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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

Emotional abuse -how to get out?

3 replies

Jewel7 · 09/08/2022 01:26

I feel like the biggest idiot. For putting up with his behaviour and not realising for years. From lies, to questioning, to checking up on me, possible emotional affair the list goes on.
Im exhausted. I want to ask for space. But want to keep him on side because of the kids. I know he wants me to be the baddie in it.
Today I told him he was selfish and I had, had enough.
We were both upset following a heated conversation he said that’s it then. What shall we tell the kids.
Then I backdown. Say I don’t know.
But I do I’m just not standing up for myself.
Then a few hours later things have calmed. He is suggesting we go out more and trying to kiss me good night. I’m trying to tell him it’s more than that. My head is a complete mess. I’m not asleep as I don’t want to go to bed because he is in it.
Then I start questioning if it’s me. As he goes back to being mr nice guy. What do I do? How do I make the steps? What do I tell my kids? Hand hold please.

OP posts:
Treesinthewind · 09/08/2022 01:45

I'd really recommend reading this: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/162482.YouDonntHaveetoTakeeitAnymore Despite the title, it's not about staying in an unhealthy relationship - it's about finding the strength and self-compassion to leave.

Sisiwawa · 09/08/2022 01:48

Can you have a proper conversation with him about it at a calm time, not during a row etc.
Be firm and clear about what you want.
Try to detach from your emotions and almost treat it like a work meeting, I.e civil and polite, with an outcome both parties are fairly clear about. I know that's easier said than done.

oobeedoobee · 09/08/2022 06:55

Before you talk to him again, think through exactly what it is you want, and exactly how you will get there.

Step 1 - Get an appointment with a solicitor to find out your legal rights. This is hugely important, because he will try to tell you that you'll get nothing etc, when it's simply not up to him.
Solicitor can help you with when to do what. Take copies of any/all bank statements/ mortgage info/ savings etc with you. Remember, you can still be legally separated and living in the same house, so you'll be able to claim benefits.( If you've a joint bank account, you need to open your own account and have any wages/child benefit etc paid into it from now on. You could also remove half of what's in the joint account to put into your own also.)

Once you know your rights, and have your own bank account etc, then it's just a conversation, which is best tackled when the kids are not there. (But if you're scared what his reaction will be, either do it somewhere public like a walk in the park/coffee shop or have someone else there in the house/garden when you tell him e.g your parents.)

e.g You know we haven't been happy for a long time, and I think it's best for both of us to divorce. I want you to move out on Friday night when the kids are at my Mums. It would be better for everyone if you stayed with your parents until the house is sold, because the kids have school etc, so they need to stay here in the house for the time being. We can tell the kids on Saturday afternoon, because we've nothing on and will be free to tell them, answer their questions and comfort them afterwards. We can organise a regular contact schedule for you to see the kids. I have seen a solicitor, and they are proceeding with divorce proceedings.

Just keep it factual, and don't be afraid to tell him what you want. It's up to him how he reacts to it.

You CAN do this ! Once you begin, the forward momentum builds, and it gets easier.

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