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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

Should I take him back (mainly for dake of DS)?

45 replies

Charl75 · 28/10/2009 16:38

Hi,
I posted a few months ago asking for advice on how to deal with my situation. Very briefly - five months ago my husband told me he didn't love me anymore.It transpired that he had been texting a work colleague and an affair began. He moved out (but left all his things) with a weekend bag and returned every couple of days to see DS/do washing etc then head off (never staying). Even after finding out about the affair that devestated me, I said I could work on forgiving him, took responsiblity for my failings in our relationship, suggested councelling and so on. Husband was not interested.
So, for five months I have worked on building my confidence, keeping things amicable and stable for sake of DS. I'm now used to being alone and apart form the odd blip I'm happier than I have been in years. Out of the blue last night when he was visiting to see DS he was tearful and said if I was willing he wanted to try again. What do I do? I'm so confused. My gut reaction is no way. He's treated me appaulingly, cheated, lied, acted selfishly (lots of details I wont go into). Sex was a huge problem and I don't want to/can't imagine being intimate with him.
BUT....should I try again for the sake of our son. There were some good times shared in the (distant)past and we do have some shared interests. So scared i'll be doing a diservice to my son by not trying again and exploring all avenues.
Does anyone have any similar experience/advice?

OP posts:
mmrred · 28/10/2009 21:03

It may be that the affair hasn't worked out...it also may be that he misses DS and is having the same kinds of thoughts as you in terms of DS's well-being.

I wouldn't have him back either, FWIW, but we're all different. I think you should focus on your own new life, and create a positive, healthy and cooperative parenting relationship with your ex.

Charl75 · 28/10/2009 21:11

Thanks for your advice. A lot to think about.

OP posts:
StirlingNeedsAHoliday · 28/10/2009 21:30

Did he stop and think and try to make a go of it with you when you were crying???

Did he think about the effect his affair would have on your ds at the time??

You really must make this decision based on what you want and what will make you happy. Dont let the fact that you have a ds together make a difference to your decision - You and your H getting back together will probably make you miserable and I dont see how that will be good for your ds.

Please dont feel guilty about not letting him back in. He has made this situation not you. You have just tried to deal with it in the best way that you can.

If you are still doubtful then do what was mentioned previously and make him get a small flat on his own and then he can try to win you back BUT the ow MUST be completely out of the picture.

BEAUTlFUL · 28/10/2009 22:11

How do you feel, Charl75? Are you disappointed to read these posts? Do you want to have him back?

The idea of his having a flat and working stuff through (in counselling, etc) is a good, sensible middle-ground between "Feck you, you blew it" and "Come home now, all is forgiven!" Are you worried that his offer to come home might be a one-time offer and he'd never agree to work things through...?

Hope you're ok. xxx

Charl75 · 28/10/2009 22:38

Hi,
no - not disappointed really. Interesting how everyone is saying very similar things. I am worried it's a 'one time offer' like you ask BEAUTIFUL. BUT he has made no attempt at all to contact me to talk today and seems to be making no real effort. I do think he has problems emotionally and would certainly call him emotionally unstable.
Can't seem to figure out how I actually feel about him and the the thought of trying again. Appreciate all the advice though. Thanks x

OP posts:
EcoMouse · 29/10/2009 01:04

Charl, the line that resonates in your OP is "...I'm happier than I have been in years". You must have worked hard to get to this point given all he put you through? It takes some people years, post affair, to feel so positive. If you are happy, your son will be too.

I have experienced similar, I also had the opportunity to have X back. Still do as it goes! I'm alone with four children, two under two. I understand the work involved in progressing towards independence and self confidence and the second, then third thoughts regarding 'what to do for the best'.

FWIW, your X sounds confused and I'd agree, emotionally unstable. My concern for you is that by entering into something with him, at this stage, his flakey, negative behaviour might drag you back down too.

Again, I do believe you've worked hard to arrive where you are now and it's almost as if he's looking to hitch a lift on the back of your strength and ability to recover, to snatch a breath of the happiness you've created for yourself and your DS, rather than approaching you and a potential rekindling of anything with you, with his own offerings of positivity, stability and clarity.

This on top of the negativities you listed in your OP?

Just one perspective but I can't help but think that if with him is where you're destined to be, you would not be struggling so hard to see it.

Quattrofangs · 29/10/2009 01:22

You know the answer to this really, don't you?

You are happier without him. Don't let his (possibly temporary) vacillations dictate your choices.

If you are happy, so will your DS be.

Charl75 · 29/10/2009 07:33

Thanks to everyone again, Quattrofangs and EcoMouse - I do really appreciate your thoughts/advice. Eco -you in particular seem to hit the nail on the head!!!!

OP posts:
Charl75 · 29/10/2009 08:02

Been reflecting on us as a couple all night trying to think of positives and negatives. Positives include he could be thoughtful and kind, generous, stupid as it sounds - good at house things/DIY, we enjoyed some past times in our history. Negatives include all the events and behaviour surrounding him leaving me, unpredictability and the fact that he can fly off the handle(not an abuser though), I thought he drank too much although he would contest that and say he doesn't drink that much anymore anyway.He is actually a different person to the man I married.

I think I'm looking for reasons and facts to NOT have him back tbh. I rang his phone company to ask about activity with the OW phone number (the phones in my name) and even yesterday he text her 15 times.

OP posts:
Anniegetyourgun · 29/10/2009 16:56

Not that I've been in that position, thank god, but it seems totally premature to even think about whether to have him back when he's still so bound up with the OW. Imagine him sitting up in bed next to you, busily texting away to her... feels good for the self esteem, eh? As he is clearly not ready to commit to you, there should be no pressure on you to decide what to do about him. I'm kind of in the "let him get a bedsit while he sets about proving himself to you" camp (unless you would rather tell him not to go to all that trouble because he ain't going to be welcome back whatever).

colditz · 29/10/2009 17:01

no no no no no no no no no no no no no.

Pleeeeease don't do it.

SolidGhoulBrass · 30/10/2009 13:23

Look, he wants to come back because he thinks it will be to his benefit. He;s not interested in how it affects you and DC, he is putting his interests first and always will. So while he will undoubtedly play the 'it;s best for DS for me to move back in' what he means is 'I want to be looked after again.'

MummyRock1 · 22/10/2022 18:16

Really looking for help/advice. My husband has been down, we’ve been through so much the past few years, his dad had an affair too, his best friend did so he’s been hurt. He couldn’t remember any of his childhood and since he’s become a dad it was bothering him. I suggested seeing a counsellor which eventually he agreed. After his first session he turned to me and said he doesn’t find me attractive anymore and isn’t in love with me!! He doesn’t want to fight for us and wants to divorce. No separation, help, nothing!!

since he’s been seeing this woman to help he’s never been so screwed up. He’s a different person in every possible way. What he comes home saying is the bizarrest comments that he’s been fed from her. I mean I thought they were supposed to be silent!!! All he does is tell me we’re getting divorced. I’ve said maybe I’m in denial but we’re not bad enough to divorce! He said 80% of us is perfect!!! I mean why would you divorce on that figure!

i have never been this low in my life. My children are 5 and 3 and all my hopes and dreams for our family have been smashed.

i went to a psychic in the week. The third sentence she said was who on earth is this woman he’s seeing screwing his head!!! Why are all the darts being thrown at me and she’s making him think he doesn’t love me where in fact he’s so in love with you.

im such a mess!!!

sorry for the long message but has anyone else found counselling so damaging?
Thank you 💔🙏🏼

2022Ilovealiein · 23/10/2022 06:22

Please, Please, PLEASE don't take him back! Why give him the chance to devastate
you again? He treated you appallingly and did not look back, he left you with the
pain, he did not care about you, only himself. Your son will be happy with a happier
mum X

Myunclesmustache · 23/10/2022 06:31

I'm now used to being alone and apart form the odd blip I'm happier than I have been in years.

This ^ jumped out at me OP.

Your stupid, morally bankrupt, selfish husband has found out that the proverbial grass isn't greener, but still wants to keep his options open.

he did say that the OW had been a disappointment yet I know that he still texts 10/20/30 times a day. ???

Whaat?

Please do not let this man back into your life. You'll be teaching your child it's OK to be treated as a disposable commodity.

I would get some legal advice about divorce and setting up a co-parenting plan.

Actions have consequences - he needs to learn that.

Stay strong OP.

JustYouWaitTillHeLeaves · 23/10/2022 06:35

Charl75 · 28/10/2009 17:38

Oh
he did say that the OW had been a disappointment yet I know that he still texts 10/20/30 times a day. ???

He seems to be a cunt

Dotcheck · 23/10/2022 06:41

So, he’s good at DIY and can be ‘ thoughtful and kind’.

How can you be thoughtful or kind when it lacks the basic respect needed for both?

And he’s good at DIY- so? There’s a zillion YouTube channels out there with women DIYers. You can learn.
I'm not sure putting up some shelves makes it ok to put his willy in other women. Could be wrong though

User0610134057 · 23/10/2022 06:42

Zombie thread!!
look at the dates!

Myunclesmustache · 23/10/2022 06:47

@User0610134057
Zombie thread!!
look at the dates!
**
Well, that was a 'gotcha' for me !

However, still good advice for anyone in a similar situation...

Crazypaving22 · 23/10/2022 06:48

This is a zombie thread.

@MummyRock1 start your own thread for advice.

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