Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

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 soon is too soon after separation?

21 replies

Howsoonistoosoon · 12/08/2023 13:57

After 5 years of being unhappy, finally told husband I wanted to separate this week. The relief is massive. I'm 100% about it, it's been a long time coming.

Together 13 years, married 6. We have two small DC under 5. No intimacy shown by him since first pregnancy (aside from literally one occasion where we conceived DC2). No sex, no hugs, no kisses. Had to actively ask for a hug, if I do he barely responds. If I talk to him in the evening he just stares at his phone and mumbles. Have brought it up numerous times, last time he told me he has nothing left for me after kids and work. Both of us work full time.

I'd be on the high energy side, regularly exercise etc. He works, comes home, nothing else. Depression may be a factor but have tried until blue in the face and not my issue to fix. He's a bit older than me, has written himself off as an old man already, constantly says this. I just can't do it any more. Mental load of doing everything and arranging everything. He goes away for 4+ trips a year with friends but never with us (too much hassle with kids apparently).

I'm absolutely craving after all this time a mad fling, literally feeling starved of affection. The mechanics of it would allow me to do it discretely and not rub anything in his face or affect the kids. In my head my marriage was over a long time ago.

Just from other people's experiences how soon is too soon, or how long to wait? I know it's all new but I feel like I could explode!

OP posts:
BranchGold · 12/08/2023 14:00

Honestly, if you want to do it and the kids won’t be around it then go and have some fun.

General guidance of safety/sensible behaviour as advised for any one.

FreshStart12345 · 12/08/2023 14:03

I would personally wait until you are no longer living together, then go for it. As long as you aren't introducing the dc or anything, then go have fun

FilthyBeast · 12/08/2023 14:04

I don't know why you're so confused about this it sounds like you're talking about an affair. You've officially told him you're over, right? You were transparent and clear that you are over? If so then when you have the childcare and time, meet up with a guy off Tinder or Hinge. Most men would love a casual FWB.
Why would you children even know? Just meet your men in hotels when they are with someone else looking after them.

You're not talking about a proper new relationship so why would time be a factor?

SaleOfTwoTitties · 12/08/2023 14:04

You don't need anyone's permission. If as you say, no child is hurt, and you could cope, emotionally, then do what makes you happy

Newusernameaug · 12/08/2023 14:08

Never too soon to jump back on the bike and give it a ride 🤣

Thirder · 12/08/2023 14:08

Sounds as if you have someone in mind.
Sensible people will come on here shortly to suggest you should learn to love yourself first. Enjoy your own company for a while, not jump straight into something else, waiting in the wings or not.

BananaSlug · 12/08/2023 14:09

I’ve been single and celibate! For 6 years (not through choice) and I honestly wish I hadn’t left it so long and got back out there sooner.

ManchesterGirl2 · 12/08/2023 14:15

I'd wait till you're living separately, it feels pretty harsh to do it then come home to the same house as him.

DiaNaranja · 12/08/2023 14:20

Depends really on how your husband took the news? Was he in agreement that the marriage is over? Or is he in denial thinking you're still together and just ignoring what you've said? If there's any possibility he's not taken what you've said seriously, then you need to have another discussion and make sure he's fully aware you are no longer in a relationship with him. Until you've made that crystal clear and he is 100% aware, then I would hold off doing anything, as you may end up feeling guilty if it transpires he didn't understand the situation and assumed you were unhappy but not serious about ending things. I know this is on him and not you if you have already spelled it out for him, but I would have another discussion to confirm that you are not together anymore and will be doing as you please.

jlpth · 12/08/2023 14:21

You are still married and from his pov it’d look like you’d been having an affair and that’s why you wanted to split. I don’t think it’s a good time for a fling.

Greenfishy · 12/08/2023 14:23

Honestly I would say don’t. You might think you’ll be alright emotionally with it but I really think it’ll just add to a big old mess. Wait a while, till you’re not living together and you’ve worked through all the challenges and positives of that. Concentrate on you for a bit and then see where you are.

JibbaJab · 12/08/2023 14:27

This is something I'm confused about also but I've been in abusive relationship and currently trying to gain access to my children as wife is withholding so going to court.

So on one hand I'm kind of getting the feeling I want to meet new people but on the other hand I don't know if it's too soon after all that or if it will in some way affect court proceedings. Not necessarily looking for serious or long term but not opposed to it either, just like OP longing for something.

I've been telling myself probably just wait it out but I dunno if that's just me.

username098765 · 12/08/2023 14:28

Go and have some fun! As long as you aren't hurting anyone I don't see the problem. I am in a similar situation but I can't think of anything I'd rather do less than have a fling but I'm 100% not judging you! Everyone is different. Go and enjoy yourself!

Deb28777 · 12/08/2023 14:35

Is this someone you already have lined up? If so it’s too soon.

Thoughtful2355 · 12/08/2023 14:39

never too soon as long as you take it slow relationship wise and keep it away from the kids x

Howsoonistoosoon · 12/08/2023 16:09

Thanks all for the replies. Yes I have made it very clear about the separation and he understands. He's the same as always (not massively engaging) but it seems like he is relieved also. We are just trying to work through the mechanics of how best to move forward. It's always been a bit too much for him since we had the kids.

I think after so long without any intimacy etc it's almost like I feel I need permission to be with someone (not sure if that makes any sense at all).

Not someone I have in mind necessarily, but having been on nights out etc I don't think it wouldn't be particularly difficult to just engage of a bit of a fling, even just a dance/kiss - just to feel something! I wouldn't even dream of or entertain another relationship or introducing anyone to the DC. Definitely want to stay single but craving a bit of unattached (and safe) fun!

I still very much respect my husband and would not want to cause him pain, even though I have been living with emotional neglect for years. We are just very different people I suppose.

OP posts:
Howsoonistoosoon · 12/08/2023 16:10

This made me howl, thank you 😂

OP posts:
Howsoonistoosoon · 12/08/2023 16:12

@Newusernameaug sorry that howl comment was for you. Cheered me right up!

OP posts:
Howsoonistoosoon · 12/08/2023 16:15

@Thirder this is very sage advice. The only thing is we practically live different lives already. Between work (me 9-5, him alternating shift work) and him not wanting to do anything socially with me or the kids, it's like we're in a co-parent situation already. I have my life, work, training, friends, he has his work and his holidays with his friends. We never cone together for anything any more. It's just really sad, but it's not for the want of trying that I'm ending it. I've engaged in counselling twice the last couple of years etc and he just won't do anything. I think it's a relief for him too

OP posts:
SamW98 · 12/08/2023 16:20

I would say if you just want a fling/casual sex thing then go for it.

Be more wary about jumping into a relationship quickly though - rebounds are often the wrong person for the wrong reasons.

AvidMerrian · 12/08/2023 16:23

I think be careful. My STBXH thought he was being so discreet but he really wasn’t, each of the children had separately found out information because he was caught up in that heady ‘just feeling’ phase. Plus it was obvious from his Fucking Smirk.

Don’t put yourself in a position where it can be used against you. Having a little flirt to keep fires stoked is one thing. Leaving yourself open to “she was always only a slut” is quite another.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread