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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

How am I going to get through this :( (long post sorry!)

712 replies

MyHeadIsSpinning · 17/03/2008 12:43

I've been with DH for over 10yrs, married for 1 and have a new baby. LO was born prem and we have been going through hell but she is home now and doing well.

DH has always been indecisive and before each major milestone, getting engaged, a house, married etc he has had a panic and discussed splitting up as he doesn't think he loves me enough to get engaged, buy a house, get married etc.

However once we have talked things through and he has had his stress he always decides that he does love me and wants to be with me.

Surprisingly getting pregnant was one thing that he didn't stress about and was really happy that we were expecting. When I delilved LO early and it was touch and go for me and LO - apparently cos I was out of it but have been told by various people - DH was a bit of a mess which was understandable, ie couldn't speak for crying. However he won't talk about this and although has been supportive during the weeks LO was in hospital on SCBU I feel he could have been there for me more than he was.

Over the weekend things have come to a head. We've been having a few niggly arguements and he has said over the past few weeks that he isn't sure if he loves me enough (again) and has been thinking about us splitting up. Yesterday I made a real effort - did my hair and make up etc and tried hard to make an effort - we had agreed to do this the night before. However DH didn't notice the effort I had made and was sullen all day only speaking when I spoke to him etc. When I cracked and said that his behaviour was upsetting me and I was upset that he hadn't commented that I looked nice - he said that he hadn't noticed that I'd made an effort and didn't think I looked as though I had particularyly

We had a 'discussion' during which he told me that;

He feels it would have been easier if I had died when havign LO as this would have ade things easier for him ie wouldn't have to decided to stay with me or not - this really hurt and he knows how bad it sounded.

He doesn't feel that he loves me enough and wishes that he's 'had the balls to leave me before marrying an having a baby'

When I asked why he married me he said he thought it would be a solution to how he was feeling about being not sure about the relationship and everyone else seemed to think it was a good idea. He was NOT pressurised into marrying me or indeed even staying with me.

The arguement went on until I said that I wasn't prepared to share our baby and him be a weekend dad. That isn't why I brought her into the workd to be passed about between two homes etc. I told him that it's all or nothing he either has us both or looses us both cos I'm not beign a part time mum and our daughter needs a full time dad.

He went to walk out of the room and I asked him how he felt right then - he replied like he wants to die

I left him to cool off and then went upstairs to see him. He was sat on the bed crying. He Said that he loves our daughter and doesn't want to be a part time dad but isn't sure that he loves me enough etc. He broke down and cried so hard he was howling and holding on to me - this is not like him he cries but only a little. This was a major breakdown kind of cry.

We have decided to see how things go for a couple of months and both make a real effort to make our marriage work He has said that he would rather fall back in love with me and make it work but at the moment isn't sure that this is possible.

I just feel so empty and don't know what to think. Part of me feels so sorry for him cos I love him and he is hurting and I want to make things better but can't) I have suggested that maybe he is depressed after the birth and the general situation and he said that he doesn't think so cos he just feels the same way as he has previously.

On the other hand I'm so angry with him for what he has said and that he is taking away this precious time with my new baby cos I can't enjoy her as much as I would cos I'm worried about the future and being on my own if he does leave us.

He finds talking difficult so I'm off to buy a couple of notepads for us both to write our feeligns in about the relationship and anything else over the coming months - I feel for me it will be cathartic and help when I really want to talk and he doesn't, for him I hope that writing down his feeligns and fears will help put them into perspective and help him to work through how he feels whatever the outcome may be.

I just feel sooo sad and can't stop thinking about what he has said and also part of me thinks that maybe we shoudl just call it a day and I can move on and find someone who does love me although not sure this would work as the person I want to love me doesn't Also I really don't want to be a single parent.

OP posts:
MyHeadIsSpinning · 10/07/2008 16:39

Thanks (again!) YKNOTC.
Counselling helped me to see that I am responsible for my own happiness. I am STILL putting too much emphasis on how DH feels and what he wants raatehr than concentrating on what I need.

My Counsellor also made ma see (as did your post) that DH is just emotionally unable to empathise and see things the same way as me so rather than relying on him for this and then feelign let down when I don't get it I should look to other family members and friends for the support DH is unabel to give.

She pointed out that he has issues - as do I - and he neds to work through them but I can't force this. All I can do is work through my issues and try my best to be happy for me and my daughter.

I was worrying that the holiday would be a disaster and he would ruin any memories we make on holiday - has done this with past holidays . My counsellign gave me a fresh take on things and said that no one can take my memories away and she isn't completely sure that when DH 'remembers' things they are exactly as he thinks. Rather when he is on a 'downer' he remembers things in a different light!

Sooooo I'm goin gon holiday and going ot enjoy it for my sake and my DD - if DH doesn't want to then that's his look out!

(fingrs crossed I can stay strong with this!)

OP posts:
youknownothingofthecrunch · 11/07/2008 08:45

Exactly. If dh is being a prat then take dd out on your own and go and do something fun! Don't let him drag you down. If you want to do something, make sure you do it - with or without him. You do not need him to have fun. You want him to have fun with you, but that's a different thing.

Hope you have a great time!

MyHeadIsSpinning · 11/07/2008 09:14

Thanks YKNOTC x

We are packing today and going away over the weekend.

He seems to be looking forward to going and I must admit I am. Last night he finished early and was home before me! We had a nice evening and ended up making love. He has been attentive this morning too.

Will post when I get back to update - hopefully it will be positive.

OP posts:
youknownothingofthecrunch · 11/07/2008 18:32
Smile
nik76 · 14/07/2008 07:31

Sorry I ahven't read all the posts - but has DP been to the doctors he sounds depressed to me. Hope everything is getting better for you. x

MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 01:17

Just a quicky cos really need to get some sleep - will be back on in the morning.

Not positive I'm afraid. We are back home early from hols and I have thrown him out. He has gone.

OW txt him whilst we were away and it was obvious that they had still been seeing each other. I told him it was over and gave him an hour to pack and go home.

He has said that he is sorry - far too late and not sincere enough for my liking. He didn't want to stay with me and made no attepmt to fight against my decision.

Feeling numb but also positive that I made the decision (some control back) and that I have stuck to my guns. However also feeling devastated that this is finally the end and I am offically a single parent.

I have finally told my family and they have been really supportive. He is telling his tonight/tomorrow.....he went off about 10pm and was supposed to be going to his parents to tell them.

Not sure if he has gone to OW instead tho. TBH i don't care anymore. If it's not tonight it will be another night - he has said that they will start a relationship properly now.

She's welcome to him.

Thanks for all your support...think I'm going to need it for a bit longer!

OP posts:
nik76 · 24/07/2008 08:37

It must have been a hard decision however I think you probably felt better once you'd made it iykwim.

Sounds like he kind of felt the same if he just accepted it.

I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and although had to see why now, You will be happier in the long run.

Good luck x

FioFio · 24/07/2008 08:44

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

HappyWoman · 24/07/2008 08:46

oh i am so sorry you are having to go through this.
Hang on in there though - you can not carry on living like that. At least you do have some control back.

Are you going to seek legal advice - it might be for the best now even though you do not have to act on the advice at least you will know where you stand.

Take each day at a time and accept all the help you can.

My bet is a couple of months he will be wanting you back but then it will be up to you to see what you want.

Take care.

MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 09:00

Thanks!

I managed not to think about them all night, didn't cry once - think I am cried out - and even got some sleep LO has been as good as gold slept really well. Just busying myself sorting out practical stuff like cleaning and the financial bits like childcare for when I go back to work, tax credits etc

Pretty much all my friends know and are being so supportive. My parents are too.

Don't think he did go to her last night. Think he was at his parents - he's currently asleep on our driveway in the car - came back around 6.30am. Suppose on some level I do care and I'm glad that he didn't just go straight to her - although think it was more of a logistical reason why he didn't. Ive not spoken to him and don't intend to today. I've made plans and I'm going to do things for me and my DD.

My friend thinks that he will realise what he has lost and want me back at some point down the line. I'm not so sure but I know I can do this without him and I'm moving forward for me and my DD. If he wants to make another go of it I won't be jumping to his tune. IF and it's a big IF i was to even consider taking him back then there is a monumental amount of work and effort on his part before I could even consider thinking about being with him again.

Sure I will be on here throughout the day and over the coming weeks needing support - thanks so much for all your kind words x

OP posts:
MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 09:36

He's just txt to say he is sorry and asked if we can talk. I've ignored him so far. Then he txt again saying please can we talk.

My heart is saying let him come in cos this may be the opportunity to get some answers and maybe the last chance to salvage things...but do I really want to?. My head (and Best friend) is screaming NO do't do it! - he's been chucked out for less than 12hrs and is already crumbling.

He hasn't been to his parents yet so god knows where he has been driving round? at hers?

Should I ignore the txt? reply? see if he knocks on the door? arrggghhhhh

Help advice please

OP posts:
BandofMothers · 24/07/2008 09:41

Tell him to write everything he wants to say to you down in a letter, post it thru the door, then bugger off. Then you can read it and if it is anything that you want to hear, you can respond, without any contact and him begging and pleading and perhaps persuading you.

MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 10:09

Thanks! Before you replied I txt him and said I can't see what there is left to say. he said that he wants to say he is sorry. I've now txt to say He's already said Sorry. If he has anything more to say write me a letter, I have nothing to say to him at the moment.

No reply from him.

OP posts:
MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 10:35

Sooo glad I didn't agree to speak to him. He didn't reply just sent me a txt asking for some toiletries! which I obviously ignored. He has now driven off.

Prick!

OP posts:
HappyWoman · 24/07/2008 11:00

Try and stay dignified throughout this - you do not need to go down to his childish level.

It was the best thing i did - not to allow him to make me feel that i had done anything wrong.

He will want to shift the blame to you somehow it is the only way these men can justify their appalling behaviour to themselves or to others.

Try and be reasonable on all levels.
Make him up a bag and then ask him if there is anything else he needs, maybe arrange a day when he can come and sort out a lot of his stuff but maybe have a friend around. I found the boxing his stuff away very thearputic - and it gave us a lot more room.

He will soon know what he has given up - i just hope the ow is really worth it all.

Do take care of yourself though and do expect a rollercoaster of emotions.

BandofMothers · 24/07/2008 11:30

I guess he didn't have anything to say after all, good thing you didn't talk to him.

Stay strong, you will be okay. You have done the hardest bit in throwing him out, now you just have to live with the decision. You will be okay, and will probably soon be wishing you'd done it sooner.

youknownothingofthecrunch · 24/07/2008 13:07

Only just seen this. I'm sorry things didn't go better MHIs, but this was a long time coming.

You sound so strong (I'm sure you don't feel it), just keep going. Think about what needs doing today instead of what might happen in the future.

I stand by my belief that he is a prize pillock. Well done for not letting him in.

Do as HW says, stay reasonable but keep your distance.

I hope to God that the OW doesn't want him either. Sounds like he's feeling (rather deservedly) lost at the moment. Let him cope with the consequences of his actions for once.

On a more practical basis do you have your finances and things sorted? Do you have a joint account? It might be worth making sure you have your half of it IYSWIM.

dittany · 24/07/2008 13:40

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 15:07

Thanks for your support
Just been out with some friends popped home to get a few bits before going to a friends house for a chat.

Got plans to go see a neighbour this evening so filling my time nicely. need to keep busy.

Having a bit of a waver at the moment. Feeling very down. Not cos I think I've done the wrong thing just that I feel so hurt. Also wondering if I had let him in would he have been nice and we could have moved forward more positively.....but I know I am kidding myself - just can't help that feeling.

So I'm making sure I am out of his way and going to keep busy for the rest of the day/night

OP posts:
youknownothingofthecrunch · 24/07/2008 15:13

Keep going.

You were right not to let him in. If you were to give in now you would be his doormat forever - not healthy. He needs to get himself sorted, whatever happens, and that is not going to happen with you because you look after him.

I'm not going to be around for a few days but will check back in when I can. Stay strong. Keep yourself busy. And do not let him back in! Even if you were to have a relationship together in the future, you cannot have one now as he will not commit the way you need him to. You deserve so much better.

Good luck! Give your dd a big cuddle when you feel sad. xxx

HappyWoman · 24/07/2008 15:18

try not to waver - if he does ever want you back then he will need to do a lot more than just turn up and you not letting him in is not going to be the deal breaker is it.

Stay strong and keep doing what you are doing - keep busy and try and focus on things for you for the next few days at least.

Do take care with the finanaces - people do the stupidest things when upset and angry, so try and protect yourself.

Take all the help you can.

MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 15:22

Thank you I'm doing my best. Will be out for a few hrs now. Will phone my RL friend if I am in danger of wavering too much!

Got counselling next Wed but wondering wether to move it to Monday.....Think I will try to. Thoght I'd be okay til then but feeling shakey

OP posts:
youknownothingofthecrunch · 24/07/2008 15:45

That sounds like a good idea. Make sure you do get in touch with your friend if you need her. It will get better, but this first bit is really tough. Will be thinking of you a lot this weekend.

MyHeadIsSpinning · 24/07/2008 17:02

Just gone through the whole story with a friend...first time I'd told her. telling it has made me realise that not talking this morning hasn't jepordised anything if there is anything to jepordise.

Not heard or seen him since this morning. Don't know if he has told his parents yet.

Off out again now to cach up with another friend about what's been going on.

OP posts:
fawkeoff · 24/07/2008 18:50

you have to think about how you are going to get through each day right noww.....do not think about whether or not you will get back together....you need to deal with the facts......

you are currently not a couple....you have tried to be in a relationship again...but he has shit all over it again, you do not deserve that

you need to bag all his shit and leave it on the drive for him....or throw em in the bin whatever makes you feel better really you dont owe him a fucking thing.

as regards to the little one you have not failed her sweetie....he has and your conscience is clear, you can raise her knowing full well that he fucked up not you.

he doesnt even deserve to be a part of your beautiful family......and welcome her to him, let her pick his dirty clothes up and wash his skaggy boxers and socks

stay strong x