Hello everyone.
About 2 weeks ago my partner of 13 years told me he wants to leave. He doesn't see me as a partner anymore more like a sister and nothing will change that. We have a 6 year old daughter together who is also autistic.
We have been 'unhappy' a long time, there's issues that I don't want to go into with intimacy that were long standing, and also we have both been through a hell of a lot of crap together. As well as raising our daughter who is wonderful but it has been very challenging.
It's never been a toxic household, we don't argue shout or fight. But it's not been 'right for a long time'. I do shoulder some of the blame, which adds to my feelings of guilt & regret. He is also far from blameless in terms of never communicating with me or making attempts at 'fixing things'.
Despite this I love him a lot, he's my best friend and I cannot imagine life without him. Our daughter absolutely idolises him and she's so content and happy in her home with us both. I've no idea how she is going to deal with this change and terrified I'm not strong enough to cope alone. I've done nothing but cry when she's not around and feel physical pain in my stomach.
We are waiting until May for him to leave as we have holidays booked and need to sort out finances. That's another issue as he doesn't have a high paying job or drive, I'm breaking my heart thinking how it's all going to work. He won't even have a place of his own she csn visit.
I'm trying to process my own heartbreak and fear of the future whilst being terrified for my daughter.
Anyone have any words of wisdom, or can tell me this won't hurt forever.
S x
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Relationships
Heart is breaking. Need advice & support
Sjay123 · 10/04/2024 20:22
frozendaisy · 10/04/2024 20:40
So he's just going to go without putting in place a home he can have his daughter to stay?
Meaning he gets to make the decision to walk out and take no co-parenting responsibility?
He waltzes out to be free and single again?
I don't think so.
Have you not told him 50/50? Which means 50% of school drop.offs and pick ups? Or does he get to pursue hobbies, rest, new relationship perhaps, whilst you will be looking after both of your daughter full time?
Fine he can not be your partner but he can't suddenly not be a dad.
And you aren't angry about this OP?
I would take him to the cleaners and make sure he did his fair share of parenting. Perhaps he would understand you more if he had to do it all at least some of the time.
Honestly OP. Fuck this arrangement.
Burntouted · 11/04/2024 16:30
I'm sorry for the pain you're experiencing. It could be that he's realized the relationship isn't working and needs to prioritize his own well-being. The relationship hasn't been healthy in a long time.
He's been unhappy for a while and stayed for the child's sake, but he can't pretend anymore. Even if you don't see your relationship as toxic, living in unhappiness isn't healthy.
Whether it's another woman or not doesn't matter; what's crucial is co-parenting and ensuring stability for your daughter. He may become more involved later, or he may not.
Regardless, if he chooses to step back, you'll have to carry on and take care of your daughter as best you can. I hope things work out for all involved.
ThisIsaNiceDress · 11/04/2024 18:40
You don’t prioritise your own well being at the expense of your own child. See her once a week? She’s not a tv show. That’s utterly ridiculous. He has responsibilities and can’t just take off like that. Absolute nonsense, sorry. OP should not have to pick up all the slack. He needs to pull his weight when it comes to his own child and 50/50 is what he should do. Mothers are not slaves.
Burntouted · 11/04/2024 16:30
I'm sorry for the pain you're experiencing. It could be that he's realized the relationship isn't working and needs to prioritize his own well-being. The relationship hasn't been healthy in a long time.
He's been unhappy for a while and stayed for the child's sake, but he can't pretend anymore. Even if you don't see your relationship as toxic, living in unhappiness isn't healthy.
Whether it's another woman or not doesn't matter; what's crucial is co-parenting and ensuring stability for your daughter. He may become more involved later, or he may not.
Regardless, if he chooses to step back, you'll have to carry on and take care of your daughter as best you can. I hope things work out for all involved.
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