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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

I'm not being selfish right?

12 replies

maybabymama · 19/12/2022 14:57

I've made up my mind that I need to break up with my daughter's father. I just know is something I have to do for myself. The issue is that he's a good person and THE BEST dad which is why I'm questioning myself a little.
The relationship is not going anywhere and we've tried so many times to make it "work". Doesn't see a point in marriage as he thinks it wouldn't change anything but besides that he's very bad at communicating and I'm tired of trying to read his mind. Another issue I have is that he smokes weed daily and doesn't see a problem with it. In fact when I try to talk to him about that he just tries to argue me that there's nothing bad about it.
He doesn't have any hobbies and is not interested or bothered in having a social life. I feel like I'm a complete opposite and I know I deserve a lot more. Even though he's a good person and a father it's just not enough at this point.
I don't even know if any of this makes sense but writing it all out made me realise that wtf am I doing being in a relationship like this right?
I just want to add that I'm not perfect myself but I've been working on myself a lot lately. I always suffered with low self esteem and I think is one of the reasons why I've stayed with him since I was 17 up until now (25 this month). I can see my self esteem improving since I've been working on myself a lot. I guess doing that what made me realised that I am with the wrong person.
My only concern is my daughter. She's 20 months and I just don't want her to feel abandoned as she loves her dad a lot.
I hope you can leave some kind words that will help me see that I'm making the best decision even though I understand that it's my decision and my life. Thank you.

OP posts:
WednesdaysMentor · 19/12/2022 15:05

You only live 1 life and if you honestly feel that it is not going to work then you need to put yourself first and leave him.

Your daughter is young and at the best age to adapt.

Good luck and be kind to yourself, you will have massive guilt feelings but stay true to what you want.

whattodo1975 · 19/12/2022 15:09

You are only 25 and have so much life ahead of you.
You can do so much better.

LaLuz7 · 19/12/2022 15:19

Not selfish. You need to model a healthy happy relationship to your DD and this ain't it. He can still be in her life if you're not a couple.

Liveafr · 19/12/2022 15:25

Look at it this way: If you force yourself to remain in a relationship you are not happy with, you may start resenting your partner and may act on it (consciously or not). Which will deteriorate the quality of your relationship. Children learn a lot about relationships (and communication) from their parents, and ultimately it's better for her to see you two happy separately than miserable together. Better to make a clean and amicable break now than let resentment build in. Good luck

maybabymama · 19/12/2022 15:58

Thanks everyone! I know that I am making the right decision but it's nice to get opinions from people not involved in the situation x

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BaddogGooddoggy · 19/12/2022 16:58

Nothing wrong with selfish! Sounds like it’s the right decision for you and your DD, that’s the main thing

maybabymama · 20/12/2022 10:03

BaddogGooddoggy · 19/12/2022 16:58

Nothing wrong with selfish! Sounds like it’s the right decision for you and your DD, that’s the main thing

Thank you! I'm trying to change my thinking and understand that being selfish is not the bad thing sometimes

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Watchkeys · 20/12/2022 14:05

Psychologically and emotionally healthy people do things for themselves, and things for other people. Selfish people only do things for themselves.

Doing things for yourself isn't a variable.

PollyAmour · 20/12/2022 14:57

Your daughter is young enough to adapt to seeing her daddy separately from you. You deserve happiness and you are young enough to meet to someone who will bring something positive to your life.

mummymeister · 20/12/2022 15:16

your partner is selfish. he spends money on drugs which could be spent on other things. he allows those drugs to alter his mind so he is not as lively or outgoing as he probably would be without them. No hobbies and no social life because he doesnt need them when he is drug taking. How does this square with being a the best dad? For me someone who takes drugs, drinks excessively, gambles etc cant be the best at something else because they only think about the addiction. you and your child will always come second to it.

maybabymama · 20/12/2022 15:22

mummymeister · 20/12/2022 15:16

your partner is selfish. he spends money on drugs which could be spent on other things. he allows those drugs to alter his mind so he is not as lively or outgoing as he probably would be without them. No hobbies and no social life because he doesnt need them when he is drug taking. How does this square with being a the best dad? For me someone who takes drugs, drinks excessively, gambles etc cant be the best at something else because they only think about the addiction. you and your child will always come second to it.

Honestly he is a really good dad and loves our daughter so much. I have no doubts in that. But as in for me.. I do feel like they have "left me in the hospital" after she was born. If you know what I mean..
I suffered with postnatal depression to the point where I had to take antidepressants and he didn't really help me one bit apart from looking after our daughter which he is meant to do anyways as he's the same parent to her as I am.
I know it's time for me to leave and finally be happy on my own with my baby girl.

OP posts:
maybabymama · 20/12/2022 15:46

Thank you everyone for kinds words! Means a lot.

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