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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

How to cope with next steps??

11 replies

WhatamIthinking1 · 10/08/2024 15:42

Hi all, (slightly long - sorry)

I've posted a couple of times recently about struggling with what to do with regards my relationship. In short we've been struggling for a while, every time I've asked for space to think/work out what I want etc I've not been given it as he just doesn't listen.
He wrote me a letter a couple of weeks ago about his feelings and what he wanted and needed etc and asked for clarity from me as I wasn't sure (hence needing space, but not being allowed it). I sent him a long letter explaining everything going on in my head, things I've been struggling with, the way I see it, the hurt and damage we have both been doing to each other and explained how as hard as it is, I don't think we are compatible (this is from help with replies on my previous thread, so thank you) and maybe we should call it a day.
He pushed for a reply to his letter, hence the one I sent him was initially started the day after when he was asking for an answer to what I wanted, even though emotions were high and I wanted to reply respectfully and thoughtfully, rather than just playing a blaming game, yet again like may aspects of the relationship he kept pressuring me, making it all about him. So I got it done over a few days and sent it him. He took it to work to read on Monday just gone (I did advise that may not be appropriate, but that's his decision) - he text me that night saying he had read it and he admitted he knew I was hurting, but he just didn't realise how much pain, as admitted he was too wrapped up in his own selfish self-pity and loneliness. He admitted instead of trying to force the amount of love he has to give on me, he should have been listening, like I'd been asking him too. He admitted how much he cares for me and that he's messed things up. Admitted he knows I've tried so hard and that he never meant to hurt me. He did say that everything I wrote in my letter would take some time for him to digest and come to turns with. He did say he was going to try and stay out of the way to give me this space (has ability to work late the odd night) and will stay at his dads at weekends going forward.
We own the house and he says he can't travel from his dads everyday (about 1 hour drive away).

What I'm coming on her for this time is with regards the message I've just got which has completely floored me and I don;t know how to cope - basically as much as he was working late to give space etc, he's completely ignore me this week - I've heard him sneaking in at 1/2 am every morning (which has then left me awake for hours) -he's sleeping in another room so hasn't come into me. However despite saying he was going to spend weekends with his dad for a few weeks, he has said this previously and not gone, however I wasn't chasing him - he actually saw my daughter yesterday am on his way out and he said to her that he was going to his dads this weekend as he had his son - well at least I then knew, but I had stupidly hoped he would at least be man enough to just send a message to confirm he was definitely not here.
He eventually messaged later on, to ask if I'm okay as hasn't seen me since Sunday, it may seem like he has been purposefully avoiding me and he guessed in a way he was. He admitted that after reading my letter just how much pain and torment I'm struggling with, not just between us but in every aspect of my life and he has come to realise just how much being with him has massively added to the decline in my mental health over the years (just short of 4 yrs together) He said he was sorry and he's failed to love me, protect and look after me. He said my letter gave him closure ( I did say at the bottom of my letter I would never want to end a relationship over letter or a text - so expected him to come and talk to me at least)

Anyway I replied and advised that I appreciate giving me space was good, but him rocking in at 1/2am every night is not normal, advised it's kept me up - to which he hasn't apologised for. He ignored this part at first but has just admitted aside from work and seeing his eldest son sometimes, he's been on calls with a female friend who is also lonely and they talk about anything and everything - he's admitted this isn't what I wanted to hear but it's the truth!! This has just hit me like a ton of bricks as I knew there was more too it. He said he;s not trying to hurt me but he needs to live his life and I need to live mine. He said he's not going to apologise for feeling like this anymore.
What's really upset me is, I've been trying so hard to ask for space to think, he's constantly pressured me into giving answers, sulked when he hasn't got his way or attention from me and I've had to put up with it. But he's now just suddenly decided to give space now he wants and has clearly a female friend to give him that comfort he needs!! Tbh apart from married older women at work, as far as I knew he didn't have any female friends.

Sorry this is longer than I hoped and I;m not even sure if I've made much sense as I've tried to explain but not go into every details. Nor do I know what I expect from posting as I know it's definitely over, but I just don't know what to do as I can't afford to be on my own, I've no family support and don;t really have anyone I can talk too. I thought I was doing the right thing, explaining how and what I've been struggling with as he asked, but now I feel I've shot myself in the foot and he's using everything I've said against me.
I just feel so hurt and like I never meant that much for him - he can't even bring himself to talk to me, it's always over text, yet denies being a coward! I'm not saying I'm innocent or perfect, but I genuinely feel so used and even more broken than I was already.
Am I wrong to feel like him admitting to moving, talking to another female friend who is lonely and his sudden change of attitude is not right?? (bearing in mind, he has supposedly been cheated on before!) How the heck are we supposed to live in the same house now? (well when he rocks in that is!!)

As I said I'm sorry this is so long, please be kind if you read and reply - i'm just feeling so lost, broken and scared right now and I honestly don't know what to do. I've cried through writing this, so sorry if any mistakes (need to sort myself out before I pick my daughter up from a club at 4.30pm!)

OP posts:
softsummerrain · 10/08/2024 16:38

Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through—it sounds incredibly tough, and your feelings are completely valid. It's clear that you've been trying so hard to communicate and to work things out in a thoughtful way, and it's really unfair that he's only now decided to give you space on his terms, especially with this sudden connection to another woman.

It's no wonder you're feeling hurt and confused. It seems like he's shifting the focus to what works best for him without considering the impact on you. It’s also really unsettling when someone you’ve been with for so long can’t even face you to talk things through properly. You deserve so much more than that.

Living in the same house under these circumstances sounds incredibly difficult. I wish I could offer a quick fix, but it might be a case of taking things one step at a time. Maybe start by focusing on what you need most right now—whether that’s finding a bit of peace, getting support from a friend, or just taking care of yourself and your daughter.

You're definitely not wrong to feel the way you do. It's okay to feel hurt and to be upset about how things are playing out. It's a lot to handle, and it’s not something anyone should have to go through alone. If you ever need to talk or just vent, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care of yourself, and remember you’re stronger than you feel right now. You're doing the best you can in a really tough situation, and that’s more than enough.

Sending you lots of strength and a big virtual hug. 💛

Biggaybear · 10/08/2024 17:04

Sorry, yoo long to read it all but from what I got from it was ......

You wanted time to think about things and when he gave you that time (admittedly by ignoring you) you weren't happy. Can't win can he ? Him coming in late & you not being able to sleep isn't his problem. Maybe try ear plugs or sleeping tablets. It's his house too & he is allowed to come & go as he pleases, as long as he us respectful and doesn't make a noise.

Looks like your relationship has run its course. Agree to sell it & go your separate ways.

I know it's hard splitting up & wanting answers. Sometimes OH's arent in a position or have the mental capacity to give them to you when you want. Thats for you to deal with and to not keep sending letters or texts liking sir answers.

Let it go.

WhatamIthinking1 · 11/08/2024 06:50

softsummerrain · 10/08/2024 16:38

Hi there,

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through—it sounds incredibly tough, and your feelings are completely valid. It's clear that you've been trying so hard to communicate and to work things out in a thoughtful way, and it's really unfair that he's only now decided to give you space on his terms, especially with this sudden connection to another woman.

It's no wonder you're feeling hurt and confused. It seems like he's shifting the focus to what works best for him without considering the impact on you. It’s also really unsettling when someone you’ve been with for so long can’t even face you to talk things through properly. You deserve so much more than that.

Living in the same house under these circumstances sounds incredibly difficult. I wish I could offer a quick fix, but it might be a case of taking things one step at a time. Maybe start by focusing on what you need most right now—whether that’s finding a bit of peace, getting support from a friend, or just taking care of yourself and your daughter.

You're definitely not wrong to feel the way you do. It's okay to feel hurt and to be upset about how things are playing out. It's a lot to handle, and it’s not something anyone should have to go through alone. If you ever need to talk or just vent, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Take care of yourself, and remember you’re stronger than you feel right now. You're doing the best you can in a really tough situation, and that’s more than enough.

Sending you lots of strength and a big virtual hug. 💛

Thank you for reading and replying, I'm sorry it was so long! Wasn't supposed to be, I was so emotional.
Thank you for acknowledging my feelings too.
It just hurts so much, he turned really horrible after that initial message that prompted this thread. It's like sixe this nre female friend has been on the scene he can suddenly ignore me and give me space, however even last weekend he was sulking around the house wanting to watch me get dressed, pining for attention, saying how much he loved me, hiw we could have this amazing home and life together etc,etc.

It's from everything he's been saying to me, that's confused me and made me wonder if I'm missing something, hence asking for some space to think but he's never allowed me it.
He followed up the first message saying we've not been together for months, which we never said, he even booked a hotel 3 weeks ago for us to go away for the night (I said it felt too much pressure, but also had to cancel as my daughter had a competition so timings wouldn't work).

I just feel so hurt and lost its horrible.

OP posts:
WhatamIthinking1 · 11/08/2024 07:01

Biggaybear · 10/08/2024 17:04

Sorry, yoo long to read it all but from what I got from it was ......

You wanted time to think about things and when he gave you that time (admittedly by ignoring you) you weren't happy. Can't win can he ? Him coming in late & you not being able to sleep isn't his problem. Maybe try ear plugs or sleeping tablets. It's his house too & he is allowed to come & go as he pleases, as long as he us respectful and doesn't make a noise.

Looks like your relationship has run its course. Agree to sell it & go your separate ways.

I know it's hard splitting up & wanting answers. Sometimes OH's arent in a position or have the mental capacity to give them to you when you want. Thats for you to deal with and to not keep sending letters or texts liking sir answers.

Let it go.

Sorry it was too long for you to read, however I have tried to explain the situation as best I can to be fair!

I've been asking for space for ages as he's been pressuring me and has no self control when it comes to me, he couldn't even cuddle me without getting a hard on. He was constantly blaming me for no self control. When I've asked for space he's constantly messaged or planed things for us to do and when it involves kids, it's hard. He's just completely ignored when I've asked for space - he even admitted it last week, said he should have listened.
This is why it hurts, I've been trying so hard but he's ignored me, made me feel like it's my fault he has no self control, like my feelings aren't valid. It's only when clearly this new female friend has come on the scene he's changed suddenly done what he wants and it's allowed him to give me that space. Apparently she's lonely too - well so am I, but he's ignored my feelings.
The whole letter this was him, he asked for clarity etc (this is clearly why as he already has someone lined up), he couldn't see I was getting more frustrated because of how he was not giving me space. I replied as he kept pressing me too, in it I even said I would never want to end a relationship over a letter or text as that's not right, but he's just thought of himself as per usual.

Easy to say let it go, when you've been together 4 years, live together and have been trying to build a family together and he's constantly fed you with how much he will do what it takes to give me that. But I'll 'get over it' I guess in time - it just hurts and makes me feel even more worthless than I did before.

OP posts:
WhatamIthinking1 · 11/08/2024 07:28

Just as a further update he carried on yesterday afternoon saying we've not been together for months, since he moved into the other room to sleep (which was because he has no control over his serial urges to me and it was the only way he could stop himself - his decision, I wish he could control it and not make me feel I'm wrong for not wanting to be groped and pressured into having sex all the time). He constantly said it's my fault he has no control, which has made me question myself.
At no point apart from me saying 'I'm done' when we've argued (which he has ignored and carried on as normal, told me everything we could have together etc) have we said we are not together.
He's been asking to make love to me constantly, says how much he misses me, done normal weekend things together, talked about us going on a last minute holiday all together - this was 2 weeks ago!! So now he's clearly got someone to give him attention and allow him a distraction, he's ignored me, turned nasty and suddenly we've no longer been together for months!
The worst bit is, at this point he also admitted he spoke to a solicitor last month to find out his options with regards the house. He sent me a screen shot of the email which calls me his ex-partner!!

I've thought about doing this, but he was constantly pushing for how much we can build a life together, I just wanted to headspace first!

What's annoying is it took me to educate him on contacting a solicitor for advice with his ex-wife as he wasn't when she had a solicitor (they still are not divorced due to military complex issues!!) now he not messing about! It's like I've helped him with all of that and he's now turned on me.
I've started to think that how he's treating me and lining up another relationship whilst we were still in my mind still together (albeit struggling) is what actually happened with his ex-wife - I did call him out on how long they had been split at one time as he contradicted himself.

I feel used, like he's going to throw back at me what he's spent on the house (I.e trying to decorate), yet I've paid for some and other things, but he earns more.
He knows I can't afford to be on my own and he's played it against me but vowed he never would! I lived in our house prior to meeting him, but it was rented and it was suddenly put up for sale, hence buying it. It's been my home for so much longer and he said its never felt like his home, but wants to rip it away from me and my daughter.

I'll find my feet and fight back but it's horrible. I feel insignificant and stupid. And just like him incredibly lonely.
I was trying to be fair and look at both sides, but in his words he is a very 'black and white' person - so guess I'm never going to get anywhere am I!

Sorry I'll try shorter replies!

OP posts:
ZekeZeke · 11/08/2024 07:37

What a drip feed. He is abusive.
The relationship is over.
You need to go your separate ways.
Sell the house and be done with it or buy him out
It's over!

Happyinarcon · 11/08/2024 08:09

He’s abusive, telling you about the other woman was a ploy to get you to chase him. Everything is manipulation, smoke and mirrors. Finish up with the relationship. You can do this quickly or waste another 18 months of your life being hoodwinked. The more serious he thinks you are about leaving the more he will promise to change but nothing will change. It’s ok to break up over text or letter, it doesn’t make any difference.

WhatamIthinking1 · 11/08/2024 16:09

ZekeZeke · 11/08/2024 07:37

What a drip feed. He is abusive.
The relationship is over.
You need to go your separate ways.
Sell the house and be done with it or buy him out
It's over!

Thanks! It wasn't suppose to be a drop feed! As I've said I wanted to try and be informative and give a broad explanation but also aware it's hard to do in short?
Feels like you can't win however you post on these threads sometimes (yes I am quite new to it as didn't dare for a long time for this reason!).
Anyway, I know its over! That it's done!
Thanks for showing compassion! Unfortunately like many people, it's not always just as easy as sell it or buy it out, when prices for both buying and renting are through the roof and you can't afford it alone! But don't worry I'll find a way!

OP posts:
WhatamIthinking1 · 11/08/2024 16:11

Happyinarcon · 11/08/2024 08:09

He’s abusive, telling you about the other woman was a ploy to get you to chase him. Everything is manipulation, smoke and mirrors. Finish up with the relationship. You can do this quickly or waste another 18 months of your life being hoodwinked. The more serious he thinks you are about leaving the more he will promise to change but nothing will change. It’s ok to break up over text or letter, it doesn’t make any difference.

Thank you! Yes I've come to realise that now from plenty of reading of things.
He's never going to change and tbh I'm glad we are done. It's just a painful time to negotiate as neither of us can afford to move on really - especially me as I earn a bit less and property has gone up a lot where I am. It's hard when you have a child and school to think about. But I'll find a way, I'm a fighter - I'll get through it.
I just needed to rant/get it out as I was so hurt yesterday/before, so thank you for reading and replying x
Currently on woth D.I.Y so certainly not moping about after him lol x

OP posts:
ZekeZeke · 11/08/2024 21:11

Apologies, my post was snipey. I'm sorry you are going through a difficult time.
You sound like a strong person and you will do the right thing

WhatamIthinking1 · 12/08/2024 21:51

ZekeZeke · 11/08/2024 21:11

Apologies, my post was snipey. I'm sorry you are going through a difficult time.
You sound like a strong person and you will do the right thing

No worries and apologies if I took it a bit wrong too with being so emotional!
Thank you very much for apologising, that means a lot xx

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