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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

Is it possible to make it work after breaking up?

4 replies

lurker1000 · 02/09/2024 16:17

So, I posted before - husband moved out a year ago (got a flat, previous gambling addict, upset I wasn't sharing inheritance - never said this, but was obvious - apparently he had to move out because I was so unreasonable).

For the past year, he has been back and forward - until three months ago when he has been back (but he still has his flat). This means that he isn't really committed - I pay all the bills for the house now (mortgage, council tax etc - which is thousands and am using my inheritance to make up the shortfall). He is paying for his flat - which he hasn't stayed in for three months, but he clearly wants to have it there (for back up?).

Don't get me wrong, him being back has been great for the kids. And when things are good, they are good. But like any former addict, there is a LOT of moods, I never quite know where I stand. I'm not perfect, but I work hard, I do anything for our kids, I pay all the bills. Because of the addiction past, there is a lot of walls up with our extended family - he doesn't really like seeing them and vice versa.

I think something in me has changed over the past year. The curtain has been pulled back - I don't want things to end, but I feel that I'm just not 'seen'. I guess I am hurt that he is happy for me to pay all the bills for a year (if he is paying for his own place), but I just feel a bit used. He will buy things for the kids etc, but not pay any maintenance. It almost feels like the flat is the place that his fall back - like at the slightest hint of trouble, he could be off. But if I question this, I feel that I am the one that would be unreasonable. Today, my youngest asked him 'Daddy, do you still have your flat?' - To which he replied, 'yes, do you want to visit it?'. I could have burst into tears, but didn't say anything.

Don't know why posting, just a hug!

OP posts:
TheMixedGirl · 02/09/2024 16:20

Sorry you're feeling bad. The only one who can change this is you. Either tell him if he is staying at yours full time he needs to contribute and get rid of his flat. Or, he comes over x times a week to see the kids but doesn't park himself at yours.
You need to speak to him and stick to your guns.

It doesn't sound like this is a fulfilling relationship

ActualChips · 02/09/2024 16:24

That's so damaging for your kids to have this parasitic man in and out of their home.
Divorce him and start a CMS claim, he's been robbing you all for long enough.

lurker1000 · 02/09/2024 19:01

Thanks both - I sometimes think I’m going crazy - he acts nice but I don’t really know where I stand and I know I need to have the conversation.

i know that he would take our youngest to see his flat ‘because he asked’ - and I’m only thinking of myself if I challenge this (it’s come up before). I feel that I’m being kept dangling, he’s paying rent in a two bed flat whilst I’m left with all the bills on our home. There is this perception that because I’ve got inheritance that this is ok - I fully appreciate that I’m really fortunate to be in this position.

I honestly wonder sometimes if he even likes me - he never asks about me or takes an interest - everything is about him, his recovery, how he feels etc. I’m not sure if this how addicts in recovery act.

OP posts:
weredormouse · 04/09/2024 12:54

My biggest concern (and this isn’t just about your situation but after lots of thinking about the subject in my own life) is what sort of boundaries you’re demonstrating to your children.

How would you feel if they were in this situation, and what would you want to happen? You can go for that for yourself. Worth it for you, and for them.

Best of luck with it all.

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