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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

"Do they ever come back? Devastated. Following on. The endless winter continues.

310 replies

Pleasenotme · 24/11/2024 23:18

Ok, so this is thread number three. I can hardly believe it, in fact I don't want to believe it. I don't want to be in this place, so bloody broken and - at times - on my knees with despair. This is the link to my previous rantings:
Do they ever come back? Devastated. Following on. Endless winter. | Mumsnet

Do they ever come back? Devastated. Following on. Endless winter. | Mumsnet

*Do they ever come back? Devastated. * *1000 replies* *Pleasenotme · 17/09/2024 16:25* Long time lurker, occasional poster, nc'd for this....

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5170500-do-they-ever-come-back-devastated-following-on-endless-winter?page=1

OP posts:
MsJinks · 01/12/2024 10:25

Just going to suggest something you might think is perhaps a bit left field - acupuncture- whilst you may think of it as for pain, or even be unsure of its effectiveness, it can really help balance your body and mind and this will help slowly improve the physical results of your trauma, as well as lift your sense of well-being. You don't have to do anything apart from attend; it may well be more effective if other self care is built in, but you'd get some results from it without that. You won't have to talk during treatment or have to majorly engage. Just check the acupuncturist is registered with the BAcC and not just attended a short needling course.
It's a truly awful time/situation for you and I send thoughts for your personal recovery. Hoping you find something out of the ideas for self care on this thread that appeal to you enough to try one/some - you deserve and need them.

LaBarruci · 01/12/2024 11:15

@MsJinks It just struck me that regular full- body massages might be another idea: OP doesn't have to go through some time-consuming and expensive rigmarole of trekking to a beauty salon, she could just pay for a local freelance masseuse to come round to her house at a time of her own choosing and at her convenience: masseurs whose reputation depends on building up a local clientele and are well used to all-round and adaptable body therapy for elderly and infirm people (not that OP is either, of course). Same with make-up and hairdressing: OP doesn't have to pay an arm and a leg for fancy Kérastase treatments, a mobile hairdresser, who usually have vast experience, will be able to come up with something just as effective for OP's hair I am sure.

MsJinks · 01/12/2024 12:04

LaBarruci · 01/12/2024 11:15

@MsJinks It just struck me that regular full- body massages might be another idea: OP doesn't have to go through some time-consuming and expensive rigmarole of trekking to a beauty salon, she could just pay for a local freelance masseuse to come round to her house at a time of her own choosing and at her convenience: masseurs whose reputation depends on building up a local clientele and are well used to all-round and adaptable body therapy for elderly and infirm people (not that OP is either, of course). Same with make-up and hairdressing: OP doesn't have to pay an arm and a leg for fancy Kérastase treatments, a mobile hairdresser, who usually have vast experience, will be able to come up with something just as effective for OP's hair I am sure.

Edited

Absolutely yes, should have thought - a good massage can be similar to acupuncture in a way, by stimulating/soothing and repairing the body/mind. Also without the needles! and with the home visits available, which may be less difficult at the minute. Reflexology as well would be at least a relaxing treatment that could be beneficial and is often a bit cheaper, plus maybe get a bit of a nice pedicure. I do agree with hair/nails etc at home but maybe relaxing the body/self from the trauma is a good first step?
Hope you can perhaps think about accessing something OP - maybe suggest it as a Xmas gift for you that the sender looks into and maybe even books to save the added 'admin' around it - every single thing must be so overwhelming right now.

Spooky2000 · 01/12/2024 12:36

@SpryCat - this was really helpful to me because I had no idea about it so thank you: "DARVO is an acronym for "deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender". It's a manipulative tactic used by perpetrators to avoid responsibility for harmful behavior when confronted:
Deny: The perpetrator denies any wrongdoing
Attack: The perpetrator attacks the victim or anyone who calls them to account
Reverse victim and offender: The perpetrator claims to be the victim and the actual victim to be the aggressor
What is DARVO in a relationship? — Ray Family Therapy
DARVO is commonly used by perpetrators of domestic abuse to manipulate their partners into submission. It can also be used by sexual offenders"

@Pleasenotme - your threads have really helped me as I have been through this in my past with the most recent Ex, J. The responses from other people have been really enlightening. There is truth in that it all seems to be a cosy set up for the OW and once reality bites, it will be too late for him. I've seen that happen myself and I will admit that the satisfaction was worth some of the pain that I went through - not saying this is how it would be for you, obviously. I really feel your pain and all I can say is that eventually day by day it becomes less, but a lot of time passes in the meanwhile. You have my thoughts and my entire sympathies. It is hard to believe or accept that people can do this to each other, isn't it.

TheShellBeach · 01/12/2024 12:43

It is hard to believe or accept that people can do this to each other, isn't it

Yes. I didn't recognise the cold-hearted stranger who visited me in hospital with the news that the divorce papers would be in the post.

But yes, it was he. It was my lovely, kind and supportive husband who stood there, sneering at me, and accusing me of all kinds of wrongdoing.

LaBarruci · 01/12/2024 13:40

@MsJinks That's brought up another point, just when exactly OP is going to be able to fit her regular self-care in: I was going on about some all-singing, all-dancing care programme and all this, but it does involve carving out a set routine, period of time and dedication: a few erratic runs and the odd treatment here and there won't achieve much.

One of the most unbelievable things about this whole affair is that, even in the immediate aftermath of her husband's departure, OP, somehow, still dragged herself to work and fulfilled her duties to her clients without missing a beat: that shows you the kind of person that she is, of course, but, even if her employers have cut her workload back, she still has to deal with a full schedule, involving travel as well, domestic responsibilities, keeping herself fed and watered, all the while dealing with all this horrible ongoing mess, and at constant risk at any point of these vicious interventions by her husband, with OW continuing to pull all the strings and spewing poison into his ear. OP needs a period of time, space and calm to kickstart any meaningful care programme and make basic alterations to her way of life.

OP, forgive me if I'm being impertinent, butting in or overstepping the mark, but does your employer not provide any paid leave at all? Could you not ask for a period of compassionate leave, I'm sure if they've been understanding thus far, they would understand the need for this. Would it be possible to get away for Christmas on one of those Continental package breaks, taking DD or a friend with you? And, of course, your husband sauntering round and then suddenly finding you gone - the more you react in ways he's not expecting, the more that throws him off track.

MsJinks · 01/12/2024 14:01

@LaBarruci - well yes - many can't fit it in during normal times. I've worked at a few places that give time for appointments that benefit well-being - usually as flex not paid - perhaps a series of massage/counselling/acupuncture could be booked in regularly with work allowing this time to go - sort of helps making you go too - and if it's seen as a work time chore by the OP even, then that's ok and benefits would still occur.
Just a few thoughts - amazed by your capabilities to even attend work, let alone handle it so well - awesome.

Thewookiemustgo · 01/12/2024 16:38

@LaBarruci really good advice. Before my husband’s affair I already looked after myself and ran a couple of 3 mile runs a week. Afterwards I found myself naturally wanting to go further and do more. I ended up doing 3 seven mile runs a week across open fields near where I live and it really helped save my mental health, being out in nature and in solitude and pushing myself beyond where I ever thought I could get to. My physical fitness added to my mental strength and practising mindfulness whilst running kept away the rumination and over thinking.
Exercise is so, so good for your mind and body and you don’t have to be fit before you start.
I started about 10 years ago in my early fifties when I couldn’t run for a bus. A bus that was ten yards away.
I had to do something about my fitness. I started really small: jog slowly for one minute, walked for four. I did three reps of that, turned around and three more reps got me home. Just 30 minutes, cost me nothing, I used pavements and lanes. When I could cope with that, in my own time, even if it took weeks, I ran for two minutes and walked for three. Then a few weeks later I ran for three minutes and walked for two, then run four walk one. When I could do that comfortably I noticed where I was after fifteen minutes and tried to get there jogging for as long as I could without stopping until I needed to, then walk home. After a few weeks of that I could get there without stopping, turn round and get partway home.
Eventually (many months later) I could run for 30 minutes without stopping.
I use the free version of Strava to track my progress and set myself goals in distance now.
Believe me, I was an absolute beginner rubbish runner, one minute killed me at first. I tried couch to 5k and it progressed too fast for me, I couldn’t achieve it. With the method I found you go at your own pace and do run/ walk as long as you need to. Or do it walking briskly at first, then progress to jog one walk four, it doesn’t matter. How long it takes or how slow you are doesn’t matter. Getting out and doing anything really helps your mind as well as your body.

TheShellBeach · 02/12/2024 10:55

How was your weekend @Pleasenotme?

I've been thinking of you.

Channellingsophistication · 03/12/2024 20:53

How are you doing, OP?

Florawest · 03/12/2024 21:29

Hoping you are doing ok, keeping you in my thoughts and prayers 🙏🏻🕯️

Dweetfidilove · 03/12/2024 21:34

Thewookiemustgo · 27/11/2024 10:08

There are many possibilities about what OW’s situation is, or whether or not her husband knows, but the problem with speculating is that it’s just that: speculation.
It changes nothing for @Pleasenotme and I think the focus belongs on her and what she can do to get through each day at present. @Pleasenotme we can’t control other people’s behaviour and nor should we. They are grown adults who will have to live with the consequences of their choices, whatever they choose to do. Speculating raises or dashes hope in a heartbeat and is based on conjecture, therefore unreliable and unhelpful to you.
I think the best way to cope is to protect yourself and your mental health and deal with each day as it comes presently.
My wonderful mum used to say that her Grandma’s favourite saying was “Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” She was right. You have more than enough to deal with on any given day at the moment. Whilst obviously protecting yourself mentally and legally to help your future, deal with the present, the content of each day.
The future of your husband and OW will be what it will be and the only future you can direct and control is your own. Concentrate your energy there now, you call the shots, not them. One day at a time. Sending love and strength.

Hear hear 👍🏾

Washingupdone · 04/12/2024 19:02

Hi Pleasenotme How are you managing at the moment and are you looking after yourself?
Thinking of you Flowers xx

oakleaffy · 05/12/2024 14:28
disney princess animation GIF

Thinking of you,@Pleasenotme - Realise this deep dark time of the year is especially hard, with Christmas looming.

Hope you are bearing up - somehow.

All Power to you!

TheShellBeach · 05/12/2024 14:50

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

TheShellBeach · 05/12/2024 14:51

This reply has been withdrawn

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LaBarruci · 05/12/2024 15:16

I hope OP hasn't been ill or succumbed to pneumonia again.

Secondstart1001 · 05/12/2024 15:58

@Pleasenotme also a bit concerned haven’t heard from you and I hope you physical health is ok. Xx

TheShellBeach · 05/12/2024 15:59

Oh my goodness, I've put those cat pictures on entirely the wrong thread.

I've asked MN to withdraw them. Sorry @Pleasenotme

Tealeavesinthecup · 08/12/2024 16:07

Another one worried about OP.

LaBarruci · 08/12/2024 16:13

Yes, I was thinking about that today. I think it's unlikely she wouldn't have been in touch on here if she was able to post something. Either she's really ill, or maybe her husband and OW have found out about these threads and put the frighteners on her to stop ... ? We just don't know.

TheShellBeach · 08/12/2024 18:09

............or maybe her husband and OW have found out about these threads and put the frighteners on her to stop ... ?

Goodness, that's a bit over the top and unlikely.

Plastictrees · 08/12/2024 18:54

I think it’s more likely that the OP is put off by the nonsense tangeants that keep happening on the thread, where people keep minimising and judging her emotional responses.

Thinking of you @Pleasenotme , post when you’re ready.

FrancisQuoynt · 08/12/2024 20:16

I hope she's ok. I wouldn't wish this on anybody.

chaosmaker · 08/12/2024 22:52

Sending love and thinking of you @Pleasenotme x

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