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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

What would you do in my shoes?

2 replies

BentFork · 23/04/2024 08:33

My good friend is in a highly toxic & controlling marriage. She wanted to leave but has lifelong epilepsy & has episodes frequently , often requiring an ambulance after injuring herself. She is unemployable due to these issues & relies on her dh to care for her. She doesn't want to lose the house or lifestyle she has, just wants her dh to leave but keep paying the bills, which he never will. Even her dc have given up now & gone nc. After 20+ years as friends, I am now tired of the situation. I can't forget all the terrible things she's told me about what goes on in private, yet she wants me to go along with 'it's all ok'. She is losing/has lost most of herself. Our conversation when we meet only revolves around what he's doing/buying/choosing. She's in her late 60s. I don't believe she will ever build up to leaving again after her last attempt stressed her so much she had a massive seizure. She has no income & is not safe to live independently. She has no family she could move in with.

What would you do to improve this friendship? How can I change how I feel about it? I don't even go round for coffee any more because I hate the household atmosphere. I really feel for her because it's not her fault she has epilepsy and she has few friends because of it. But I hate this never-ending toxic dynamic.

OP posts:
TrueMonday · 23/04/2024 09:14

If you don't like going there, could she come to you instead? Could you collect her if she doesn't drive?

Pinkbonbon · 23/04/2024 15:39

I guess I have three questions

  1. If he dies would his life insurance cover her expenditure for life?
  2. Does she have a patio?
  3. How good a friend are you really... ?

And actually, 4. Would the life insurance stretch to hiring a hot young caregiver for spounge baths?5, if you find an organisation that provides such services, can you send me their number?

In all seriousness though op, it doesn't sound like there much you can do. Even her own kids have ran for the hills. Maybe take their example.

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