Hi: I got on this site about 6 years ago in desperation and isolation. I've been married to an otherwise wonderful man for almost 23 years. When we had twins 17 years ago his ADD exploded. He and I are the exact example of a couple in "The ADD Effect on Marriage." We have both been aware of our situation since discovering this site and these books. Armed with that knowledge, I took him to the Mayo Clinic, have arranged therapy with 5 different marriage counselors over the years and have made myself crazy. He says he always feels like the "project" in marriage counseling right before he decides not to return. So finally I said I want a divorce; I'm moving out. SNAP NOW HE SAYS HE GETS IT. WTF? He says the light finally came on and to "give him a second chance." Truth be told, I've given him 1000 chances over these years. My current frustration is that my kids only see how much fun their dad is and adore him. I'm glad they adore him but they have no way of seeing the underlying problems of an ADD/non-ADD marriage. All they see is my reaction to him: nagging, controlling, disappointment, etc. He is now the "victim" who is broken hearted. My kids now HATE ME. My daughter isn't talking to me. They want to live with him and can't wait till the movers come later this week for me to get out. My husband keeps saying "how can you abandon us." I have a legitimate reason for leaving. It's all ADD related. No cheating, lying, etc. All ADD, depression and anxiety which the kids don't really see. So now, to divorce my husband means I divorce my kids too. I can't take it anymore though. I just can't take it. Anybody else leave their ADD spouse and also lose their kids? Will they come back around? c.
I'M DONE AND LEAVING. MY KIDS HATE ME
Submitted by ccfegley2 on 05/08/2017.
Very Similar
Submitted by doublej on
I have a very similar situation. I filed for divorce soon after our 23rd anniversary. All my reasons were ADD related. He also "got it" once I filed for divorce and wanted one more chance. Like you, I had given him hundreds of chances.
It is VERY hard on the kids (I have four). However, a few weeks after living in separate households, my kids are seeing a bigger truth about their father and his behavior. I used to hide his irresponsibility from them. They are starting to understand that maybe I wasn't a nag or as controlling as they were led to believe.
The hardest part is to hold your tongue. The truth will reveal itself and your kids will come around. I've even told my kids that I am OK with being the responsible one. He can be the fun one. I DO want them to have a relationship with him even if that means I still shoulder more responsibility.
ccfegley2
Submitted by c ur self on
Sorry it's come to this, but don't think for one moment most of us don't understand completely. I've been the referee between her and my step son, I've been the maid that cleans up after all the "fun stuff" for all the years we've been married....
I like what the other poster told you...Sometimes we (more times than not) become enabler to chaotic living...It's just our survivalist nature...So when you step aside a few months I think your kids will see the light...Just love them and be understanding of their immaturity...You are not abandoning your family.....Your spouse is running you off with his non participation...No matter the reason "Why"
Maybe after a little while a part you can set up boundaries that he will respect, and things can be different...He is fixing to have an awakening!
C