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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

Is it time to separate? help!

8 replies

MarellaJoy · 25/03/2024 07:14

Ladies who have separated how did you know it was time.. (it's a long one please bare with me)

Last year my husband admitted that he had a drug addiction. When we first met he did say he had previously 'tried things' but definitely made out like it was more of a one off thing... E.g at a stag do in ibiza. Turns out he basically takes cocaine everytime he goes out with his mates which is why he is so horrendous the next day and unable to function / parent. Although he's reduced his use since I found out he has no intrest in stopping (I have asked)... More so because he said he can't and he would need to give up alcohol to stop him getting the urge which he would never do. It makes me so anxious and I'm convinced he's going to end up seriously ill or having a heart attack!

Since this all came out I just can't see how I'll trust him again. How can someone hide this from you for 8 years?? I'm continually told that it's no big deal as all his friends / colleagues in his industry all do it (he works in finance) ...and that he has reduced it etc. It's revealed how different we are and feels like we are growing up and apart rather than together. If I look back and think about the type of husband I envisioned he just isn't that. For example.. He doesn't appreciate how much I do for our children, the house and him, whilst also working part time and running a business (my friends have commented that I'm basically a married single parent). I'm responsible for 90% of sorting the kids and the other 10% i have beg for help. He's not complementary at all. I've also recently started a new job and he's once again shown no level of support or intrest. He's so negative where as I am generally a positive person. We parent so differently...

At his Christmas party 2 months ago I couldn't help but notice how the other husbands would continually check in on their wives whilst also mingling. Whilst mine couldn't even remember to order me a drink whilst he was getting one for himself.

We have 2 kids (3 & 5) together and the thought of separating is so scary especially as he is the higher earner and I dont know how I'd be able to support me and the kids. We've tried couples therapy which was helpful in some ways but also revealed that he is quote happy with where we are at but I am definitely not.. I can't see how this will work long term and I really feel like I deserve some level of happiness and to be with someone who loves me wholeheartdly, is able to show it and doesn't do drugs everytime they go out. Does that exist???

OP posts:
RandomMess · 25/03/2024 07:19

Drugs would be a deal breaker for me tbh. Yes you deserve someone who doesn't have an addiction and is committed to parenting your shared DC as well as you.

Can you ask for a trial separation to see if that wakes him up to what he is going to lose?

MiltonNorthern · 25/03/2024 07:22

Of course that exists. Better to be single than in a bad marriage. He would have to financially support you.

JPGR · 25/03/2024 10:11

The drugs would be a complete turn off for me. He is acting like a bachelor instead of a married man with children. I know financially it might be hard for you initially but I think you would be better off apart. It doesn't sound like he would be interested in a 50:50 split with the children so would have to pay you maintenance.

user12343333333334 · 25/03/2024 10:18

Very similar situation to yours here. Different addiction though.
It took me 25 years to get out of it. I should have left 20 years ago.
My best years are behind me now.
You still have lots of good years ahead of you; where you can be happy.

MarellaJoy · 25/03/2024 23:07

RandomMess · 25/03/2024 07:19

Drugs would be a deal breaker for me tbh. Yes you deserve someone who doesn't have an addiction and is committed to parenting your shared DC as well as you.

Can you ask for a trial separation to see if that wakes him up to what he is going to lose?

If I had known when I met him there is no way I would have even got this far. So I totally agree.
I think a trial separation would help but a part of me thinks he would just really embrace and enjoy that bachelor life... Perhaps that would help me make the move.

OP posts:
MarellaJoy · 25/03/2024 23:10

MiltonNorthern · 25/03/2024 07:22

Of course that exists. Better to be single than in a bad marriage. He would have to financially support you.

It's so lovely to hear you say of course.. Ive been told time and time again (by him) that the grass isn't alway greener! He also says that being a mum with 2 kids wouldn't be very attractive. Im sure he was joking but now Im writing it... Feels like emotional blackmail.

OP posts:
MarellaJoy · 25/03/2024 23:10

Thank you. I'm only 33 so I'm really hopeful that happiness is possible!

OP posts:
NeurodivergentBurnout · 25/03/2024 23:25

I’m a single parent, have been for 2 years. It is tough. It’s difficult knowing you do it all on your own, knowing you rely on your wage, I do the majority of parenting.
In terms of splitting, look at practicalities - can you afford to stay on where you are? If not, what ca ln you afford? How much time would he have the kids? How much maintenance would he pay? You can use the child maintenance calculator and entitledto.com to see what support you’d get.
I would never suggest someone leaves a marriage hoping that ‘Mr Right’ is out there somewhere. Leaving because the grass seems greener is not a healthy approach. Leave because you’re unhappy and you believe you’d be happier alone.
FWIW I did meet someone lovely a year after I split from XH. No rush to move in together (both fixed in to mortgages and have DC to consider) but he makes me happy. I had to work through a lot related to XH before I was ready to date again though.

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