Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

Married to someone with Asperger's/ASD/ND: support thread 14

996 replies

Daftasabroom · 05/01/2025 13:55

New thread.
__
This thread is for those of us seeking to explore the dynamics of long term relationships with our ND partners. Some of us are ND ourselves, very many of us have ND children. It is a support thread, and a safe space, it does get emotional at times. Avoid sweeping generalisations if possible, try and keep it specific to you and your partner.
__
It's complicated and it's emotional.
__
The old thread is here.

www.mumsnet.com/talk/relationships/5183563-married-to-someone-with-aspergersasdnd-support-thread-13?page=1

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
SpecialMangeTout2 · 04/03/2025 09:50

@BustyLaRoux 🫂🫂🫂
Amazing that you’ve find something that works for all of you right at the start.

Im not surprised you’re finding things hard. There were some good bits so yes that’s pretty normal.
But please don’t write your future off thinking you’ll never do xyz ever again.

In the mean time, grey rock!!
Seeing your DP attitude and the way he answers, don’t raise to the bate. Don’t offer explanations (that will simply give him ammunitions). Just very plainly stick to basic information.

BustyLaRoux · 04/03/2025 10:14

Yeah I’m just going to stick to “this isn’t working for any of us”. And also “let’s stay friends”

There is no need for blame. I feel more sad today than I did yesterday or Sunday.!Maybe the reality is hitting home. I just have to keep imagining living with his son full time and that will surely be enough to put the cattle prod in my back…. I know what needs to be done. 😄

I made notes all the way through 2021. It’s like a diary of younger me (still completely in love) beginning to realise what he was really like. How I tried to reason and talk to him. To make him see how unfair and unreasonable he was being. How his comments were hurtful. How blindsided I felt. I’ve just been reading them through. I was so heartbroken. I couldn’t believe how he was being with me. We would fall out every two weeks or so. Big arguments with shouting. I’d forgotten about it all. We’re not like that anymore. I don’t shout. I don’t try and reason. There’s no point! I know how to avoid arguments mainly. And because I’m not doing things that annoy him all the time he is much calmer. I am much more easy going. He has learnt to behave better than he did. Looking back I am describing a very different man to the one he is now actually. We tick along quite well now most of the time. I mean, I’m not head over heels in love with him anymore. But i do love him. He is my friend most of all. He can’t help who he is. I wish very much we can stay friends. And I am just very very sad today.

BustyLaRoux · 04/03/2025 11:20

Well we had our talk. He has also been looking at properties!! Has a viewing appointment booked tomorrow. We both know what needs to be done.

I explained how I am shrinking in this house, how the shared spaces are becoming out of bounds and how me and DC are finding ourselves shut away in hiding to get away from them (not his DD, mainly him and his son). The noise and the smells and the mess and the lack of consideration. The extended periods his son has been here recently have really been affecting my mental health. He said he hadn’t actually realised just how awful it was making me feel, though he could see I was unhappy, and he would try and be more considerate while we stay in the house for our notice period.

He also said he knows I’m not a horrible person but he is upset at how mean I’ve been to his son. I probably haven’t been my most tolerant. I’m not actually horrible per se (at least I don’t think so but the autistic duo of dad and son who do like to feel like victims wherever possible would probably say otherwise), but I am short with him. I do knock on the bathroom and say “you’ve been in there for ages and other people need to get in there please!”. I do grumble about him. So I am sure I make him feel uncomfortable as well. It’s not his fault. But it’s not mine either.

He acknowledged we won’t ever buy a family home together. I said I will need the money I’ve lent him back at some point then as it had been lent when I thought all our money would be going on a house deposit and now that’s all I’ve got left. He sort of sidestepped it a bit and said we will work something out. I probably do need to push on that a bit. But not today.

He said let’s reevaluate our relationship once I am out of here and happier. I am OK with this as this is sort of where I’d come to in my head too. Without the stress of blended families we might actually stand a chance. If I felt independent and in my own space I think I would enjoy his company much more. He isn’t a bad person. We are both flawed. I am certainly not a walk in the park. But I read back my notes from 3 years ago and I was a different person! I sound so much younger!!! I think as mature adults who understand each other pretty damn well now, we might just get the best out of each other. I am hopeful. The sun is shining. I have all fingers crossed they will accept my offer on this house! DP said he will help me move. Things feel a bit better. And if I think the relationship has actually run its course, then it will be easy to call time on it once we live apart. And we will go back to being friends. One thing at a time.

pikkumyy77 · 04/03/2025 11:51

Very good! You are starting to come out of the fog! Be compassionate to yourself—past, present, and future you all need compassion and love. But also focus on the good challenges ahead: living as a single woman is a good experience to have. If you have never done that since you were 20 its high time!

As for the fantasy of a “big house to decorate “ you will get more out of a small, calm, space where you aren’t negotiating around an irascible and self centered man.

If he won’t return the money you lent him stop with all this “best friend “ crap. There is no excuse for theft from you.

SleepDeprivedElf · 04/03/2025 11:53

Busty I’ve moved recently and I know it’s a challenge. But it’s time limited and there’s always an end in sight. I’m sending so many good vibes! I’m sure it’s so daunting but maybe there’s a grain of excitement too?

It sounds like you’re both doing an amazing job of handling this amicably. I know it’s hard to let ‘dreams’ go, but what you’re actually doing is making space for new, great things to come to you. Never say never on a house. Sending a great big hug!

We’ve spent the weekend talking about splitting too. I sent something to H that triggered his fragile-ego-child-shame state and he lashed out. I think he was surprised that I said we should end this, it isn’t working. We went quite deep and he made up, but will he actually change? He has changed a lot but this wound seems deep. I’m just not sure. I would prefer not to end things but I’m ready to if needs be. Let’s see what happens.

It’s just all so draining and heavy. I’d have loved it if we could have just cooked a nice dinner together and enjoyed some time. The negativity is so relentless at times. I need pleasure, joy, lightness, humour right now.

Rainbow03 · 04/03/2025 12:02

@BustyLaRoux I sense deflation in your words. It’s so sad when the dream and reality just don’t match up and no one can do anything about it. We can’t just press a button and all our deepest wounds just disappear (I wish to god we could). We have to live with the cold hard facts of who we are and who they are without the fog of hope and expectations. At least you can move on knowing you went above and beyond and gave it your all. We just can’t fix or mould or hope people to be what they are not. I remember seeing so much potential in my ex. If he could only see, but that wounding and brain structure was just set. I hope you don’t let it get you down too much or take too much blame.

ItReallyDoesntMatterAnymore · 04/03/2025 12:48

Wow @BustyLaRoux fingers crossed for the house! There's bound to be a lot of conflicting emotions right now, but there will be new dreams and new opportunities even if it all feels crushing right now.

Now you have a chance to make your new home yours and your DCs. No more tiptoeing around DP and the DS to keep the peace, but at what cost?! No more hogging of bathrooms! No more messy, dirty trainers in the kitchen sink! No mess and piles of stuff left everywhere! Your home with your choices of how you live. Peace! No more strops and sulks. Just imagine not having that heavy feeling in your chest when yet another Mr. Hyde moment is sprung upon you with no notice.

The sun is shining, spring in almost here and it's a time for new beginnings and fresh starts ❤️

ItReallyDoesntMatterAnymore · 04/03/2025 12:53

@SleepDeprivedElf it is absolutely exhausting, tiring and draining. Not sure how much change they are capable of. My H has made some changes but the wounds are still there 🫂

Rainbow03 · 04/03/2025 13:42

If you are ND yourself, especially ADHD be very mindful of your own emotions because they are often utterly useless and overwhelming. I think that’s part of the reason of the paralysis in relationships like these. We know that how we feel is wrong but we are overwhelmed in doing anything about it. It keeps us trapped in unhealthy relationships for a long time making us more and more unwell.

ItReallyDoesntMatterAnymore · 04/03/2025 13:55

Rainbow03 · 04/03/2025 13:42

If you are ND yourself, especially ADHD be very mindful of your own emotions because they are often utterly useless and overwhelming. I think that’s part of the reason of the paralysis in relationships like these. We know that how we feel is wrong but we are overwhelmed in doing anything about it. It keeps us trapped in unhealthy relationships for a long time making us more and more unwell.

100 % this, which is probably why I'm still stuck where I am.

Rainbow03 · 04/03/2025 14:02

ItReallyDoesntMatterAnymore · 04/03/2025 13:55

100 % this, which is probably why I'm still stuck where I am.

Yes I have become very aware that I have been unknowingly trying to control a lot of things in my life in order to stop myself from feeling and getting overwhelmed. In my relationship with my abusive ex I got into the habit of trying to control his behaviour so that I didn’t get behaviour I couldn’t deal with. Very bad really. It literally paralysed me because I was terrified of my own feelings as I had so little control over them. I wish I knew I was ADHD back then.

BustyLaRoux · 05/03/2025 07:50

My offer was accepted. I’ve paid the holding deposit. Moving date is three weeks. DP is also viewing a house today. We couldn’t really afford to keep living in this lovely house as the landlord put the rent up before Xmas and it’s just not affordable. So we would be leaving anyway regardless of me getting away. That kind of helps me. I had stayed because I loved this house and so did the kids and because everything I had been looking at rental wise was either too small, too expensive or too far away. But the house I’m moving to is just lovely. I will arrange some stuff today like hiring a van and starting my benefits application.

It’s really happening!!!

As for DP and I, we are going to see how it goes with us not living together. He has said he will not screw me over. I can take what I need from the house. I can have back what I’ve loaned him.

I feel OK today. I’m excited about my new house. Terrified of how skint I’ll be. Yikes!

SleepDeprivedElf · 05/03/2025 08:20

That’s so positive Busty, really rooting for you ♥️.

Ohdostopwafflinggeremy · 05/03/2025 08:26

Im so happy and excited for you @BustyLaRoux and dare I say a little envious😏
The fact it all seems to be moving along without any hostility or resentment from your dp must make it all slightly more palatable.
Really rooting for you, you deserve a lovely, safe, peaceful home with your kids.💐💐💐

ItReallyDoesntMatterAnymore · 05/03/2025 08:41

Fantastic news @BustyLaRoux !! Super mega excited for you!

ItReallyDoesntMatterAnymore · 05/03/2025 08:42

(And yes I'm a bit envious too, but in a good way, it's inspiring and brings hope!)

ANiceLittleHouseByTheSeaWithACatCalledBrenda · 05/03/2025 08:54

Inspired and so pleased for you @BustyLaRoux. Sending you and your kids so much love and strength xxx

Ohdostopwafflinggeremy · 05/03/2025 09:23

I take any one of us getting out as a win for all of us.
It means there is hope that our lives can change for the better, no matter how hard that seems at this point in time.🩷

NDornotND · 05/03/2025 09:34

Good luck @BustyLaRoux! A new chapter begins 💪

BustyLaRoux · 05/03/2025 10:49

Ohdostopwafflinggeremy · 05/03/2025 09:23

I take any one of us getting out as a win for all of us.
It means there is hope that our lives can change for the better, no matter how hard that seems at this point in time.🩷

Ha yes I know exactly what you mean!!!

BustyLaRoux · 05/03/2025 12:04

Feeling a bit deflated. I just took DP to look at a house he might rent for him and his kids. He’s broken his foot and can’t drive so I offered to take him. The house is massive. It’s in the area the kids would prefer to be in. I could never afford it! My kids would love it. They’ll be too sweet to show their disappointment and they’ll pretend they’re fine. But secretly they will with their stupid mother could get that house for them…… I feel so lame.

DucklingSwimmingInstructress · 05/03/2025 13:13

@BustyLaRoux that must hurt - but the children will be so so much happier in a house with less tension. I absolutely guarentee it.

You are absolutely doing the right thing.

Lovely, this is a bit intrusive of me but you said you hadn't lived alone since you were 30, iirc. Honestly, I think it's an excellent idea to spend some time alone and most of all to do the Freedom Programme. People outside (who you share things with) can see just how profoundly you've been abused, but at this point you're in the middle of the trees that make up the forest.

pikkumyy77 · 05/03/2025 13:58

BustyLaRoux · 05/03/2025 12:04

Feeling a bit deflated. I just took DP to look at a house he might rent for him and his kids. He’s broken his foot and can’t drive so I offered to take him. The house is massive. It’s in the area the kids would prefer to be in. I could never afford it! My kids would love it. They’ll be too sweet to show their disappointment and they’ll pretend they’re fine. But secretly they will with their stupid mother could get that house for them…… I feel so lame.

Ok now you know to stop rescuing him and doing things for him. It brings up some feelings that you have, probably very deep seated and going back to your childhood with your abusive dad, that the reward for submission and fawningly accepting abuse is a bigger/nicer house and the love and thanks of your children.

Stop! You are a grown woman. You are responsible for the life you are leading and you have the ability to manage within your means. You can’t raise your children to expect sexual slavery and self abnegation in order to get a bigger house in a nicer area. What values are you modeling for them?

Your children have to learn to make their way in the world and put in the effort for themselves to either earn what they need or change the world so everyone can have more good stuff. But attaching themselves remora like to men with money is not the way to earn their respect or raise them to break the codependent model you have shown them thus far.

In addition your ex bf is improvident and irrational—he can’t afford the current rentl and borrowed thousands of pounds from you but can afford this other huge house and will pay you back? Put your rational brain in gear. One of these supposed plans is going to fall through. I bet your money will not be returned.

SpecialMangeTout2 · 05/03/2025 15:38

BustyLaRoux · 05/03/2025 12:04

Feeling a bit deflated. I just took DP to look at a house he might rent for him and his kids. He’s broken his foot and can’t drive so I offered to take him. The house is massive. It’s in the area the kids would prefer to be in. I could never afford it! My kids would love it. They’ll be too sweet to show their disappointment and they’ll pretend they’re fine. But secretly they will with their stupid mother could get that house for them…… I feel so lame.

I suspect your dcs will vastly prefer a smaller house filled either laughter than one where they have to walk on eggshell around your ex and his ds.
I mean what’s the point of a bigger house if you end up confined in your ds room because you’re basically not allowed on the ‘common rooms’ when his ds is around??

Also, I appreciate he has broken his foot but he managed this weekend wo you to go and see houses right? I’m sure he can now too.

Goldstar88 · 05/03/2025 19:30

Hi everyone - been away from this thread for a bit but thank you for the responses to my post!

I’m still a bit torn about my situation. I really feel like I’d be happier without DH but the having a small child just makes the idea of splitting so terrifying.

If you have split with small children, how has co parenting really gone with your ex DP/DH? I really just don’t know if I could trust him to have DC for an extended period and that would be a necessity wouldn’t it?

I am recently back to full time work after mat leave and I really need DH to step up and realise he is equally responsible for DC in terms of childcare (nursery pick ups etc) - work is very much his special interest (amongst other things) and he regularly works late etc. I cannot imagine him taking any initiative here. In a way it would be easier if he wasn’t here as I have arranged everything myself, and his unreliable approach just makes everything more stressful as I never know if I can rely on him or not.

Again, anyone successfully get their DH/DP to step up when it comes to childcare etc? If so, how?