Gransnet forums

Chat

Heartbroken

(39 Posts)
hopeful1 Tue 23-Apr-19 17:50:06

I am sitting here heartbroken. My children, in their 30s, refuse to have anything to do with me and I am not allowed to see the grandchildren. To cut a long story short, at the end of last year I got the courage to tell my abusive partner to leave. I have had 10 years of physical and mental abuse from him and never told my children, he is not their father. Since new year I have met a lovely man (just to complicate things) who is so kind and a genuinely nice guy. Our relationship did not develop until after my partner left. However I now find that my daughter's have taken exes side. He is so manipulative. He is playing the hurt grandad card, not once as he ever wanted to know them previously, he refused to help babysit, was so obnoxious that the grandchildren didn't want to come to the house but suddenly he claims he loves them dearly and has somehow got them on side. I asked him what he was doing and he smirked that now he has got my family to himself. I feel sick to the stomach. Now I have a new man in my life the children say that they never want to meet, he is not as well to do as the children want, though works hard, but they are adamant that I don't need anyone else. They say I cheated which is unacceptable, which I technically didn't, and feel sorry for the ex even after I informed them of what he did to me. I just don't know how to get out of this mess.

BlueBelle Wed 24-Apr-19 14:59:17

Whilst I agree with most of the advice given you only parted company at the end of the year and met a new man in the new year whilst I think you have every right to a new relationship perhaps your daughters do think it’s all seems very quick and convenient look at it from another angle you spent 10 long years being abused, then within a very very short time of finding the courage to leave you are with another man
I am glad you have found a nice man BUT just be cautious you must have thought your ex was nice once
Could there be more to this, do your daughters know this man? Just a thought
Anyway good luck I hope you regain your family

hopeful1 Wed 24-Apr-19 15:24:18

Bluebell, my children do not know the new man. I have invited them to meet him and decide for themselves but they are not interested. Thank you to everyone for your comments and advice. I do feel alot happier knowing there is support out there.... I thought I was going mad, my ex makes me feel out of control. And no I will not be giving up the new man though this time I will not be jumping into any living arrangements any time soon... once bitten!

cas58 Wed 24-Apr-19 16:01:56

Hi, my first reaction is don't give up the new man! You brave woman you.
Who you share your life with is no ones business but yours.
Yes, the exes true colours will come out, they always do. You just be there for the kids when it happens and they come knocking.
Children will not be fooled.
Be happy, love and be loved. You deserve it.

CarlyD7 Wed 24-Apr-19 18:26:38

This is the other side of not telling your children what's going on in a relationship - it's what happens when any abuse victim leaves a partner and then has to deal with others' disbelief. I would say, stand well back. You can't blame them for taking his side if you've been saying what a great guy he is all those years - just allow them to find out the truth about him, which they will eventually (he won't be able to pretend forever). Yes, maybe a letter to each of them if you can face doing that. Meanwhile, enjoy your new relationship and get on with healing from your old one.

jenpax Wed 24-Apr-19 19:04:30

I agree with nearly everyone here in that I suspect your ex will let his facade slip sooner or later, and his true nature come through. You said that he had shown no prior interest in the DGC and if he really doesn’t care it will be picked up by the children and sensed eventually by their parents.
Your new relationship has been very quick and probably a series of shocks to the AC have followed from the separation, especially if they were led to believe all was well for the last 10 years. I agree that letters sent to each of them setting out what has happened and why you needed to get away might be useful. Hopefully in time they will come round.
One thing I would say is that after a period of sustained abuse and gas lighting its often helpful to get some counselling so that you can process what’s happened and hopefully not repeat it! Our local refuge service does a pattern changing course which helps DV survivors to come to terms with it and to recognise things in themselves which might draw them to a similar abusive relationship

jeanie99 Wed 24-Apr-19 19:32:21

Just my personal opinion
After a relationship breaks down it is so easy to cling onto someone who seems to be perfect, but I think it is the worse possible thing to do.
You need time to get over the previous relationship and adjust to life as a single person before you should even consider moving on.
Give yourselve breathing space don't make another mistake.
I have no idea what your relationship was with your children before the new man came along but I can understand their concerns.
Your ex can't keep up the pretence for long people like that slip up in time.
Keep contacting your children and grandchildren, keep it light but do not loose touch. Send the GC letters and cards and fingers crossed everything will settle down.

jerseygirl Wed 24-Apr-19 20:21:39

I agree with bradfordlass72. Give it time and he will certainly show his true colours, he will probably slip up sometime. Enjoy your new relationship, you have suffered enough in the past and deserve your own happiness now. I'm sure your children will accept this eventually. Good luck and be happy
XX

Summerlove Wed 24-Apr-19 21:03:05

I’m curious how old your children were when you got with your ex?

Do you have a history of jumping quickly and expecting everyone to get on board immediately? (My father does).

Don’t give up new man, but give your kids space while still checking in with them.

You were given this advice here, You're an adult and allowed to see whomever you chose, male or female. Understand that this goes the same for your children. 10 years is a long time to have someone in their lives.

fizzers Wed 24-Apr-19 21:15:54

through time your ex will show his true colours, at the moment he is trying to get one over on you by getting your girls onside, but he will tire of this eventually. Get on with your life with your new man, but keep the communication channels open, continue trying to contact your grandchildren x

crazyH Wed 24-Apr-19 21:16:07

Hopefully, I'll be honest, I wish I had a good man in my life. I had too sheltered a life, convent educated, strict upbringing etc etc. Married for all the wrong reasons, then divorced. Had one or two offers since then, but was too much of a 'nun'
Go for it girl. Don't worry about what others say, including your ex and your children. Get some happiness while you can.

icanhandthemback Wed 24-Apr-19 21:19:15

Can I just say, I wouldn't list everything that my ex has done wrong. By doing so, you will sound like you are making excuses or trying to convince them. Just let them find out for themselves, it goes in much deeper when the penny drops and nobody sounds defensive. My ex was an abusive person but I didn't say anything against him to my kids. He has shown his true colours and they have made up their own minds about him. I would have hated to feel that I was dividing their loyalty or asking them to take sides.

AlgeswifeVal Thu 25-Apr-19 07:47:30

IMO, just let it ride. This problem will burn itself out. If your children love you and I’m sure they do, they will accept the situation. It is your life not theirs so why sacrifice happiness for others. You will naturally feel downhearted for a while but give it time and things will get back to normal.

David1968 Thu 25-Apr-19 14:40:11

I agree - don't let go of a new relationship, if he's a good & reliable man whom you like. And I agree with the GNs who suggest sending your children a letter. Then there can be no doubt that you have told them how you feel. And it leaves the door open for them to see you in the future. Good luck.