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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 has gone - how do I cope? Sorry, a bit garbled!

16 replies

looneymum · 05/01/2008 15:28

My husband of 7 years left me and my DDs (age 3 and 5) on 29 Dec. I suspect he is having an affair as I have found suspect bouquets of flowers on his bank statement, far too many text messages late at night and no show in the bedroom etc. He has worked away for a few months and everything was fine then he started to say we never really got on as I am too emotional and he cannot support me emotionally. He says our marriage is broken and has now moved out to a flat near to where he works (about an hour and a half from our house). At first I said he could have the kids at the weekend but have now decided they are too little and would not cope. He has today come to collect them to take them out for the day, returning at 5pm ish. My eldest DD knows something is wrong and the other night started questioning whether I love DH. I didn't answer so she asked whether he loves me. I said not as much as he did (which are his words to me) but that we both love her very very much. She cried has asked lots of questions and has told people that a sad thing has happened in our house in that Daddy left because he doesn't like mummy anymore! A good five year old`s interpretation I think! So, I have had back to back parents (his and mine - both of which live hours away). His parents are appalled at his behaviour as he has not spoken to anyone in his family. He reckons he will pay all bills, kids school fees etc. I left him a voicemail the other night to say DD1 was aware of situ and he didn't get back and has since asked (by text) if he could talk to her in her bedroom today! I said no. I think he should have thought of these implications before he left but he basically just bolted. I have been through all the tears, begging, devastation, disbelief, hurt and now am quite angry that he gets to walk away and live a basically single life. Obviously, I am gutted and don't know how to cope. I am so shocked at the speed of this whole thing, I know we had our ups and downs but never thought he would go, even though I begged to go to relate or get some help. The kids are great but very hard work and spirited (aren't they all!). Looking forward to all your pearls of wisdom, please!!

OP posts:
moondog · 05/01/2008 15:40

I am so sorry looney.
Not sure I can help but lots of other people can and will so am bumping for you.

It's very quiet on here at the moment which doesn't help.

BritTex · 05/01/2008 15:46

I am so sorry that you are going through this. Some men are such selfish bastards ! you probably dont want to hear this but you are probably better off without him, and in time the pain and hurt will heal and you will be happy again.

SSSandy2 · 05/01/2008 15:52

I think for a time the most you can do is get through one day at a time tbh. And if you can do that, you're already doing a great deal.

There's a lot to deal with here, your own emotions, hurt, disappointment, fear of the future and that will take some time and there will be ups and downs. Then the two dc and their wellbeing, adjustment and just the everyday WORK of two little dc. Then the financial side of things, I wouldn't bet on him sticking to his promise to buy everything. When you feel up to it, could you get some legal advice on this?

Do you love him do you think?

SSSandy2 · 05/01/2008 15:53

I meant pay for everything!

yogimum · 05/01/2008 15:57

bloody men (not all men I know) but there seems to be a lot of this at the moment. My first husband did this about 4 weeks after relocating and moving into a new house. He denied there was another woman but my solicitor said in most cases there is someone else. Get legal advice asap. If nothing else you need to sort out any financial issues so that you and your children are taken care of. He says now that he will pay everything but in my experience that is guilt. Take care. x

maturer · 05/01/2008 16:22

Honey I am so sorry you are going through this.

4 years ago to this very date my dh left me and 3 children....even though things turned out well for us in the end i can still feel the pain today of that day when he left and he too gave me no warning that there was anything amiss with us.

My dh came back the next day but took a good few monhs to actually face up to what he'd done...he was having an affair with a work colleague....and for a good few months he "lost the plot" and nearly lost all of us. he looks back now and can't believe what he did and how he acted......he says it's ;ike you put yourself in a daze and shut out all except your own needs!

Men seem to have that ability to put a lid on different areas of their lives whilst they carry on as normal in anothe area!!!! You are left dealing with all the fall out and you have to be strong because you have little ones who depend on you, you can't just walk away pretending you have no responsibilities like he's done!!!!

He has catd like a selfish imature child. Whatever waas happening in your relationship he could have chosen to TALK TO YOU, TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT HE WAS FEELING ..instead he's doing the classic head in the sand, only look one way never look around at the rest of life going on around you( it's like they have a manual that tells them what to do!!!)

Honey for you, you are not to blame for his actions his choices- you are strong and you are putting your children first- be proud of yourself but give yourself space to deal with the rollercoaster of emotions you are going through.

Take it a day at a time- look at practical things first, try ti share this with friends and take help if it's offered. The first thing I suggest you do is find out your legal position in case he suddenly decides he's totally taking his ball home- secure your financial position and that of the children's well being. It may also be a good idea to let school know there are problems so thry can look out for your little ones.

I know it's hard you almost feel ashamed to be telling people what's going on- but honey tell it like it is- he's lost the plot not you.
He also needs to talk to you properly- he owes you that at least. To tell you the truth...is there someone else? Why now? why has he never given you even the chance to know there was a poroblem.Also HE HAS TWO CHILDREN...he can't just walk away and leave you to try and keep it normal when you don't know what you are dealing with...tell him to grow up, get his head out of fantasy land and come and talk to you properly...none of this text email not facing you lark! the fact that he's done this so suddenly, has told no family etc speaks volumes as to his stae of mind...he's living a fantasy at the moment and trying to escape from reality.

You do not know how this is going to turn out...please look after yourself, take time, declutter your life- give yourself space to think and i'd suggest if there is any way you can see a cousellor please do...i did it kept me sane, it gave me strength to keep the children going and allowed me to safely vent all the emotions.

In my story my dh eventually realised he wasn't dealing with reality, put imself into counselling and got to the bottom of why he'd done what he'd done (mid life crisis thing- not much to do with "us" rather to do with him, self esteem,need to be needed etc)

This behaviour is saddly quite common....whatever the outcome you need to try and make some sense of all this he needs to give you some answers. Don't let him walk away without at least acounting for his actions. he's and adult he makes choices they have consiquences- he must face them.

mitfordsisters · 05/01/2008 16:58

looneymum (((hug))). how do you want things to work out?

looneymum · 06/01/2008 15:57

Thank you so much everyone. I have just managed a quick moment to get onto the laptop between my lovely very demanding and noisey DC! My parents leave tomorrow after a week of support and I am terrified to be alone. I have made an appointment to see a counsellor on Tuesday and hold very high hopes that she will help me through. My pig of a DH dropped the kids off without barely a word, only to ask if there was any post. Unfortunately for him the business bank statement showed delivery flowers that I hadn't received, further reinforcing the fact that he is up to no good. He didn't mention having the kids next week and so I feel in limbo as to how I stand. Shouldn't he be arranging visits as it was him that went in the first place? The kids had a nice time but were very subdued and my eldest DD cried a lot at bedtime which was very hard. I wonder if I should have a cooling off period before I take legal advice? I have cried today as I miss him and just cannot believe how my life has changed in such a few days. I am also cross with the kids (for no reason other than they are noisey and needy)and really just want to run away. I think communication has completely broken down and I feel he has moved on emotionally, well I suppose he must have as he said the other day " you are distraught and I am indifferent"! I don't really want to contact him either as I am so hurt so does that mean that next communication will be through a lawyer? It has only been a week and a day ........... more help please !!!!!! xxxx

OP posts:
frisbyrat · 06/01/2008 18:20

I can't be any help, I'm afraid, but I offer my sympathy. He sounds like a total cock.
(hugs)

justabouttosplashoutinthesales · 06/01/2008 18:29

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

chikenmother · 06/01/2008 19:02

Hi looneymum. It seems you are starting a new life without your husband, and discovering that mem are most selfish creatures in the world - I feel the same and can understand you very very well. You must be hurt and heartbroken but you need to be strong for your children. They need you and trust you , and sadly, they´ll learn that their dad is not there for them anymore. So focus on them, protect them, cherish them, stay by their side. Mums are capable of extraordinary things for the wellfair of their children;: you will too. And if tyour husband does´t love you as he used to do is that he does not deserve you. A man who leaves the mother of his children as he did don´t deserve your tears anymore.

looneymum · 07/01/2008 19:49

Thanks again for all your support. Today kids went back to school and my parents left. Talked to teacher about situ and she was great and very supportive. Unfortunately, dirty stinking lying DH (!) has texted (his only method of communication) and asked to change meeting with the kids on Sat and could he see them on Sun instead. I have made arrangements for me and kids so said no. I also said it would have to be Sat going forward as I need to be able to organise my own and their lives to include parties, visits to rels etc. He said this is fine going forward but I still await his text to see whether he will grace them with his presence on Sat. I hate this text business as they can so easily be misconstrued. Have just put kids down to bed and now I am truly alone since he left. Also first time alone in house since we were burgled in mid December - what a life! DD1 said tonight she wishes she was big and would I be dead when she was big. I said I hoped not but did wonder to myself whether I would be a sad lonely old women who had spent life alone. As you can tell, feeling very sorry for myself........

OP posts:
yogimum · 07/01/2008 20:24

looneymum, I know how difficult this is now but one day you will look back and will be totally indifferent towards him. I think he is a shit to only communicate by text, what a coward.

chocolatespiders · 07/01/2008 20:32

I can feel your pain so much and know what you are going through

my ex left me and dd's 2.5 years ago, for someone he had met the week before on holiday (they are now married )

it was such a horrid time for us, i begged him to come back for about 3 months then realised he was enjoying the attention,

anyway i did get strong and i have now moved on so much i actually cant believe i was ever with him he is so gross...

you will get through this me and my girls have a ball. we have been on great hols together..

I havent met anyone new but i hope i will oneday.....

Stay strong and try and get some arrangements for the children to see him

rant on here you will get great support

thetoothfairy · 09/01/2008 12:31

LM - happened to me too (only it wasn't a shock in my case). From my experience, and others I would suggest:

  1. Be kind to yourself
  2. You will recover and feel better, but it takes time.
  3. make sure you prioritise access arrangements (as you have done) and sort the finances - sounds harsh, but if you don't do it now, you live with the consequences for quite some time
  4. If there are specifics that trouble you (e.g. security in the house) get an alarm put in.
  5. Try to get enough sleep - sounds trivial but life is always worse if you are tired.

Do rant on here - lots of us have been there and it does get better!

looneymum · 16/01/2008 13:23

Hello all, sorry for the large gap in thread. It's been a few weeks now since DH left. I have in that time:-

Seen a counsellor
Seen a solicitor
Had lots of friends around for drinks
Used the telephone an awful lot
Cried absolute buckets
Arranged a lot of nights out!

Everyone has been great. I am so suprised at the support I have received. Unfortunately, there is that time after bath and bedtime that looms scarily most days. I feel so bizarre that someone I was married to for nearly eight years can just disappear. He has seen the kids twice now on a Saturday and has called a couple of times. We have also had a sensible discussion re finances and the kids welfare. He wants to meet up in a few weeks to discuss this further. I am terrified that in the not too distant future when his flat lease runs out he will want to sell the house... but lots of stuff is going to happen that I am going to have to deal with I suppose. I have also tortured myself with itemised phone bills that show names of people I think he may have/be having fling/affairs with. It has been suggested that rather than being like Miss Marples and trying to solve an unsolvable crime, I just shread these and get on with my live which then leaves me in control. It is a difficult one as I am constantly trying to justify why he went and why he went for someone else when he has these two scrumptious DDs. Looking forward to hearing all your coping methods as you are all very supportive. Am also starting to wonder whether I will meet anyone in the future...! I know it seems a bit soon but I so loved being part of a couple - perhaps I will meet a true "prince" (as DD1 would say!) next time!

OP posts:
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