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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

Feeling trapped by ex husband

27 replies

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:17

I don’t even know where to start .. but I need some advice. Please no judgement as I can only tell so much about my journey ..

My ex-husband and I met abroad right after I finished university. It was a summer romance, and when I unexpectedly got pregnant, we decided to move to his country to build a stable life. We married, had our son, and he found a job, but we never really got to know each other well. Over time, I realized he was extremely negative—small issues like a flat tire would ruin his mood, and he was often unsupportive when I was sick or needed help. He’d complain about things like time or money, and it seemed like everything was too hard for him.

our marriage start crumble and when I suggest we try different things he would normally say I live in fantasy world. I really tried I was loyal I took care of kids , I made the sacrifice to be in in his country away from everyone and everything because I knew I could take it and I knew I could adapt. I had depression , and healed myself then fell pregnant with our second child things start to look better a little bit at least I thought. In the birth of our daughter I had to stay in hospital two weeks before because risk birth. With two weeks our daughter was born trough csection we got home and with two days I contracted a serious infection on my wound my midwife said I had to go back to maternity when I go there the doctor said : because u just gave birth u have high risk of sepsis with this infection so they had to keep me in and when they informed me and my husband he just got so angry and said :AGAIN. So the doctor told him off and said out of this room. And once he went out the room he left hospital and that night I stood alone crying hold a hand of a nurse and lost all my love I had for him we were done there ..

After healing physically felt ready to ask for a divorce. He didn’t want it, claiming he’d change, and we should give our ten years one last try. I agreed, but nothing changed. During COVID, I felt trapped and emotionally drained, which led me to seek an escape online. I “fell in love” with someone and decided to meet him, telling my husband we were done first yet lying tonwhere I was going and what I was doing. After meeting the man, I returned home feeling terrible; I never wanted to cheat, but he made me feel loved. I continued this cycle until I could no longer lie, and eventually, I told my ex that we were truly finished.

I’m not here to use my story as excuse for cheating , I have ask forgiveness myself and I’m try heal of this guilty that I feel.

I became a single mother to my two kids. My ex-husband still blames me for ruining his life. Whenever I ask for financial help or about the kids, he reacts badly, claiming he’s mentally done. I knew we’d struggle financially after our split, so I told him I wouldn’t ask for money until he was stable, only asking for help with gas or food if he could. I haven’t pressured him about money, but lately, he hasn’t been seeing the kids as often also. When I question him, he responds he wishes he didn’t wake up and other heavy stuff communicating is so so difficult.

So I’m constantly waking in egg shells against him scared that he will kill himself and will be my sins that destroyed his life. I’m done mentally I try move on, forgive myself and be the best version of myself for my kids. I try my best understandin him so we have healthy co parent and still I’m the worst.

Today he come at my home and asked for a cigarette I said I didn’t had any so he says how u blow ur money so fast u have no bills. I’m stay at home parent and he hasn’t help with any money for a very long time , yet he comes and make me feel shit about everything. I don’t know what to do anymore .. I’m so lost and so down maybe those are the forever consequences of my actions …
Sorry for long text ..

OP posts:
AnneLovesGilbert · 03/11/2024 23:21

Are you in the U.K.?

GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:24

Looking at your choice and spelling of words, are you American and what country did you go to, to be with your husband? This is primarily a UK based forum so people here may not be able to properly advise you. Can you speak to a doctor (physician) or a charity that advises people?

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:27

I’m in UK. From South American originally. Have being living here for over 11 years

OP posts:
LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:28

AnneLovesGilbert · 03/11/2024 23:21

Are you in the U.K.?

Yes I’m.

OP posts:
GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:29

So you are in UK with a UK citizen with children born in the UK?

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:33

GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:29

So you are in UK with a UK citizen with children born in the UK?

Yes. Both of my kids are British as their dad is British also. And I'm resident here also.

OP posts:
GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:36

Is the person you are with in UK a British citizen or a resident of UK. The two are different. I'd probably advise going to a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). There is one in every town mainly. They advise whoever approaches them whether they are British or not

GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:37

Right, crossed message ...

Meanwhile33 · 03/11/2024 23:39

He sounds like a shit and that’s not your fault. Do you still live with him?

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:40

Meanwhile33 · 03/11/2024 23:39

He sounds like a shit and that’s not your fault. Do you still live with him?

No we have being living separately for two years now. I'm in my own house with my two kids.

OP posts:
GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:41

I think you might benefit from a doctor's appointment to talk over your stress about the partner threatening to harm himself, and CAB about your rights for you and your children

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:43

GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:36

Is the person you are with in UK a British citizen or a resident of UK. The two are different. I'd probably advise going to a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB). There is one in every town mainly. They advise whoever approaches them whether they are British or not

Hmm I understand your point about the nationality thing. But honestly I don't even see myself as different as anyone. I'm just here i don't even know why .. my circle of friends are small here , as I don't get to go out and meet anyone often. I have being thinking contact citizens advice and ask for some help ? But what kind help will they give me ? I have my own house , I'm on benefits at moment looking for jobs as my daughter have started school. I'm just lost how can I break this cycle of not being affected by this person .. z

OP posts:
Meanwhile33 · 03/11/2024 23:44

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:40

No we have being living separately for two years now. I'm in my own house with my two kids.

That’s good. I think you need to ignore whatever threats he makes abot things he’s going to do to himself, he’s just trying to control you. He’s responsible for himself, you’re not responsible for him.

Starlightstarbright3 · 03/11/2024 23:50

There is a few things here .

his contact with the children isn’t with you or your home . He wants to se them he collects them from the door .

Don’t discuss anything that isn’t child related .. it is basically none of his business. It’s the boundaries that will give you the freedom.

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:50

Yes you are right . But is easy say then done. I have advice him to look for therapist, I have understood his pain and struggles I have tried my best I'm struggling financially with the kids. But because he says he has no money ( works full time) I don't ask any. Is just cycle .. when I try communicate get to a good place I'm just put down .. over and over ..all I want is peace .. for me but for the kids above it all. Someone joyful around them , someone that don't think life isn't worth living. Someone that blames everything and everyone for his own failures . I thought breaking up with this person would set me free but I still stuck in this negative cycle .. I can't cut him off because we have kids .. but sometimes I wish I could .. but yea

OP posts:
GranPepper · 03/11/2024 23:52

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:43

Hmm I understand your point about the nationality thing. But honestly I don't even see myself as different as anyone. I'm just here i don't even know why .. my circle of friends are small here , as I don't get to go out and meet anyone often. I have being thinking contact citizens advice and ask for some help ? But what kind help will they give me ? I have my own house , I'm on benefits at moment looking for jobs as my daughter have started school. I'm just lost how can I break this cycle of not being affected by this person .. z

I didn't say you were different but you might benefit from investigating what you call the nationality thing for your own peace of mind, so you know if you decide to divorce about your right to remain. CAB should be able to assist you with that.

Hyperbowl · 03/11/2024 23:55

People split up and marriages end every day for all sorts of reasons. The fact you own your own home and he has made no effort to move on from your relationship and sort himself out is his own fault and problem - not yours. If he threatens to kill himself or makes comments to this effect then tell him that you will ring the police and report what he has said for his own wellbeing. That should soon make him stop with that nonsense. He’s trying to control you.

Stop letting him in your house and stop talking to him about anything that isn’t the children or money. Do not respond to any form of talk about him being suicidal, ignore it all and tell him you won’t talk to him unless he wants to be reasonable and straightforward. Apply for child maintenance payments as soon as you can. His actions are his own responsibility, not yours. Move on and be happy.

LelaF · 03/11/2024 23:57

Girls I don't know how to reply directly I have run out of "quotes" my first day here sorry ..

My visa situation is complete under control I have settled status. thank fully this was always in order.. I'm living fully as resident of uk. And soon I can apply for nationality haven't done as is very expensive

OP posts:
Opentooffers · 03/11/2024 23:58

Put in a cms claim, then they will deduct money from his wages, so you don't need to ask him for it. I think you are trying pacify him so that he will continue to give you some money, you don't need to, if he's working, he has to pay legally.
Has the divorce gone through yet?
If he's seeing less of the DC's and he's a negative influence, see it as a good thing. Not seeing or communicating unnecessarily with someone is how you break ties and move on.

LelaF · 04/11/2024 00:04

Opentooffers · 03/11/2024 23:58

Put in a cms claim, then they will deduct money from his wages, so you don't need to ask him for it. I think you are trying pacify him so that he will continue to give you some money, you don't need to, if he's working, he has to pay legally.
Has the divorce gone through yet?
If he's seeing less of the DC's and he's a negative influence, see it as a good thing. Not seeing or communicating unnecessarily with someone is how you break ties and move on.

He has not giving me any money for months .. I helped him from my money so loan sharks don't do anything to him he did paid me next day. and sent 50 extra as he didn't for many weeks.

I know that he is struggling he has being since forever. He doesn't control his money very well and now I'm not sure how he got in this situation as I'm not aware of his daily life

I feel bad even to ask anything as I know he is in critical state with it But at same time this is a person that is truly put me down at all times. Ofc I'm guilty .. but he is too. But im tired live in past .. and im scared he will honestly do anything to himself.

OP posts:
GranPepper · 04/11/2024 00:04

Opentooffers · 03/11/2024 23:58

Put in a cms claim, then they will deduct money from his wages, so you don't need to ask him for it. I think you are trying pacify him so that he will continue to give you some money, you don't need to, if he's working, he has to pay legally.
Has the divorce gone through yet?
If he's seeing less of the DC's and he's a negative influence, see it as a good thing. Not seeing or communicating unnecessarily with someone is how you break ties and move on.

No CMS won't deduct from wages initially. They will ultimately if the "paying parent" doesn't pay but will charge a percentage to the paying parent and also the receiving parent. CMS starting position is to calculate the contribution the "non resident" parent should pay and ask them to pay the "parent with residence" directly

LelaF · 04/11/2024 00:07

Starlightstarbright3 · 03/11/2024 23:50

There is a few things here .

his contact with the children isn’t with you or your home . He wants to se them he collects them from the door .

Don’t discuss anything that isn’t child related .. it is basically none of his business. It’s the boundaries that will give you the freedom.

I have texted him that multiple times.
I say u get the kids at door they will be ready for u. He comes knocks and comes in straight. I told him our communications will be mainly about kids and their needs or urgent matters about them.

He texts me about money , calling me names I destroy his life that is why he is in the way he is. For him if i didn't break our family he would be struggle financially ..

OP posts:
Duckingella · 04/11/2024 09:09

Put in a claim to CMS for child maintenance;your children are entitled to financial support from their father;stop worrying about his finances;it's not your problem anymore and he shouldn't get a hall pass on paying for his children.

Dollybantree · 04/11/2024 09:14

He’s manipulating the f* out of you and you’re falling for it. Why on earth do you think he shouldn’t have to contribute anything towards his dcs upkeep? And you say you feel sorry for him? He sounds like an absolute waster and you need to stop caring about him and harden your skin.

LelaF · 04/11/2024 10:34

Dollybantree · 04/11/2024 09:14

He’s manipulating the f* out of you and you’re falling for it. Why on earth do you think he shouldn’t have to contribute anything towards his dcs upkeep? And you say you feel sorry for him? He sounds like an absolute waster and you need to stop caring about him and harden your skin.

Every time I try to talk in good manner always goes wrong. But the thing is .. he works so he get his wages every week. But I also know he is in debt, he has loans , credit card and now loan sharks on him. Those are all true I don't know how he got there. But basically he blames me . ( had to leave house get new one and that is my fault because I broke up the family etc )

So part of me thinks not of him but of my kids. What if he does k** himself because of all this pressure I don't want my kids lose their father. He constantly asking me money for petrol and also last week he comes my home say I need ur money urgently is life or death because he has loan shark waiting R his house door. I gave him and he did paid next day. But I'm in really shit situation. All I want is peace .. when I'm hungry I ask no one to help me I survive I get food bank I cook I don't let my kids see any suffer. I'm tired to survive I just want live in peace ..

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