she's a better mother than you. 'If you are unkind to me I'll get another Mummy'.
Does he really have new insight into himself as a person?
Doesn't sound like he does. That takes quite a while in therapy and the person has to be willing to see that they are human and do make mistakes.
If he tells you he's sorry for his bad behaviour, he should be able to explain how he's understanding that. You'll know yourself if it's bullshit box-ticking 'I promise to clean my room starting tomorrow'.
It takes a long time in therapy to change a person. It can happen, but as they say they 'have to be willing' to change.
You can't go to therapy to have the goal of 'I'll change and get my partner back ASAP'.

BlueJag · 24/01/2022 16:30

I'm a therapist and I know for a fact that we do not give conclusions. We cannot say: Ah you act like an ass because of the suicide of 13 years ago.
He interpreted it that way to give him an excuse to act badly and make excuses.
He doesn't take responsibility because so far he has lived quite well blaming others.
Also his the therapist can't give you any advice. That's not our job. Our job is to guide the client to reach their own conclusions and make decisions.
My advice would be to have therapy to give you perspective on what's best for you regardless of him.
Your H sounds really immature and void of personal responsibility.
I'm not sure if you have the patience to wait for him to grow up.

beesfeet · 24/01/2022 17:05

He just got angry and defensive. I have blocked him. Finally. I will not unblock him, I am free. I've just signed up to the freedom programme.

I don't know how I feel

OP posts:
beesfeet · 24/01/2022 17:11

Gosh I feel sick that I've blocked him. Like I've done something wrong. Please tell me this feeling won't last long. I need to push through I know

OP posts:
UltraVividLament · 24/01/2022 17:18

You're fine, it's ok. You've done nothing wrong, you are allowed to set your own boundaries like this.

Holothane · 24/01/2022 17:20

You’ll be fine handhold.

Holothane · 24/01/2022 17:23

Sorry had to go before finishing you’ve done the right thing, I’m doing this soon and am terrified but you’ll be fine knowing your free.

Suzanne999 · 24/01/2022 17:26

I can just see red flags.
It’s all about him. He’s not asked about his dc ??
Also he’s blaming work for his behaviour—- he’s not accepting he was wrong it’s just something else’s fault.
You’ve told him to leave you alone and now he’s texting your friends……….
Sorry but this isn’t looking like a joyous reunion that will last.

Drinkingallthewine · 24/01/2022 17:28

@beesfeet

Gosh I feel sick that I've blocked him. Like I've done something wrong. Please tell me this feeling won't last long. I need to push through I know
You feel that way because for years he's shown you that doing anything like this will result in a tirade from him.

You've been programmed to put his every need and wish first - but this first step is massive - well done. Very best of luck on your freedom course!

hivemindneeded · 24/01/2022 17:30

Words are so revealing. 'Help' with DC. 'Help' with housework? Hmm

If he wants to be equal he would be not only talking baout doing his share but doing it.

Ask for proof. Once he's paid the bills and taken good care of DC for an extended period then you could believe he had the wake up call he needed.

HelpAGirlOut82 · 24/01/2022 18:14

Watching with interest as I’m in the same boat unfortunately :-(
Husband left me in September claiming he felt unloved and unappreciated. I started to think he’d been emotionally neglectful to me through our marriage and although his leaving was a bolt out of the blue, I came to accept and enjoy the peace.
He has been showering me with gifts since Christmas and claims he will throw everything and the kitchen sink at making our relationship work. He knows I deserve to be loved blah blah blah.
I have somehow signed up to marriage counselling with him. Please have bigger balls than me and believe in yourself.

beesfeet · 24/01/2022 18:28

I'm getting abuse through messenger. I thought he couldn't contact me on there as he no longer has fb but turns out he can and he's messaged me saying I am horrible and a nasty piece of work

OP posts:
sassbott · 24/01/2022 18:32

Keep copies of everything. All the messages including screenshots. Once he has contacted you more than twice and you have not replied, it is harassment and he can be reported to the police.

This is a really tough situation. Do you have any professional support around you to help you navigate this? These characters are very hard to walk away from.

Pinkbonbon · 24/01/2022 18:45

Ugh, what a bastard he is. Block him there too. Don't even bother to reply. He's a horrible bully op.

And you're a nice person who has every right to protect herself.

No amount of therapy can make an abuser develop empathy. Nor can they therapist respect for you into him. People have those things innately from childhood or thery don't. He'll never be anything more than a manipulative, nasty bully and you are doing the right thing in blocking.

Keep record of any harassment. And be aware that you can report it to the police if you choose.

How old are the kids? Can they facilitate their own contact? (If they haven't realised he is a wanker yet too). If not, get a burner phone and block your ex on everything but that. Then only reply to his messages on there regarding the kids (and only realavent ones, not goady bs).

You could message him one last time 'Any further messages along these lines will be recorded as harassment. We are over. My solicitor will be in contact regarding the childcare arrangements and the house'. Then keep a picture of this message and any reply he sends.

You're gonna have yo have a thick skin for a few months op whilst you get things sorted. But it gers so much better after that. You can do it!

totallyoutnumbered · 24/01/2022 18:49

And he's showing his true colours. The bully that he is. He'll change his approach back to being stressed and anxious and apologetic next. You can also block him on messenger. If he needs to contact you regarding childcare only then set up an entirely new email address. Let him know that you'll only communicate with him about the children through there. You do not have to discuss anything else at all. He doesn't own you OP. Can you talk with friends and family about this?. It feels like you need some real life support. If he knows you have a network around you he will hopefully get the message very quickly that you're finally done. Not sure if you've answered but are you getting all your ducks in a row regarding separating?. This is the really rough bit, I know. Remember to eat and rest where you can and please reach out to friends. They'll want to support you x

beesfeet · 24/01/2022 18:56

@totallyoutnumbered

And he's showing his true colours. The bully that he is. He'll change his approach back to being stressed and anxious and apologetic next. You can also block him on messenger. If he needs to contact you regarding childcare only then set up an entirely new email address. Let him know that you'll only communicate with him about the children through there. You do not have to discuss anything else at all. He doesn't own you OP. Can you talk with friends and family about this?. It feels like you need some real life support. If he knows you have a network around you he will hopefully get the message very quickly that you're finally done. Not sure if you've answered but are you getting all your ducks in a row regarding separating?. This is the really rough bit, I know. Remember to eat and rest where you can and please reach out to friends. They'll want to support you x
I left a while ago and I have sorted everything financially from him. There is nothing left to do apart from file for divorce. I was waiting until April when the no fault divorce comes in.

What he's done tonight is rang his daughter, my step daughter who I have such a close relationship with, to tell her exactly what I am like and what I have done. This has broken me, although my step daughter knows what her dad is like. We have kept a close relationship and i was hoping to continue the relationship. She means too much to me to just walk out of her life.

But by doing that, he has shown his true colours.

OP posts:
Pinkbonbon · 24/01/2022 19:01

It's horrible when they try to hurt us by turning others against us. But she knows what he is like op, at one point she will probably want to break free from him completely too. I'd be willing to bet you'll be a fixture of her life for far longer than him, if you wish it. Even if there are periods of distance between you.

Please don't be slow to go to the police if the harassment continues though. Sometimes these sorts need to be scared off by authority figures.

Pinkbonbon · 24/01/2022 19:04

Ps: that phonecall be like
'You'll never guess what she has done, she has blocked me on everything!'
'...umm..so? She is your ex, why shouldn't she?'

ProfessorSillyStuff · 24/01/2022 19:05

You definitely will have to watch him sort himself out for the new woman, he will move on to the next source of narcissistic supply and it will appear from all angles that he's all better now and that you were the problem, thus saving himself the narcisstic injury, until he cannot maintain it, she dares to question him, he begins to devalue her, and the whole cycle repeats.
If he's not a typical narc could be the cover or somatic type. Grey stone method/no contact recommended either way, and I wouldn't get in the habit of permitting unsupervised contact.

CheekyHobson · 24/01/2022 19:09

He's messaged me saying I am horrible and a nasty piece of work

Yep, more solid evidence of his deep dysfunction. Mentally healthy and stable people simply do not bounce from "you mean everything to me and I will do whatever it takes to repair our marriage" to "you're a horrible nasty piece of work and I don't want you" in the space of a week. Only people with shallow feelings centred on achieving the outcome they want for themselves are so fickle.