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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

Starting a fourth thread when I hoped three would be enough

490 replies

PithyBeaker · 18/05/2026 13:25

really hoped I wouldn’t need this but looks like I do

OP posts:
inickedthisname · 31/07/2026 19:44

seanconneryseyebrow · 31/07/2026 19:34

I relate so much to the put downs @inickedthisname One of my aha moments when I decided to leave was when my son said, 'Dad really doesnt like you does he mum?'. I knew then I had to leave. Didn't stop me fannying about for ages after with him though sadly.

That must have been awful to hear from your DS. But at the same time, at least you had that objective voice to listen to.

I do agree with what everyone is saying, it’s only after the distance that you see it with any clarity.

Holdinguphalfthesky · 31/07/2026 20:44

The “what if?” Voice is so loud. I heard it for literally years with my dd’s dad. But frankly, they don’t see it that way. They’re not going to have a realisation, because (a) they’re not thinking about it like you are, they see nothing wrong with their behaviour, they just see that you have stopped meeting a need they have, so they want YOU to come back around to their way of thinking, and (b) they think they can find a replacement (or, as in my ex’s case, they already have the replacement lined up and champing at the bit).

I read a lot of pieces on Baggage Reclaim back then, @PithyBeaker , and I found her stuff SO useful and enlightening. I would really recommend it and then, if you can, going no contact because it will undoubtedly help you to move on.

PotatoLove · 31/07/2026 21:11

PithyBeaker · 31/07/2026 16:53

Already asked for keys. I said hell no.

I'm actually speechless.

Beachtastic · 31/07/2026 21:52

You're not in love with him, OP, and he's not in love with you.

He's in love with the idea of a woman who will sort his life out for him at her expense.

You're in love with a version of him that does not take the piss.

You're both delusional.

Not being judgemental here... I say this as someone who has been there, done that. More than once!!!!!

Prycejosh1987 · 31/07/2026 22:12

PithyBeaker · 18/05/2026 13:25

really hoped I wouldn’t need this but looks like I do

Everything good comes through hardwork.

Firefly100 · 01/08/2026 07:35

Just a thought - given it is only you and DS, does it make financial sense for you to remain in a 4 bed house? Obviously I’d never say spend a fortune and suffer upheaval just to make a point. However if it would make sense for your long term finances to downsize to a 2 bed, why not consider it sooner rather than later?

inickedthisname · 01/08/2026 10:10

Firefly100 · 01/08/2026 07:35

Just a thought - given it is only you and DS, does it make financial sense for you to remain in a 4 bed house? Obviously I’d never say spend a fortune and suffer upheaval just to make a point. However if it would make sense for your long term finances to downsize to a 2 bed, why not consider it sooner rather than later?

OP has said long ago (maybe not on this thread) that she bought the house she wanted. Her ex-P (if that’s what he is) wanted them to buy together but he didn’t have enough to contribute so she bought the place she wanted and it was hers. Lucky she did because when their living arrangements weren’t working for her she was able to insist that he and his children left. She doesn’t want to move and can afford the place by herself. He earned more than her (somewhere around 100k if I remember rightly) and apparently couldn’t afford anything more than a flat for them all to live in 🤔

seanconneryseyebrow · 01/08/2026 11:11

How are you today OP? I know from your past threads, and from being in this position myself that I think you want/need to hear all this negative stuff that you need to go NC, that hes abusive, that you can do better etc etc - but that it also deeply troubles you. I dont want to speak for you, but I think you've shared that before. For me, I remember wanting and needing to hear that stuff, but then also feeling defensive for him, thinking 'oh hes not that bad, im not that pathetic'. I know in your case its not physical, but in mine even when we went to court because of the abuse, to my utter shame prior to the hearing we were put in a room and spoken to by support workers for abuse victims. I was mortified, i looked around the room, and to my shame I said to the worker, 'im not like these other women, im not an abuse victim, im a professional, intelligent woman'. I thought i was better than them, and it really wasnt THAT bad. It was, but I couldn't see that at the time.

The same with the other areas of abuse, my gut knew he was abusing me, but then when people were validating that I got wildly defensive - i think of myself as much as him. I wouldn't put up with that surely! I was a bright woman from a good family - not me!

I dont know whether any of this is helpful whatsoever, or if Im just projecting, and maybe you don't feel that way at all, but I couldnt help but wonder if you were hurting and struggling right now hearing all the negativity being thrown at your ex (quite rightly of course - people are really trying to help). I just hope you are ok because I know how much it can hurt. xx

PithyBeaker · 01/08/2026 11:13

inickedthisname · 01/08/2026 10:10

OP has said long ago (maybe not on this thread) that she bought the house she wanted. Her ex-P (if that’s what he is) wanted them to buy together but he didn’t have enough to contribute so she bought the place she wanted and it was hers. Lucky she did because when their living arrangements weren’t working for her she was able to insist that he and his children left. She doesn’t want to move and can afford the place by herself. He earned more than her (somewhere around 100k if I remember rightly) and apparently couldn’t afford anything more than a flat for them all to live in 🤔

Yes we both earn six figs, him slightly more than me now. (I used to earn more than him but switched to a lower-earning but more chilled job last year.) No idea why he can’t afford more than the flat. Combination of paying his ex too much and paying off a credit card, he says. Anyway. I have zero interest in selling my house (and garden, more importantly). I love the village, DC is settled, adore my outside space and peaceful surroundings and I can afford it on my own. Don’t see why on earth I would try to move or how that would solve any issues w exP. In other news: almost in Paris, holidays here we come (and no, it’s nowhere near the fires before anyone asks). 😎 Phone off, love you all and thank you ❤️ I feel most loved and valued on Mumsnet (which is lovely and sad in equal measures) x

OP posts:
PithyBeaker · 01/08/2026 11:16

seanconneryseyebrow · 01/08/2026 11:11

How are you today OP? I know from your past threads, and from being in this position myself that I think you want/need to hear all this negative stuff that you need to go NC, that hes abusive, that you can do better etc etc - but that it also deeply troubles you. I dont want to speak for you, but I think you've shared that before. For me, I remember wanting and needing to hear that stuff, but then also feeling defensive for him, thinking 'oh hes not that bad, im not that pathetic'. I know in your case its not physical, but in mine even when we went to court because of the abuse, to my utter shame prior to the hearing we were put in a room and spoken to by support workers for abuse victims. I was mortified, i looked around the room, and to my shame I said to the worker, 'im not like these other women, im not an abuse victim, im a professional, intelligent woman'. I thought i was better than them, and it really wasnt THAT bad. It was, but I couldn't see that at the time.

The same with the other areas of abuse, my gut knew he was abusing me, but then when people were validating that I got wildly defensive - i think of myself as much as him. I wouldn't put up with that surely! I was a bright woman from a good family - not me!

I dont know whether any of this is helpful whatsoever, or if Im just projecting, and maybe you don't feel that way at all, but I couldnt help but wonder if you were hurting and struggling right now hearing all the negativity being thrown at your ex (quite rightly of course - people are really trying to help). I just hope you are ok because I know how much it can hurt. xx

And goodness me, this is a lovely message. I’m feeling great today because I’m away now. It is, I find, too easy to say that: it’s not THAT bad, he’s not THAT manipulative, surely he’s not doing it intentionally bc I would be smarter than that… but…

OP posts:
seanconneryseyebrow · 01/08/2026 11:17

I hear you completely Pithy. Anyway, switch off and have an amazing time. Im very jealous. xx

Isthisit22 · 01/08/2026 11:54

You are much loved here. You are strong, intelligent, caring and deserve a lovely holiday. Enjoy!

pikkumyy77 · 01/08/2026 12:43

Whee! Paris!! Sorbet at Berthillon!

TheBroonOneAndTheWhiteOne · 01/08/2026 12:47

I read your thread every day @PithyBeaker

You're doing just fine IMO. All your reactions to what has happened to you are entirely reasonable. You can't just stop loving someone by turning off a switch.

I think you'll get to a point where this man doesn't mean as much to you as he still does, but you haven't quite got there yet. Don't worry. Time will help. You can't hurry things like this.

You'll block him when you're ready to do so. In the meantime, enjoy your holiday and try to stay positive. You've been through a huge ordeal.

MeridianB · 01/08/2026 13:21

Wow. I’m stunned that he expected to be able to use your home while you’re away. Totally agree with others that this speaks volumes about his mindset and total lack of respect for you and your son. He then went straight in with emotional blackmail/manipulation when you said no. Talk about show you who he is (again).

But the other thing that jumped out from this is why he knew you were going away. It’s so none of his business. He’s not your friend. Stop giving him information about your life. This will be really easy when you’re not having phone calls.

So glad you’ve blocked him and are having a great time.

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