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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 do I get over this?

4 replies

Saa15 · 29/02/2024 14:57

Hi I wrote an earlier post staying my partner had canceled our upcoming wedding (may 2024) and said he no longer wanted to be with me. We have a 1 year old together and i have a 12 year old. we have both struggled since having baby mentally so I honestly just thought he was going through something.

I've since found out (off someone else) that he has been having an affair, he has admitted that yes he went for a night away with someone 2 weeks ago but won't tell me anything else like who it is and how long it's been going on. We have hardly spoke to each other since new years day when he left, he's totally just cut me out.

Now I know there's no going back I just need help on how to navigate things going forward? I have so much going around in my head, who is it? How long? Does he love her? Is he with her now? Was anything from our relationship real? I'm literally going insane! This has really knocked me and I'm really not in a good state of mind but want to get better for the sake of the children. I've lost 20lbs, can't sleep, constantly breaking down, off work and can't get out of bed when I havent got my baby. I've also been having regular counciling sessions.

How do I move forward? What is the best way to navigate co parenting? He has her 2 nights one week and 3 nights the next but I never have to see him as drop offs are through family. I don't know how i would feel or what I would do if I see him. I just want to get better and move forward.

The other thing is we jointly own our home and he is wanting to put the house up for sale. Whilst I can afford all of the mortgage on my own, they won't give me the mortgage solely. I'm really not in any fit state to be moving away from the home I love and I do beleive that I should be able to get the mortgage on my own in the coming years when I get payrises and the market settles. Can he force the sale?

All of this is not only effecting me but my 12 year old too and I'm worried what this is doing to him especially if we have to move.

Please help a very broken mammy on how to move on

OP posts:
Catoo · 29/02/2024 20:08

I’m so sorry OP.

My mortgage lender also would not let me take on the mortgage alone. I found a great mortgage advisor. He did all the work. Found me a great mortgage with another lender and I even bought my ex out by increasing the mortgage. His advice was free, he got his cut from the mortgage lender not me.

If you do have to sell, try to reframe as a fresh start for you and your DC. Hugs x
💐

FairyMaclary · 29/02/2024 20:49

I am sorry op.

There is a book called Love Yourself Like Your Life Depends On It by Kamil Ravikant. Read and do the exercises as instructed.
However daft you feel doing the exercises, keep doing them. And then do them some more.

It works on changing the thought processes.
The book is written by a man who was in a dark place. He tells you what to do. It’s not hypothetical or ‘think nice thoughts’ or ‘do the work’.

It is very clear instructions, do this exact task, do another. It’s repetitive and simple. No thought required 😁.

Then take care of yourself. Speak to yourself like you would your best friend. Kindly and thoughtfully. If you have a pet sit and stroke them and talk to them.

Yoga try Adrianne. Look for yoga for stress. Really work on your yoga breathing. Learn where stress is in your body and how you feel the stress. Practice daily. Force yourself to.

Then read Gottmans work. Learn what a relationship should be and how to be a great partner. This may help you count your lucky stars that he has gone.

Cheaters don’t cheat because of their partner. You can’t MAKE someone betray their own values and beliefs. He has a but in his fidelity. He does not truly believe in monogamy.

I am faithful for me. I choose daily to remain faithful. I don’t remain faithful for my husband - he is very annoying at times. My words, integrity and self worth matter to ME. I chose to say vows in front of Friends and family, they meant something to me. If my words are meaningless who am I? So I am faithful and honest for me. My husband is my collateral damage.

I cannot make someone be faithful, honest or loyal. If I cook them steak on a Tuesday, shag them twice a day and join them in their hobby how can that increase their honesty, loyalty and self worth? It can’t. Being faithful is a daily choice. Cheaters lie to themselves and then others around them. You didn’t cause it. You were just collateral damage to his poor personality traits.

Cheaters often have other poor characteristics. Poor impulse control, lying, addictions, poor communication, avoidance, people pleasing, needing ego kibbles, cannot self soothe, defensiveness etc. They think others are responsible for their happiness.

Write down YOUR values. Pin them to the fridge and live by them Every single day. Build up your self worth and self esteem. Write why your value is important and what you do to demonstrate it. Journal each evening. 3 things you loved and how you demonstrated your values.

I wish you well op. But be kind to yourself. I promise you that YOU are the prize here. So tell yourself that and treat yourself well.

I wish you a happy future.

FairyMaclary · 29/02/2024 21:06

Few more books. Cheating in a nutshell.

What happened to you by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey.

Brene Browns ted talk on YouTube. Mark Manson on YouTube (I understand some don’t like him but you can leave any bits you’re not keen on). He has a great weekly newsletter that he emails out and a podcast.

Own your past. Change your future by Delaney.

The body keeps the score - but you may find your brain is too scatty and disorganised for this at the minute.

Cheating causes a type of PTSD. Look up the symptoms of PISD.

You CAN come out of this stronger. You need to allow the feelings. Scream, rage, cry. Then do it again. Write it down and burn it. Then do it all again. And again. I read that Repetitive behaviour helps trauma. Repeat your story to a friend who understand a trauma or is willing to learn about it. Tapping. Rocking. Skipping. Bounce a ball. Throw a ball back and forth to your 12 year old. Go play footy every night with him. Kick the ball back and forth. Roll a ball with your little one. Or a car back and forth. Or Colouring.

Play music from a happy time in your life. Maybe music from being a teenager. Dance and sing.

Longer term If you understand yourself better, become more knowledgable and are an even better friend and partner going forward than that is a win. Change your story. It will take 2plus years but you will get there. Use this time to learn about you and your values and your passions. Make the time count. Small changes and force yourself.

User442681bgt · 29/02/2024 21:08

You have been totally betrayed and it is not easy to get over that. Ive said it before and will say so again - it takes time. You are in a limbo and don't know what is going to happen and that can be terrifying. It really is step by step. You have the contact sorted out so that is a good step. Is he paying to support her? Have you laid down rules about where she is/who she is exposed to etc? All that you are feeling is totally normal. Now as regards the OW - will knowing who she is make any difference really? Again I know how normal it is to want to know this as my EX H cheated on me with a mutual friend. You can sit and question your whole life with him before but it really isn't bringing anything positive to you in this instance. I can't help as regards the mortgage but as a PP said shop around. Is he still contributing to the mortgage and general maintenance of the bills? If there is anything needs doing eg a repair , direct debits or a boiler service keep the receipts. If he expects to benefit from the sale of the house then he needs to pay his dues. I'm so sorry this has happened to you and it will all work out for the best even though it seems horrific right now. If you are struggling with focus speak to your doc about a mild anxiety pill - sometimes we all need that little bit of help.

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