J.M. asks from Alexandria, MN on April 30, 2011
In a Relationship and Not Happy
I have been together with my kids' father for almost 6 years. We've been "on and off" since we've been together. Whenever we get into an argument, it is usually because he doesn't help out with our kids and I feel like a single parent in our "relationship". He tells me he loves me and doesn't want us to split apart, but I just found out he was looking up his ex from 8 years ago. He constantly lies to me about when he'll be home when he "goes out with the guys". He very rarly gives me a break from our kids, and even then I have to beg and plead to get a few moments to myself. We haven't talked about anything that is going on with "us", the only talking we do is small talk or about things HE is interested in. We never go out-just the two of us, or even do things as a family- it is usually me taking the kids to do things w/o him. I try to leave him, but he always seems to pull me back in. I told him I was willing to work with him on child custody, since he is a loving dad (even though he isn't highly involved in their lives) as I feel our relationship has turned sour, and to the point of no return. There has been no love for a long time. We havent' slept in the same bed in over a year, and as far as "relations" go, we only have them a few times a year. I feel lonly, depressed, ugly, and worthless. Anyone ever been through something like this? Should I stay and try to work things out with a couples counselor like he suggested? Or should I follow my gut and leave before my heart breaks any further? I'm trying to do whats best for my kids, and I am so lonly and confused. PLEASE HELP!
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R.K. answers from Appleton on April 30, 2011
Counseling might help but he is an emotional abuser. This is going to take a lot of time. It will only help if he is willing to see what he is doing to you and to the kids AND is willing to change.
Sometimes these things work out but it's rare.
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M.M. answers from Tucson on April 30, 2011
Hey mamaj i was in a similar situation about a month ago. We did sleep together though. But he didnt help with kids, we didnt go on dates, mostly due to money. But he found a way to go out to bars and pick up woman and enjoy lunches with them. Anyways, i wish that before our relationship got to him cheating, he would have communicated with me about how he felt and vise-versa. We have 2 kids and i am currently pregnant. But i filed for divorce and he has been gone over a month now and i am due to have a baby alone anyday. I wish things would have worked out for our families sake. Its very hard on the kids when the parents split. I would suggest some counceling if you think it may help, but if you feel deep down it your heart there is no love and you are only together for the kids, then leave. Don't waste anpother minute of your life with him. Since my husband has left i feel happier, although i am sad for my kids, but i know he is not worth my time anymore. HTH and good luck..... If you need to talk inbox me. : )
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P.W. answers from San Francisco on April 30, 2011
If he actually suggested a counselor, then for your kids' sake, it's definitely worth going. If he made that suggestion it means he actually must want you to stay together.
Bottom line is, the two of you don't treat each other well. No marriage will survive that. The good thing about that is -- that is something that can be turned around in one day. When people start treating each other with love and kindness and attention, it's amazing how attractive they start to become.
It's the typical male/female scenario - he doesn't help much and is minimally involved, and you therefore nag and detest him.
Both of those things are pretty easily changed, when it comes right down to it.
Go to the counselor, your kids deserve it. And in the meantime, if the two of you could make a pact to treat each other (even if you don't feel all in love) like you did when you were first dating, you might be surprised how much you start to like each other again.
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S.N. answers from Minneapolis on April 30, 2011
He asked you to go to a counselor?? If so give yourself a gift and go..... do you know how many women have men who refuse to go??
Also go b/c if you don't YOU (if you split up) will just make the same mistake in choosing the next partner. You need to figure out the why/what/how of your current relationship so that if you do separate you can move into a much healthier one. I hope you can work it out and stay together.
DITTO on Robin's advice... you will only stay IF changes start occurring during counseling. Don't let him just go thru the motions and think that is enough.
2 moms found this helpful
R.K. answers from Appleton on April 30, 2011
Counseling might help but he is an emotional abuser. This is going to take a lot of time. It will only help if he is willing to see what he is doing to you and to the kids AND is willing to change.
Sometimes these things work out but it's rare.
2 moms found this helpful
R.M. answers from Cumberland on April 30, 2011
You're not alone-what sets you apart , however,is that he suggested counseling. You should try it-but tell him up front that he shouldn't use it as a tool to placate you-you will not buy into that-it will be used to make profound changes so that you can go forward in a meaningful relationship.
2 moms found this helpful
K.S. answers from Green Bay on May 01, 2011
You aren't alone. Get counseling for yourself and also try couples counseling.
1 mom found this helpful
L.M. answers from Norfolk on April 30, 2011
not to quibble, but you ARE a single parent. You may live in the same house and have a child together, but he is behaving as if you are roommates (with the occasional booty call due to proximity.) I'm not saying marriage is the only form of a committed relationship, but it seems as though he's playing by a different set of rules. There is no substitute for communication. If counseling can help you both communicate, then go for it. However, that is not a solution, it is a path to a conclusion. You need to articulate what you want and what you're not willing to settle for. Be prepared to leave without feeling it's an indictment on his parenting. You need to allow for the possibility of a happy future for yourself. Think of the example you want to set for your kids. Best of luck to you.
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M.M. answers from Washington DC on April 30, 2011
Follow your gut.
Tell him you have better things to do with your life than wait for him.
THen say Goodbye.
But you have to leave and not take him back. That will be the hard part because he will start pulling out all the stops and promse you the moon. Don't be fooled.
1 mom found this helpful
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