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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

Husband abandoned me and two kids by text message and emigrated to New Zealand

515 replies

Cleme · 20/09/2024 05:50

It has been a difficult time. Two weeks ago my husband of 17 years abandoned me and my two children, 9 and 13. He did this by text message when we were walking back from swimming. It was 4 days before ny daughter's birthday. Just writing this makes me feel appauled by his behaviour.

He has gone to New Zealand to start a new life with a woman he met online. He met her a few years ago but only met her last October in person for the the first time. He told me he had been offered a work opportunity and went for 10 days. I thought it was a bit odd but I didn't question it. I always trusted him. I always supported him in what he wanted to do.

When he came back he told me he was leaving me for this woman. I pleaded with him to stay. In the end he did. He promised to cut contact. I thought he had but he never did. Behind my back he applied for a job out there and arranged his visa and medical.

I thought we were working through things. We went on holiday over the summer, had a good time.

The last few years have been a bit tricky. His mother died from cancer this year after a long illness. He has been drinking heavily and on the sly.

I am so desperate for me and my children. I did love him very much. How can I get over this and move forward. At the moment I can't get out of a constant doom-loop of no sleep, crying and messaging him.

OP posts:
TooManyBloodyMarys · 24/12/2024 09:46

New to the thread but just wanted to say you sound amazing @Cleme Your children are so lucky to have you and everyone must me so proud of you. I hope you all have a happy Christmas and all the best for 2025.

Mumdiva99 · 24/12/2024 10:07

Wow you are amazing. You sound like you are doing all the right things. Whilst this Christmas may be difficult, you really are a baddass.

Emelene · 26/12/2024 00:35

I’m hoping you’ve had a fantastic Christmas. You and your kids are doing amazing.

CleansUpButWouldPreferNotTo · 26/12/2024 10:27

Hope you had a very happy Christmas @Cleme - your children have a fantastic mum! Best wishes for a great year ahead..

Deathraystare · 26/12/2024 15:19

He is a cowardly empty ball sack is what he is. Good riddance!

Annonymiss123 · 03/01/2025 13:09

I hope you and your DC enjoyed your Christmas adventure @Cleme and that 2025 will be good to you.

monicasonia · 22/05/2025 12:44

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monicasonia · 22/05/2025 12:44

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OchreRaven · 22/05/2025 14:30

How is life @Cleme ? Hope you and the kids are living life to the full.

Gingerbis · 16/06/2025 19:03

Cleme · 20/09/2024 08:36

Much as I would absolutely love this to happen I fear it might be going down the wrong road.

I guess he will get a pile of metaphorial dog poo soon enough X

Thanks all - this has made me laugh A LOT!

Any update OP?!

Ilikeadrink14 · 16/06/2025 19:26

CharlotteLightandDark · 20/09/2024 08:01

Do you think his bump on the head actually caused personality change? This can happen, particularly with impulse control.

either way it’s absolutely horrendous and you’re doing an amazing job!

That’s true about a bump on the head causing a personality change. My MiL had a serious bang on the head and had to have an operation to reduce the swelling. When she recovered, she was far nicer, calmer, slower to criticise and altogether more bearable.

MrsPerfect12 · 17/06/2025 00:28

Hope you’re all doing well @Cleme

Hippywannabe · 04/10/2025 23:59

Was thinking of you today @Cleme . How are things now? X

madaboutpurple · 05/10/2025 12:35

I often think about you as well. You deserve happiness in your life. I remember you have a group of friends and I reckon you could ask them do they know a wonderful man who is single. It could be worthwhile to be able to meet someone at least for coffee and then find out if there is a future for the two of you.

Whatsappweirdo · 11/03/2026 21:09

Thinking of you a year on and hoping you are ok @Cleme x

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