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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

Stuck and lonely while abusive ex has moved on - now turned my kid against me

5 replies

Knackerednow2019 · 30/11/2023 08:15

I don’t know what to do. My narcissistic ex, who abused me mentally and emotionally during our marriage and was sexually inappropriate towards my daughter, has maintained a relationship with his son. He has moved to a different city and now lives with another woman and her daughter. He is loaded and now in therapy apparently and my son says he’s much nicer these days.

A couple of years ago i moved towns to make things easier for my son because he was struggling with the distance with his dad. Now I have no friends and am lonely. Since my son turned 18 my husband’s family - with whom I was close which was lovely because I don’t have family - have cut me out completely. I can only imagine it’s something my ex husband has said.

my son has always had problems with depression, like me, and he’s decided to drop out of uni. I supported him with every decision he’s ever made but now he’s decided to live with his dad. There he’s part of a family and with me he’s just with me. When he comes home he spends all his time in his room and I feel like an embarrassment. Nothing I do is right.

I’ve never talked to my son about his dad’s behaviour and I’ve tried to be the best mum I can to both my kids. But now I feel abandoned and alone. My daughter is now in a good place after years of abusive relationships. And we are close. But I feel like I’ve lost my son.

I don’t have family of my own because they were abusive to me growing up. I don’t make friends because I’m in my 50s now and it feels too late. I don’t have a partner - my last was needy and a liar - and I don’t feel like I ever will again. I am so depressed I feel suicidal a lot of the time and am on medication now.

i don’t know whether to move back to the town where my daughter lives - and where I work - or to stay where I am in case my son decides he does want to live here after all. I do have a couple of friends here and I’m sick of moving around but if I move I will be further away from my so. (And I feel like a bad mum because I don’t have a family home or a family to offer my kids).

meanwhile my abusive ex has moved on, reinvented himself, has a huge family and a great job and money for ongoing therapy. I am trying to be grateful and appreciative for everything I have but I am devastated. I feel like every relationship I’ve ever had has fallen apart. I’ve done as much therapy as I can for years and years and now I’m just alone.

i don’t know what to do.

should i move?
how do i let go of all the anger and unfairness?
should I tell my son why i don’t have contact with his dad?
how do i start again?

im just lost.

OP posts:
oogbkihdeeflkigfviimmm · 30/11/2023 09:00

I’m sorry about your son it’s every parents worse nightmare when the other parent is abusive but he is an adult and the exs family not speaking to you now he’s 18 is part of the parcel unfortunately as they are related to his dad and himself not you.

I would move back to where your daughter is and look at training or up skills for yourself maybe focus on a new career or hobby?

focus on yourself more because your kids are adults and you should focus on building a happier life for yourself- a fresh start.

Your son can visit when he wants really he’s made a decision as he’s an adult and he needs to learn all decisions have consequences etc.

best of luck op I’m sorry for what you went through but now is the time to focus on you.

Snoken · 30/11/2023 09:01

Sorry, this might hurt a bit but it might not be the case that your ex has turned your son against you, it could simply be that the athmosphere is very different in the dads household compared to yours. It's very hard to live with depressed people unfortunately and I can imagine it would be especially difficult for a teenage boy, they aren't well known for their empathetic side.

Your son is an adult now and if you feel like you would be happier living closer to your daughter and your work (it makes sense to do so in my mind) then I think you should do that. If you are happier and more content chances are that you will attract people and it will be more appealing for your son to come and see you. At the moment your happiness relies on him being a certain way around you and that isn't healthy for him either.

Whattodowithit88 · 30/11/2023 09:09

Your having a bit of a shit time and yes it is unfair and there is no justice, you need to take your time and come to terms with that, the world is unfair, some people are dealt a shit hand but try your best to accept it and sont let it build resentment up inside you.

Time for a bit of a change, start focusing on yourself and doing what makes you happy. If you will be happier moving then do it. With regards to your son, his an adult now, ups and downs. You need to let him make his own decisions and choices, your job now is to be there when he is in his hour of need but other than that, he is free to do as he pleases. It’s hard, but that’s the way it is for you right now and even though it may be shit, one thing that is for certain is that nothing stays the same and things always change, so it won’t be like this forever.

Keep your chin up and do what makes you happy.

Dingdong2323 · 30/11/2023 09:31

I agree with others that it's time to focus on you - you'll always love your son and be there for him if he needs it but you can live your own life now.

What have you always dreamed of doing? You have decades of your life left.

Above all - and I know it's hard - don't compare your ex's life to yours - it's unlikely he's completely changed and who knows what's going on behind closed doors.

Work on becoming happy yourself, internally, and the external factors may well fall into place. And if they don't you can still spend time with someone you love - yourself! And your daughter. I agree moving back closer to her sounds like a good first step, but from then on start looking within, not at other people to make you happy. If it's your cup of tea look into mindfulness, meditation - I recommend Tara Brach (podcasts/books) on dealing with difficult emotions and moving past anger. A better life awaits you!

GrumpyPanda · 30/11/2023 09:41

Move back to your support network. It was madness to relocate in the first place.

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