So I don’t really know where to start but I just need some advice please-
So currently partially broke up with husband- he’s at his mums & im at home with the kids. So bit of back story- we’ve been together nearly 10 years, he had ADHD diagnosed but decided he doesn’t want meds but has smoked weed all his life (has cut down from all day everyday to 1 on a night but now it’s more like 2/3 a day from later afternoon- he’s tried numerous times to fully stop but can’t and says it’s his release and coping mechanism). We’ve had a turbulent marriage to say the least- no cheating but he has not always put me first in the sense of- chatting to younger women in the local shop then adding them on social media knowing full well they fancy the pants off him, following explicit pages or more directly girls on Instagram that I find disrespectful, had a small (short amount of time) cocaine addiction which I had a feeling about but everyday when I questioned him has he taken it he made out I was a psychopath & not at all- eventually a few weeks down the line he got caught out and had to confess- was obvs never gonna tell me. I haven’t been innocent- I’ve had my own depression & anxiety due to previous relationship my ex left me for his boss & then both my parents died (4 years apart) whilst I was with husband but before I was 30- in now 32. So yeah traumatised me tbh. Husband has never held down a longterm job and had quite often just walked out of said jobs & left us in the shit financially so we’ve never been able to save or get in front because finance are always so short- I’ve also failed and not got a back up career- went to uni as an adult but I’ve never done anything with it as I’ve always just had small low income jobs and been there for kids as he tends to work away with his work and we live in an area with no family and few friends etc no added childcare which actually we wouldn’t have if we lived at ‘home’ anyway because the last living grandparent pays no interest in said grandchild or me. So we’ve separated a few times (this is the 3rd) and every time he goes back home, opens up to his mum who then informs the whole family about how awful I am & then they hate me & I spend the next year trying to get them to like me. So me & my ways- so I’m not innocent- never cheated on him, I don’t have a a great income but I always contribute what I can- I don’t really drink or take drugs etc but I have most definitely emotional abused him at times- called him a waste of space & said he doesn’t provide because if I’m honest at times he doesn’t- well actually most of the time he doesn’t because he has weeks off work, days off work when he wants (sometimes cba with work on a Monday), I think there’s just lots of resentment towards him tbh- he says he goes into these spirals because of me and I’m just not sure tbh- my head is mashed & I question my own sanity tbh.
So moving on….This break has basically spiralled- it’s a mess. Over December he worked less (his boss is a bit of jerk-like if he needs a Friday off he makes him take the whole week off self employed so loses a weeks wage when all he needed was one day) so anyway throughout December a he’s lost a lot of money, had no back up finances so I’ve used my savings to keep the house running, Christmas etc for the kids, his family, him & bought my own presents he didn’t buy one single thing but still managed to buy weed or tick it with the money he had- this obviously upset me- I said even if it had been a small jar with something thoughtful/homemade it would have been nice but tbh he just doesn’t think like that- he doesn’t do romantic things, organise dates, book nights away etc nothing at all that’s all me- I am the organiser- he doesn’t even sort his own bills etc and if left to do so they are paid late etc. and I think because he hasn’t had the money he’s gone into self loathe mode- the lack of routine etc and I tried to be nice at first & be like look I’ve sorted everything but he was just cold & miserable & it’s ground me down tbh- he was sleeping in all the time, moping around the house, being generally miserable & down even though he actually had a readymade sorted Christmas cos I’ve done everything- he helped wrap a new presents, and joined in the festive fun- so to name a few- I paid & booked a weekend away, we had a Santa visit in a steam train, saw Santa at the garden centre & then went back home to a caravan holiday with hottub over Christmas all paid for by me because he’d had time off work- so it’s important to note one of the weeks he had off was for a course which he passed to better himself at work- this is the second time he’s done it as failed the first one (it’s not an easy course) so that’s a week off unpaid too then they gave him no work the week after as there wasn’t any. Anyway the moping because too much along with the sleeping in & the tit for tatting at each other and then one big shouting match & he packed his bag & walked out & went to his mums which is where he’s been since last Monday. Part of the week he’s been working away (from weds) but then had chose to go back to his mums instead of coming home this weekend- it’s a been a messy weekend- so he had early finish Friday & I just had in my head that he’d come home as he was telling me he had minimal to do at work etc but he had txt to say he’d come home Saturday- anyway spoke to him Friday & his brother was there (so now mum knows, brother knows too) I said how ‘oh I thought you were gonna surprise me and come home’ obvs he wasn’t and this is my fault for thinking it. The more the night went on the more upset I got that he had an early finish but chose to not come home & sent a message saying I wasnt ready for him to come home Saturday but it was a long message that basically explained that actually I push you away because you always walk out & leave but reality is I just want you home- so Saturday comes & he doesn’t come home because out of all the giant message I sent he only read the words that I wasn’t ready for him to come home. Again my own doing. He never replied to the message on Friday to question it etc. so Saturday we bicker backwards & forwards but then Saturday night i FT him (important to note he only ever rings or txts me if it’s about the kids- he would never ask to come home or say he misses me etc- in fact he’s admitted he doesn’t miss me- yet) we speak & I cry lots but we’re open & get on- I then message & say will you come see me tomorrow please- he say it will confuse the kids as they think I’m working away- I say they won’t be confused cos they’ll think you’ve finished work early- he then says he’s no money for petrol- I say I’ll pay- he then says that he’s not ready & made plans with his mum- so I say we’ll id just really appreciate the comfort tbh & don’t want to go 2 weeks without seeing him but now I feel like he’s making excuses & im giving solutions but still he doesn’t want to come home- in the end he just said he won’t be coming home until next Friday & that I need to suck it up as he’s not budging on it. I just cried myself to sleep & have woken up wondering what I should do- it’s also important to note that every time this is the cycle- he walks out, I beg him back & he then decides when he wants to come back but it’s never when I ask- always when he’s ready etc. I’ve tried to explain to him this last week and next week he’s gone to his mums so he has the space to analyse everything- mum cooks & washes for him- he has no responsibilities apart from working whereas I still have to function daily with the kids/house/bills/ normal life etc whilst not actually opening up to anyone because I cba explaining all this mess to someone so I’m just doing it all alone. Also like to add youngest child has SEN so life is never easy with him- doesn’t sleep well, gets up early, can’t be left alone, poo smears etc so actually for me the weekend is so important cos I battle this on my own all week so having extra hands on a weekend is what I live for tbh so to find out he won’t be home has really upset me as you can imagine- I did explain this to husband & said you know the excitement we all have for Daddy coming home is massive & we all buzz off it. All he can say is that I have made him feel sad, depressed, unloved, unworthy etc but says due to ADHD he can’t pinpoint what I’ve done as he doesn’t keep a list. I know that maybe I have- I have said things that aren’t nice but he has also done things that aren’t nice- that make me feel insecure & unwanted etc but I don’t hold a lifetime grudge against him.
When we are good we are amazing- great team, happy, have the best laughs, when my parents died he was there for me- sorting the kids out & having them whenever etc cuddled me & stayed up with me whilst I cried etc albeit the cocaine incident was at the same time as one parent dying and he says it was because he was a mess too and knew he couldn’t put on me because I was grieving.
I know this is huge- I’m sorry & thank you if you’ve read to the end- I am happy to elaborate more if needed. I just want to fix my marriage- I want to be happy & be a family. Please help. Why won’t my husband just come home & support me?
Thank you.
Edit to this post- I have
Submitted by Ro7777 on
Edit to this post- I have literally begged him all morning to come home so we can correct things & he's just refusing to come home whatsoever saying I'm not listening even though we've both hurt each other.
Step back
Submitted by Loopdaloop on
Hi Ro
I read your post to the end, and thoroughly sympathise with you. It appears these people with adult adhd really put us through the ringer, though we allow it. It's like being on an emotional rollercoaster. I'm the same as you in that I've occasionally given my partner a hard time verbally, always as a result though of their behaviour, being thoughtless or reckless. We're also sounding the same in that we have an angry rant then calm down, and ultimately love our partner and want to be loved in return. However they seem to not play ball with this and I guess quite rightly are they're own individuals, and this means them not willing to meet us in the middle and leave us literally hanging in a rather cruel way, which doesn't build confidence that they truly love us. My partner ended it yesterday, as a result of him doing me a favour - badly when there was no need as it was relatively simple, and me being annoyed by it. We've had one major busy up back in September and I hounded him on texts and calls professing love and sorrow, he on the other hand didn't seem bothered. But 2 weeks later came back to me. I guess what I'm trying to say is he knows you want him back, please try and chew your hands off rather than contact him, by the sounds of it, he'll be back but on his terms, they like to be in control. But as all the advice on this forum states, do you really want him back, they aren't amazing partners and are prone to letting us down and being disloyal and causing us extra work. X
It won't let me reply
Submitted by Ro7777 on
It won't let me reply
1
Submitted by Ro7777 on
Hi
Thank you so much for responding.
I went to therapy the end of 2020 and actually we broke up (again) whilst I was mid therapy as I partially realised that I reacted to his actions but whenever I try explain this to him he is cold & cannot see anything at all from my point of view which is frustrating.
im really sorry hear about you & your partner- it just never seems to end does it! And you're right- I spent the morning begging him to just come home so we can try correct things & start a new week on a fresh start but he again is coldly refusing no matter how much I beg- I eventually gave up even trying to ask or compromise with him because he was blunt & rude & clearly couldn't give two hoots that I am devastated- I had a shower & took myself out with my son and the more I think about it I just want to cut contact with him completely. I know he'll ring every night to speak to our son but I'm going to make a conscious effort to not speak to him- he constantly gives me the silent treatment as if I'm invisible when we split so I'll be as invisible as he wants me to be.
He has no respect for- he never takes my feelings into account & always just says that I’ve abused him so much & he’s now treating me how I’ve treat him which I personally think is unfair. He has at times failed us a family & not supported us in times of need etc but I do agree that I’ve not always been the best supportive wife I can be as I’ve had my own issues. I never ever feel appreciated & that’s because he doesn’t appreciate what I do- he just says it’s my role etc yet he doesn’t always fulfil his ‘role’ as such.
I’m really lost tbh- I don’t know what to do for the best- I have bouts of thinking him being gone is the best thing tbh but then the thought of moving on & functioning life without him is heartbreaking but nothing is ever going to change. We broke up in 2016 and he moved out- I begged him back. We broke up again in 2020 for around 2 months & I begged him back and now again Jan 2022 and although when we get back together everything seems fresh & new it never takes long to slip back into old ways & the effort he’s started to make lapses again.
I won’t allow weed in the house but that then results in him make 1/2/3 fags a night in his car & smoking it in his car taking up to 45minutes at a time where I just sit around & wait for him- something I don’t think is fair & have expressed numerous times yet nothing changes.
2
Submitted by Ro7777 on
There are so many things that are wrong & tbh him being away is probably the best thing- I just need more confidence & belief in myself that I can do this alone- I mean Mon-Fri I do it alone anyway but I really do live for the weekends of him coming home & doing family things but reality is that 80% of the time on a weekend he sleeps in until 10-11am & then wants to chill & do nothing because he’s been away from home all week. It’s only if I make & force plans that we actually do anything- he would never ever think to make plans for the weekend or spontaneously say let’s do this/date night etc Again this is something I dislike & have expressed which is where his comments about me never being happy come into play & how he’ll never please me or do the right thing but the reality is that he doesn’t actually plan anything at all so...
He can be helpful around the house, bits of vaccing, happy to do the washing etc- he has after the last break up started to cook more but again that would only be in maybe said ‘do you want to cook tonight’ he wouldn’t just offer & is also after 8 years of him refusing to cook- he would never just offer to get the food shop or spring clean the house etc- he has to asked to do anything.
This is another essay again & also only really feel like I’m scratching the surface!
Sorry & thank you x
I’m sure it is
Submitted by Loopdaloop on
I'm sure it is just scratching the surface. And I think we know what's for the best, to not have them in our lives but that's impossible with children being involved and that little thing called love. If Love was more straightforward we'd all be with the right characters, but it's a mystery. And we all coming in to whatever the percentage is of the good stuff within the relationship. I've never attended any of the seminars from this site, but you say you try and explain the cause and effect with your partner and he takes no responsibility, that's mine to a tee. So how can you even begin to improve unless you lower your standards at all times?! I can only think with regards to your date night that you sit together and decide on dates in the calendar, and you'll have to plan the event. I've never had weed experience so unsure how you manage that but he doesn't sound keen to give it up and weed screws your head up too.
I've only been in my relationship for 2.5 years and when I read on her that people have been in these sort of relationships for sometimes 30+ years it blows my mind, but I'm in my late forties and I guys if I'd have met my ex partner when I was in my 20s we'd no doubt started living together, married and kids v quickly. I don't have any wise words, I'm currently pining for my ex who disregards my feelings so what do I know!
Aww I’m so sorry that things
Submitted by Ro7777 on
Aww I’m so sorry that things are complicated for you too- has he moved out now? It’s so shit that they just don’t care at all- I find it so heartless & then I wonder why the hell I line and beg him back- it’s like I’ve just got zero respect for myself so why would he ever respect me?
yeah we met early 20’s, had a baby & got married. I have a daughter to a previous relationship & that is one thing where he’s been outstanding & that’s at being a stepdad to her- you would never know that she isn’t his- he’s been in her life since she was 5 so it would be awful to fully split as she visits her dad every other weekend so I don’t think he would ever get to see her tbh!
I think I maybe need to read more on here- it’s so big I just don’t know where to start tbh but I can’t imagine 30 more years of this & feeling so unappreciated & unloved.
i just think so we walk away now? Like he messaged back this morning saying ‘in my eyes I've already got one foot out of the door and it's going to take time to make me want to step back..' but how cruel is that- it's like he just doesn't even want ti be with me but doesn't want ti he without me either & knows I'll beg him back.
when we split in 2020 I was quite strong because I'd just had enough but then seeing him daily & him flirting, then we'd sleep together etc & once again begged him back after a few months and once Christmas was approaching- but again it wasn't really him saying he can't live without me & knows what I mean to him etc- he's never ever expressed love in that way to me.
he can be so loving but over the years it's just got less & less...I guess the more reckless things he does the more I react & resent him & he becomes cold. I'm really not sure nearly 10 years down the line we can fix this nor am I sure that I want a life of taking care of him- I just want someone to take control & own their shit tbh.
xx
Ro7777
Submitted by c ur self on
Think about what you've written, and how your acting toward him?? Your allowing him to hold you hostage....Your life consists of mothering an adult who is pursuing (based on your posts) very unhealthy practices that you do not want around your children....I suggest you try to just step back and accept the reality of his life...He is showing you who is important to him...He is showing you who and what he CARES about...You just need to believe what he's showing you with his actions...Try to stay away from the **Yeah But's** when reality is being shown to you.....
If you accept him, then you will start finding your own life again....Your emotions will calm down...We can only change ourselves, we can lose our life trying to change someone else....You want him to be uncomfortable...Stop contacting him....Turn you attention on all the positive things in your life...Just my suggestion....
Blessings to you and children....
c
I have just started to read
Submitted by Ro7777 on
I have just started to read other forum posts & got hooked into one you had previously replied to- to then realise you've written to me, so I'm feeling grateful about that as you seem very in sync with understanding the ADHD mind.
After my erratic outburst of begging this morning I've managed to not contact him all day and as predicted he hasn't contacted me either. This is the norm- he would never chase me. Right now (10pm uk time) I feel confident I can step back however I feel like my emotions are one extreme to the other but I must try & stay headstrong & minimise the contact- can't totally cut off as he will call to speak to the kids.
so you say he's showing me who he cares about- weed & himself? I did try to concentrate on myself but I guess I'm hung up on this idealisation of 'family life' but it's not turning out as expected. I cut most financial ties with him, I do me & the kids- he attempts to do himself (often doesn't pay bills) however when it comes to holidays etc and we pay half- if he didn't have his half I would pay it- how do I overcome stuff like this? He regularly sends me say £100 contribution for bills or the kids but then 2 days later asks for £70 for work/food/petrol & I give it him- only a few days ago he asked for £100 & I sent it- if I didn't he would be really annoyed with me & no doubt kick up a fuss about how I don't share.
i feel like there's so many complications- I have already removed lots of expectations, lowered my standards & crossed boundaries I never thought I would accept- I don't know how to fix the mess.
thank you for reaching out- it is much appreciated..
Quandary
Submitted by Loopdaloop on
Yes it's hard as I'm sure I read on this site, they should feel the consequences of their actions, trouble is if you've a home with them then you will be impacted if they can't pay their bills or go on holiday with you or can't tidy the house. In my case I cancelled my plans to have tea with him as a consequence of his actions and he ended it! And boy do they seem cold and in control when they end it. Well done for keeping your distance as much as you can.
So I have another question-
Submitted by Ro7777 on
So I have another question- so I managed 24 hours of not contacting & then we've spoke- quite civilised & I feel like we had a bit of a breakthrough- not to necessarily get back together but for him to realise that it's not just all my fault- however at the end of the conversation he confessed he had gone to see his Nan with his mum and his auntie & uncle were there- he then told me they had all spoke about it- so now his
Mum, Brother, Nan, Auntie & Uncle
know we are separated & he is living at his mums- for now- again.
so my issue with this is as stated before- his family hold it all against me & I then spend the next year trying to get them to like me again so they don't think I've just constantly abused their precious boy & so I can attend family events without being judged or spoken to rudely!
I've approached this with husband and when he left I asked him to not discuss it with everyone until we fully knew what was happening etc I've since said to him it's upset me- as it has. Like why does everyone need to 1. Be involved in our marital disputes & 2. Have an opinion on it? I feel SOOO hated by all his family & they're a small kind of close knit family tbh.
hos answer was - I needed to talk so I did.
what do I do? Am I reacting wrongly by being upset by it? I feel so hurt AGAIN just after I was feeling stronger. It's embarrassing.
any advice welcome- thank you x
Also to add on that I do not
Submitted by Ro7777 on
Also to add on that I do not speak to my family our our relationship- not at times like this because the future is so uncertain but I don't want to involve people unnecessarily. I also don't because we'll 1. I'm embarrassed by the way he's sometimes treated me & 2. I don't feel like he should suffer through my family & how they'd react to these situations- as far as I'm concerned we have enough issues without adding more opinions etc. he says he did ask his mum to not say anything but she told his family so then he spoke to them. I just don't know what to do- I know if we end up back together I'll then be frowned upon by the rest of the family- AGAIN.
You are also separated from his extended family
Submitted by Will It Get Better on
One of the toughest things of having a continuing relationship with an ADHDer is that almost no one else outside of your nuclear family who also experience the constant chaos day to day will appreciate the pain you experience. They will seemingly discount most of what you say because it does not make 'sense' to them and they'll therefore conclude you are exaggerating. The first thing about mental illness is that it DOES NOT MAKE SENSE. You are tasked with trying to hold your family and relationship together while your partner bounces all over the place. It is a soul-crushing dynamic. And it never stops.
You need to focus on what is best for you and your children. Everything else is secondary. You have no control over how your partner interacts with his extended family. Force yourself to acknowledge that. Again and again. You don't control it so don't allow yourself to beat yourself up over the result.
Nothing could be truer than this
Submitted by 1Melody1 on
Absolutely no one understands. When I was with my ADHD husband, NO ONE understood why my life was always a mess, why I was always frazzled and exhausted. Everyone assumed I had an equal partner to share the burden with so no one offered support. If I dared to share a little, people dismissed what I'd say as typical marriage issues. Now that I'm single, I get offers of support all the time... people seem to feel so bad for me that I'm a single mom now. But I don't need the support now. I needed support THEN. But people just can't see the struggle because it "DOES NOT MAKE SENSE." Life is so much easier without my ADHD partner dropping the ball, breaking promises, creating catastrophes and extra work, etc. Being the non-spouse can be very isolating because no one understands. There is once again no one to carry the burden but you.
So true
Submitted by Loopdaloop on
I completely agree with your well written reply. I can talk to friends but it all just sounds like general typical relationship issues, and they just get snippets of him in the flesh where as he's got adhd he's naturally charming and amusing. They don't realise the frustrations of partner forgetting something important but if you dare remind them you're an absolute nag and a really negative person. I've never been called that in my life before! He also told me I had morbid jealousy when he openly flirted with my friend, typical adhd behaviour of seeking attention. You can't win, my brain has literally felt like it's been exploding certainly for the last 12 months.
It's so hard isn't it- I just
Submitted by Ro7777 on
It's so hard isn't it- I just don't understand why we chase them so much & want them so badly when they literally cause carnage in our lives!
have you heard from him since he decided to break up with you or is he giving you the silent treatment?
i have no idea what to do- I felt like I wanted to fix things after our productive chat earlier but now I just don't even want to see him- I can't imagine slating him to my family like he has with me to his family- they hate me- why would he want his family to hate his wife? It makes life so awkward.
Really hope you're doing okay. This life is not easy at all but I saw a little quote earlier that said 'remember you have got through every tough day in your life before- you've got this' and we really do! X
What makes you think
Submitted by Loopdaloop on
What makes you think he's been slagging you off? I'm sure if they knew he smokes weed and can't manage his money they'd have a dim view, but yeah he'll put his spin on it. Hold your head up high with his family, he's lucky he's got s partner, he's not a catch if you out it on paper! Since May I've not even asked if my ex partner discusses me with his sister, as he's a widower she'll be thinking why am I being so horrible to her baby brother, and I've avoided socialising with her, which I guess has added to the strained mood. He rang me last night, and I initially thought he'd changed his mind but it was to say we were over, though he'd said that in the text the day before. I've been losing sleep over a jobless, patronising person who has a chaotic life. I'm actually looking forward to sleep tonight and I was busy at work today so that's been a distraction.
Talk to an attorney now
Submitted by Will It Get Better on
Consult an attorney immediately. Your ex will not behave any better during the divorce. Beware. The selfishness you've seen in the past will not compare to what you are about to see. Good luck.
HI Ro
Submitted by c ur self on
There are so many Red Flags in your posts....You have gotten some great advice...When we allow our insecurities to drive us, we can end up living a life time of misery....Relationships aren't that hard when two people desire it, and are willing to do the ***work***....I'm so sorry, so so many of us here do not have it either. That is why we hang around here from time to time, attempting to help open others eyes to the reality of the tragic road they are considering embarking on....You can turn to your own denial, or you can believe what you see....
blessings
c