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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

Nice ex - should I go back there?

16 replies

DormantMouse · 08/12/2024 19:30

Name changed, regular poster.

I am experiencing some pretty intense emotions about an ex and want to know if anyone can help me get perspective.

I was in a coercive control marriage for a decade or so. I’ve learnt it wasn’t anything I ‘did’ but rather my ex husband chose me, love bombed me, had me married and pregnant in the blink of an eye. I’m glad I’m out, have had therapy and done the freedom programme, am lone parent to the kids, and am seeing someone new.

However, my boyfriend from before the marriage got in touch and we met up for coffee, and I am very affected. We didn’t break up for any reason except that I met the controlling husband and was kind of vanished. We lived together and were very in love. He forgives me completely and seems very heartbroken this happened. He has not married or had kids.

I had very strong feelings and am finding them hard to put aside. Do you think this is just an effect of what I’ve been through and better to ignore? Or could I arrange to see him again? He is so lovely, we truly loved each other. He is single or loosely attached, and is very respectful.

Is this thing ever a good idea?

OP posts:
Luddite26 · 08/12/2024 19:32

Give it a go. Nothing to lose. Good luck.

MaryGreenhill · 08/12/2024 19:35

Go for it OP and please keep us posted.
Good luck 👍🤞🤗

MaryGreenhill · 08/12/2024 19:35

Go for it OP and please keep us posted.
Good luck 👍🤞🤗

DormantMouse · 08/12/2024 19:44

I don’t know anyone who has done such a thing.

OP posts:
Starlightstarbright4 · 08/12/2024 19:44

I think you have explained the break up together far to easily .

There were reasons he wasn’t enough .

If it was him posting I would say run you weren’t good enough last time . She just thinks your safe

DormantMouse · 08/12/2024 19:47

I can see that.

OP posts:
JohnofWessex · 08/12/2024 19:54

After my ex wife and I split, she was a charmer- not wrecked her divorce settlement and beat up her subsequent partner in the road I met up with two ex's of mine quite by chance.

One I had only been out with for a few months if that and we had a happy if low key relationship for about two years

The other I had ben an item with for about 8 years, she had various issues but basically didnt 'get on with it' when she needed to although she loved me dearly it seems. But in the end what killed it was that having had a relationship with her for so long that it was just like going back to something that had never worked in the past so I called time on it.

How it will work for you I dont know but good luck for the future whatever you decide to do.

MemorableTrenchcoat · 08/12/2024 19:57

Are you saying you dumped the nice ex when you got a better offer? I think if a man was posting this we know what the responses would be.

DormantMouse · 08/12/2024 20:00

No @MemorableTrenchcoat I’m not. I’m sorry you don’t understand the story. It was like an abduction. I met a highly manipulative abuser who did a thing to me that is now a crime. From the word go.

OP posts:
MemorableTrenchcoat · 08/12/2024 20:04

DormantMouse · 08/12/2024 20:00

No @MemorableTrenchcoat I’m not. I’m sorry you don’t understand the story. It was like an abduction. I met a highly manipulative abuser who did a thing to me that is now a crime. From the word go.

Fair enough, that wasn’t clear from your initial post,

DormantMouse · 08/12/2024 20:07

No but it’s useful. I am genuinely trying to work out how it seems to normal people. Thank you.

OP posts:
winter8090 · 09/12/2024 06:27

So your seeing someone new and he's loosely attached and your wondering if the two of you should meet again? I am assuming with the thought of perhaps giving things another go. Did I read that right?

No you shouldn't. You still sound like your recovering from your marriage. To be seeing one man and meeting another will never end well.

I would take some time out from both of them and focus on you and your children.

You had your head turned by someone else previously for a reason.

DormantMouse · 09/12/2024 11:29

Well yes it’s thrown up lots of issues really. When you find yourself single again in middle age you just don’t know what it’s like or what you can expect. Person I’m seeing is perfectly nice, but would never commit and we see each other every fortnight. I’m not sure if that’s just how things are at this age. So, I also remembered that it’s possible to have deep and serious relationships through seeing this ex. I’m trying to untangle all these things.

I have been focussed on my children for years and am the most devoted mum. The amount of time lone parents spend alone is huge. I like to connect.

OP posts:
Hairyesterdaygonetoday · 09/12/2024 11:58

How long ago did you leave the abusive marriage, OP? If it was in the last year or so, I’d be cautious. He messed with your head, and these things take time to recover from, even with the useful work you’ve done, freedom programme etc.

I would stay in touch with the man you used to love, just as friends to start with. Finish properly with the new man who won’t commit. Then if/ when you’re ready, see if the relationship can be rebuilt, taking things slowly. Best of luck.

DormantMouse · 09/12/2024 12:04

3 years ago I left. Thanks, this is kind advice.

OP posts:
Hairyesterdaygonetoday · 09/12/2024 13:01

DormantMouse · 09/12/2024 12:04

3 years ago I left. Thanks, this is kind advice.

I hope it all works out for you xx

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