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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

What is going on with me

3 replies

Lookbehindu · 21/12/2025 23:44

Hi all,

Have been lingering on this site hoping naively to read about someone in my exact situation, or someone who says something that flicks a switch. Obvs hasn’t happened, so about time I reach out.

Married for 10 years in a loveless but full of care marriage. Or is it. I think we are trauma bonded. No abuse or anything like that, we have had the biggest weight hanging over our entire marriage (cannot out but really not good at all). And it’s had such ramifications on us really from Day 1, and I think now in ways the enormous distraction of it cause me to overlook significant communication issues and issues of incompatibility.

The thing is we didn’t separate and back living in same house (I do not advocate this). We are waiting to sell our house, another year (to avoid paying a lot of tax). So yea the thing is 1) I feel like I cannot even wait that long not from a place of longing for a new life but it’s literally soul destroying (but safe). And secondly I am still terrified, which is just baffling me, I was so strong and independent and the situation and evidence of a lack of actual support day to day I don’t know how to do it. I realise I am in a very fortunate position that we will be able to buy two mortgage free homes - but I still feel terrified, what is with this? I realise most people are not in this situation. I think being separate from my kids is the underlying issue but I know being here makes me feel intensely guilt for the crap example we are setting (mostly silence). I just can’t get past what this fear is or why it feels so wrong and I feel so guilty and shameful and incompetent, even though my marriage has been dead in the water turkey for over 5 years.

it’s like I have changed and don’t recognise who I am that I am so fearful. I think perhaps living in an isolated place and cause me to lose sight of the world and it’s computed the fear.

I have a therapist who knows I know what I have to do. Has anyone else felt like this?

just another weird Christmas, fine on the surface but it’s all a lie. We are both good people but it has not worked out. We have incredible kids who love our family but I think the eldest notices.

OP posts:
Sodthesystem · 22/12/2025 00:16

I mean if you're separating amicably and able to live together still until you can move without any big drama then I'd say you're setting a good example for the kids.

I do worry as to the root of this fear you mention though. That you could be getting an instinct that you are in danger but denying it because he shows not tangable outward signs. Some men kill women for trying to leave. Even after appearing like they were fine with the split initially. So hopefully it's not that kinda vibe.

If it's a case of not knowing who you are or who you'll be as a single woman ... I'd suggest you maybe see about a solo holiday? Get away for a bit and explore a new city or something. Time away to think and also solo to see how you fare, and that it's an adventure, not something to fear, might help you feel more in control.

Especially if where you are is isolated too. Some time in some hustle and bustle might help. See if he can watch the kids for a long weekend maybe?

Lookbehindu · 22/12/2025 08:17

Thank you they’re really good thoughtful points. Yes I am afraid of his future behaviour illness related for kids mainly, and yes the hustle and bustle, I’ve lost myself here. To an extent that I can’t get my head around.

OP posts:
Sodthesystem · 22/12/2025 18:59

Lookbehindu · 22/12/2025 08:17

Thank you they’re really good thoughtful points. Yes I am afraid of his future behaviour illness related for kids mainly, and yes the hustle and bustle, I’ve lost myself here. To an extent that I can’t get my head around.

In that case, I would sell the house now, pay the tax and go.

If you have enough to live on, even if it means getting a place with a mortgage, why wouldn't you go now?

Who cares about tax if the alternative is staying in something you feel is soul destroying or where you are worried about his behaviour.

Life is short. Take the hit financially and just downside/get a mortgage/rent.

Time, freedom and safety are worth it.

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