Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

How do I know if I’m doing the right thing???

11 replies

Anxiousbadger · 18/09/2022 09:13

Hi,
first time posting - sorry for the long one but my head is in turmoil and I just don’t know what to do…..

been with hubby for 13 years, we have 3 beautiful kids together ranging from 8 - 2 years.

I have BPD and have struggled with my mental health for 20 years.
I am on meds and have had therapies through the years and have recently referred myself again after talking to my CPN.

As with any relationship, we’ve had our struggles and bumps in the road but always managed to sort them out (usually with me backing down as I apparently make mountains out of mole hills)

A little while back, I went in a night out with the girls, ended up seeing a male friend who then came with us and walked me home from my friends as he lives very close to me.
My husband went ballistic, accused me of cheating, had a go at my best friend and my friend that walked me home even though nothing happened and my friend just made sure I got home ok.

So, he was going to leave but I begged him to stay to work things out.

Since then, although he says he trusts me and doesn’t hold that night against me, he’s thrown it in my face on numerous occasions and basically, he’s saying (without directly saying) I have to give up my social life (because I’m a bad drunk - again, his thoughts only and not that of me or my friends) because he doesn’t trust or like my best friend or give up my marriage because he will never be ok with me going out drinking.
Granted, pre kids, I could be a massive arse whilst drunk but I went t-total for over 3 years and now feel I have a handle on it and now my limits - so I understand that leaves a bitter taste, but I’ve been going out with friends for over a year, one or twice a month, and not once before has it caused an issue - just since that night when he kicked off.

So, out of principal, I don’t feel I should give up my friends or little bit of social life, which means he will be leaving.

I’m so scared that I’m making a mistake.

I need to add, that this isn’t the first time we’ve been at loggerheads over something.

a few months prior to this, it was because I wasn’t affectionate enough or giving him sex enough.

I have repeatedly said I’m struggling with my mental health - and in the end his response was ‘he’s not superman and can’t always pick up my slack because I’m struggling’ although when I raised that point yesterday he told me I only made him aware of my MH struggles on Wednesday so he hasn’t has time to fully support me - he was aware of my increase
in medication and my referral to therapy so I kind of assumed that would indicate that something wasn’t quite right.

I’m so scared I’m making the wrong decision in sticking to my guns and letting him leave…… it’s going to break the kids hearts and I feel so so sad about the whole thing but I feel that I have jumped through so many hoops before to ‘save my marriage’

How do I know what to do????

Any advice would be greatly appreciated as my mind is such a muddle!

Thank you x

OP posts:
Isittrueornot · 18/09/2022 09:56

Your not making the wrong decision. You will find better than that!

Watchkeys · 18/09/2022 10:06

Take your mind out of it. Does your heart feel that it will be fulfilled and happy and relaxed for the rest of your life if you stay with him, or does it panic at the idea of it?

Let your heart tell your mind what to do. What are your feelings, rather than your thoughts? Minds can be conditioned, hearts/feelings can't. That's why we're always best to listen to our 'gut feeling'.

mug2018 · 18/09/2022 10:23

I really feel for you. In a fragile state with mental health, you are doubting yourself & he is taking advantage of the situation by controlling you.
Ask yourself:
Does he always have your back
Does he support you with your choices & decisions
Why was he not thankful that you got home safely, irrespective of who accompanied you home
Does he make you happy or put your happiness ahead of his own
Does he make you feel good about yourself

... if you can't answer yes, you deserve better & I would let him leave

It will be hard, but SO worth it in the end - I speak from experience & have never looked back.
Seek support from your friends & family & you will find strength to get you through.
Know your worth always xxxx

Anxiousbadger · 19/09/2022 08:22

Thank you for your replies. He's currently packing. He's tried the guilt trip and now he just seems really annoyed at me so I'm sat here feeling sick.
Just need to push through today.
I'm so scared I'm making the wrong choice but I'm just so worn out and mentally exhausted that I don't see what else I can really do xx

OP posts:
purplethings · 19/09/2022 10:35

Let him leave. He's blaming you for his choices. Let his live the consequences of his distrustful nature. He probably wants to leave himself but it's more convenient for him to make it all your fault.

mug2018 · 20/09/2022 10:45

Hang in there @Anxiousbadger .. it will be hard, but you are doing the right thing. Don't let him undermine your confidence or self worth, you are worth more than that.
Sending you some moral support & to let you know that you have a voice & deserve to be heard ❤️

sleepymum50 · 20/09/2022 12:16

So he’s leaving you because you want to go out twice a month?

Wow that is such an overreaction on his part and only shows him up for being incredibly controlling.

Stay strong. I suspect your mental health will improve once you get control over your own life.

Anxiousbadger · 20/09/2022 15:55

Thank you so much to all of you that have replied.

It's so reassuring to have somebody completely outside of the relationship to also feel like it's not all my fault.

He moved out yesterday, he has been trying to guilt trip me all day into having him back and saying I'm ruining the kids lives etc.

Then he changed tact and tried the 'he wishes he would have tried harder and listened to me' and that he will try anything to fix it. I just don't think that's the right thing for me or my kids anymore - unhappy mummy is not good for the kids is it.

Thank you again! So so much xxxx

OP posts:
Whatonearth07957 · 20/09/2022 22:12

If it wasn't this it would be something else. Don't think it's this issue, it could be how you butter toast next week and the week after how you answer the phone. It's a sad stressful way to live. This is your opportunity to be free of it...take it.

reader12 · 21/09/2022 07:20

Agree with others, he’s not a good man and doesn’t treat you right. The way he’s trying to control you isn’t normal or loving and it isn’t ok. He’s expecting you to cave and beg him to come back. Trust your instincts and stay strong and you will be so much better off. Flowers

Anxiousbadger · 30/09/2022 07:04

Hiya all

I just wanted to give you an update and to thank you all for your replies.

So, I did it!!! I finally put my big girl pants on and ended it.

It's been a tough couple of weeks and I have appointments and phone calls coming out of my ears, but I have so much support, it's actually amazing!!
I feel more loved now than I have in years!

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts - they helped me see, I'm definitely doing the right thing, regardless of what I'm told by my ex!

Thank you again 💕

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page