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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

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totallyoutnumbered · 26/01/2022 19:14

Oh OP. I hear your anxiety. Please keep on reminding yourself that you didn't do this or deserve any of his treatment. This is 100% on him and he has to be held accountable for his actions. Did the police advise you to tell him about their involvement? Or advise you on the wording of your message?, I guess it just has to be very unemotional and clear though. Keeping your son and you safe is all that's needed right now. Been thinking about you all day. The lack of sleep is bough to drive anyone to snap, so cut yourself a bit of slack. Do you work? I'm wondering if you're able to take a couple of days to rest even if it means napping in the day. Hope you and your mum are holding up tonight xx

totallyoutnumbered · 26/01/2022 19:18

I've just realised, do you have 2 children with him?. Assuming that the other is older?. This is so tough for you 😞

beesfeet · 26/01/2022 19:25

@totallyoutnumbered

I've just realised, do you have 2 children with him?. Assuming that the other is older?. This is so tough for you 😞
Yes but only one child to him. It just need to keep him safe and as undamaged as possible. I think half the problem is I never saw the real him. I somehow managed to keep him sort of on straight and narrow. The way he was and stories I've heard previous to me are horrendous so I have no idea which way he's going to go now and I have to make sure he doesn't drag DS down with him. I feel like I have the weight of the world on my shoulders - I just want to move away where he can't find us but I'll always be scared doing that. It would make him so angry
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beesfeet · 26/01/2022 19:26

@totallyoutnumbered

Oh OP. I hear your anxiety. Please keep on reminding yourself that you didn't do this or deserve any of his treatment. This is 100% on him and he has to be held accountable for his actions. Did the police advise you to tell him about their involvement? Or advise you on the wording of your message?, I guess it just has to be very unemotional and clear though. Keeping your son and you safe is all that's needed right now. Been thinking about you all day. The lack of sleep is bough to drive anyone to snap, so cut yourself a bit of slack. Do you work? I'm wondering if you're able to take a couple of days to rest even if it means napping in the day. Hope you and your mum are holding up tonight xx
Yes they said to put I have spoken to them in the message and that it is a serious matter.

Thanks so much for responding and thinking of me, much appreciated

OP posts:
beesfeet · 26/01/2022 20:17

I've unblocked, sent a message saying the police are involved and re blocked. I feel sick

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Holothane · 26/01/2022 20:20

Handhold thinking of you. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

thatbigbear · 26/01/2022 20:33

Well done love, you are doing all the right things even though I know it doesn’t feel like it. Try and rest even if you need to get something from the doctor to help you sleep - you will feel more able to cope with everything if you aren’t so exhausted; and now the police are involved there is someone else to help take care of you, as well as your mum. I hope tomorrow is an easier day for you Flowers

Pastryapronsucks · 26/01/2022 21:05

Just posting to wish you strength and tell you how amazing you are. So much of this thread takes me back to my exH. It is really, really, really hard to get out of an abusive relationship, they suck you self esteem, your energy and you soul. There will still be dark days ahead but you are on the road to freedom. Flowers

beesfeet · 26/01/2022 21:08

Thanks, I'm just sat thinking how has it come to this. He's my husband...who is currently at his new girlfriends house after harassing me constantly for the last few months. Making my life a misery due to being so self centred and selfish. He's just a horrible human.

A neighbour (one of my closest friends) said yesterday he came home from work and she could hear his car was on loud speaker and this woman screaming over something. Probably his new girlfriend who hates my guts (for no reason, just the lies he's telling her) ranting about me. That's what the neighbour said it sounded like. I've done noting wrong.

It's so unnerving

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totallyoutnumbered · 26/01/2022 21:12

@beesfeet

I've unblocked, sent a message saying the police are involved and re blocked. I feel sick
Well done. You're doing so well xx
totallyoutnumbered · 26/01/2022 21:15

@beesfeet

Thanks, I'm just sat thinking how has it come to this. He's my husband...who is currently at his new girlfriends house after harassing me constantly for the last few months. Making my life a misery due to being so self centred and selfish. He's just a horrible human.

A neighbour (one of my closest friends) said yesterday he came home from work and she could hear his car was on loud speaker and this woman screaming over something. Probably his new girlfriend who hates my guts (for no reason, just the lies he's telling her) ranting about me. That's what the neighbour said it sounded like. I've done noting wrong.

It's so unnerving

Already gaslighting and manipulating the next one. You've had such a lucky escape. I know what you mean about wanting to get far away from him. It's great that you have your Mum and please keep posting on here. Sending virtual hugs. And a massive middle finger to your ex on your behalf. Remember; not your pig, not your farm xx
beesfeet · 26/01/2022 22:17

@totallyoutnumbered thanks so much for being there. I will keep posting...willl hopefully not much to say as nothing will happen! X

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totallyoutnumbered · 27/01/2022 08:33

[quote beesfeet]@totallyoutnumbered thanks so much for being there. I will keep posting...willl hopefully not much to say as nothing will happen! X [/quote]
I really hope so. I know it will be virtually impossible but try to distract yourself lots today. Get that radio on (bbc4 extra remember ☺️). Try and make today a self care day all about you. Have a nice cup of tea, a hot shower or long bath. What I mean is try and breathe out a little. You've moved mountains since your first post you really have. Sending a squeeze 🤗xx

beesfeet · 27/01/2022 17:52

@totallyoutnumbered thank you so much for your support. Heard nothing today which is good but also just fills me with dread. I've taken steps to contact a solicitor and tomorrow I'll find out if I'm entitled to legal aid which I am hopeful for.

I made sure I got myself out for a walk today, I could easily stay in the house and hide but that's no way to live.

Also had a call from social services, I had no idea they would call but it's standard that the police pass on my details. They were lovely and offered support. At first my heart sank thinking it was exH reporting me as a way of pay back.

I just want this to be over now - to a place where I am past it all

OP posts:
totallyoutnumbered · 27/01/2022 18:09

[quote beesfeet]@totallyoutnumbered thank you so much for your support. Heard nothing today which is good but also just fills me with dread. I've taken steps to contact a solicitor and tomorrow I'll find out if I'm entitled to legal aid which I am hopeful for.

I made sure I got myself out for a walk today, I could easily stay in the house and hide but that's no way to live.

Also had a call from social services, I had no idea they would call but it's standard that the police pass on my details. They were lovely and offered support. At first my heart sank thinking it was exH reporting me as a way of pay back.

I just want this to be over now - to a place where I am past it all [/quote]
Hi,
I'm pleased to hear your update. It's great that you've had no contact. I bet it feels disconcerting which is understandable. Getting yourself out for some fresh air is progress. One foot in from of the other some days and that's alright. I'm glad that SS have been straight onto you. What help were they able to offer you?. I really hope
For yours and your boy's sake the ex has got the message loud and clear. You've dealt with him like the bully he is. I think you've done so well to get this far. Brighter days will be on the horizon 🥰

Holothane · 27/01/2022 18:33

Well done you’ve done a lot today you’ll get there slow;y but sure;y. Hugs and thinking of you.

beesfeet · 27/01/2022 19:17

Thank you both.

I think it's finally sinking in that he's gone. When I actually think about it, it's nice not feeling like I have to always talk/listen to him going on about saving our marriage....when he had started a new relationship all along. That's what hurts. And the fact he called my step daughter (who I have such a close relationship with and I've done so much for) to slag me off and call me evil...I've done so much for her. I will never forgive him for that but he will always somehow play the victim.

OP posts:
totallyoutnumbered · 27/01/2022 19:49

@beesfeet

Thank you both.

I think it's finally sinking in that he's gone. When I actually think about it, it's nice not feeling like I have to always talk/listen to him going on about saving our marriage....when he had started a new relationship all along. That's what hurts. And the fact he called my step daughter (who I have such a close relationship with and I've done so much for) to slag me off and call me evil...I've done so much for her. I will never forgive him for that but he will always somehow play the victim.

It's always going to be about him. Definitely a narcissist. As much as you've been separated I wonder if this feels like day 1 in some ways?. Let's face it, he's not allowed you to feel free of him. Bearing that in mind, be really kind to yourself. Can you plan some nice days out with the kids or evening with some friends?. A takeaway night or something to look forward to?. I'm not necessarily talking about distracting yourself as such. I remember sitting with the discomfort was essential for me to move forwards but having things to look forward to really helped me. How are the children coping?. Xx
beesfeet · 28/01/2022 18:44

Just thought I'd come and re post. Probably because it's Friday night and all I can think of is him with his new gf. I don't know why...I don't want him. But for some reason it still hurts.

We haven't spoken since Monday, he hasn't spoken or asked to speak to DS since Tuesday. I don't want him is ds's life, everyone keeps telling me how much better DS will be without him and I totally agree. He will never change for anyone but it doesn't stop it from hurting.

He used to say all the time 'aren't you glad I don't hit you' now I realise it was because he was proud of himself because that's what he usually did.

I've found out more about legal aid today and realised I am entitled to it. I've emailed a couple of solicitors who they could help but they all seem so busy.

OP posts:
UltraVividLament · 28/01/2022 18:58

That's great news about the legal aid, hopefully the solicitors will get back to you soon.

beesfeet · 28/01/2022 19:01

@UltraVividLament

That's great news about the legal aid, hopefully the solicitors will get back to you soon.
Yes I'm hoping so. I just want to get it all over with as painful as it all is.

It's just strange getting used to not speaking to him at all. Like he's just gone. It needed to happen though

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UltraVividLament · 28/01/2022 19:05

It's not surprising that he is still taking up a lot of your headspace but that will wear off over time. I'd try distracting yourself with a film, book, hobby or similar if at all possible and try to consciously push aside thoughts about your ex and replace them with your future plans, or similar.

beesfeet · 28/01/2022 19:08

@UltraVividLament

It's not surprising that he is still taking up a lot of your headspace but that will wear off over time. I'd try distracting yourself with a film, book, hobby or similar if at all possible and try to consciously push aside thoughts about your ex and replace them with your future plans, or similar.
Thank you. He is still all im thinking about. Mainly what he's doing. And how awful he's treated me and others. Deep deep down I still care for him but I'm sure that will fade in time.

He just can't be alone so he's had to move straight onto someone else to look after him. I feel sorry for her. I know I just need to give myself time

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trickytimes · 28/01/2022 19:14

He’s manipulating you again and if that woman is happy to be his emotional crutch then she’s welcome to him. All about him eh?

beesfeet · 28/01/2022 19:17

@trickytimes

He’s manipulating you again and if that woman is happy to be his emotional crutch then she’s welcome to him. All about him eh?
ALWAYS about him. He doesn't know how to be any different. He rings my step daughter up and tells her all about his 'depression'. She's a teenager with major exams coming up. He has zero empathy/thought for anyone but himself. Will always play the victim!
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