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husband and children/grandchildr en

(88 Posts)
manny Mon 17-Sept-18 11:00:17

I've posted on this topic before - about two years ago - and my issues around it have deteriorated.
I remarried about four years ago. I have three AC and five GC. My husband can accept one of my AC and her daughters but cannot (will not?) welcome the other two families into our homes (we have a lovely house in France) I celebrated a milestone birthday a few months ago. One AC and her family stayed in our house. The others had to rent a house nearby. When I go to visit the two families he struggles with, I have to go alone. The atmosphere in our home is so tense as a result of his attitudes, which are authoritarian and rigid, that they no longer stay with us. This has meant that my contact with them is more limited. We were a close family and I feel that this closeness is no longer there. We have had counselling which worked for a short period of time but things have deteriorated again. I have visited the doctor as my anxiety levels are very high and have been prescribed medication. I have also organised appointments with a therapist in order to learn CBT techniques to cope with the resulting anxiety and depression, and also with the feeling of anger I have towards my husband because of the whole situation.
A second major problem arises from his refusal to stop working. He is seventy eight and still organises sporting events - one a year for the past four years. These are big events and require a large amount of time spent on the internet. He refuses to set boundaries on this, spending many hours every day on the computer, which is his best friend. I think that the underlying problem in both of these issues is a total inability to relax. He will not deal with this.
I've tried to talk to him on numerous occasions, to no avail.
I can't see any solution to this, other than to separate. I don't want to do this, but feel overwhelmed now with feelings of depression and loss. I cannot see the situation clearly now because of this. There is no laughter or fun in this house any more - everything is deadly serious.
What I'd like to know is if anyone out there has experience of this, and, if so, how did they deal with it? And can someone with an objective view tell me if I'm unreasonable to feel like this?
I should add that my AC have all approached him with respect and consideration. They are all hardworking people and are excellent parents.

Grannyparkrun Tue 18-Sept-18 08:19:07

I have sent you a PM manny. Look after yourself. All best wishes.

NanaPlenty Tue 18-Sept-18 08:37:32

Just wanted to send you a hug - I sort of know how this all feels and it is hard to face up to doing something about it sometimes. Look after yourself - you only have one life, we shouldn't waste it being unhappy. Xx

Barmeyoldbat Tue 18-Sept-18 10:13:22

if you leave and live on your own you will feel such a sense of freedom, to do as you want, to have who you want stay and not have to think about the bull he is. Being lonely, well I think that over time that will go as you gain more confidence and make your own life. Dont let this bully come between you and your family and also what is he doing on the internet all the time? leave.

luluaugust Tue 18-Sept-18 22:25:30

I am so sorry he does have an unacceptable attitude to your family, please get some legal advice and see whats what. Has he been married before, I am thinking if you married him when he was 74 he was probably way past changing any attitudes he had and no idea of life with young children. Take care and start quietly getting organised so you know your position. flowers

wellingtonpie Wed 19-Sept-18 06:50:29

I am also in a similar situation. My partner gave up smoking 7 months ago after almost 60 years. But although it's great not having the smell of smoke around, it seems he has changed personality for the worse. And I'm almost on the point of calling it a day. We've been together 7years. Loved him to bits, but now I'm not sure I even like him. It's like treading on eggshells every time I speak to him. Also he is so short tempered and I cannot do anything right. Unfortunately I don't just sit and take it and fight my corner, consequently the atmosphere is not brilliant. So you are not alone manny but at our ages it's difficult to make a break especially when we should be enjoying each other and life. I also have the same issue with children and grandchildren. But if it came to a choice I know who would win and who would lose. It's sad. It shouldn't be like this. Best if luck.

manny Wed 19-Sept-18 08:55:33

Thanks for that, wellingtonpie. I'm sad about your situation. I, too, fight back. It doesn't make things any different = in fact, it seems to make them worse. I don't want to make a break, but everything has been tried now. Counselling made a bit of a difference for a short while, so maybe you might think of that?
I now find it hard to think of positives in the relationship, which is sad indeed.
Best of luck to you, too

wellingtonpie Wed 19-Sept-18 10:41:38

Manny. In a way I suppose I'm glad we didn't get married. I think we would have in the first 2 or 3 years we were together but that passed and I'm glad we didn't.
I hope things do get better for you. Take the bull by the horns. Courage in both hands!! ?

ReadyMeals Wed 19-Sept-18 12:40:01

Well Manny, I think "that" time has come...

Nannan2 Tue 25-Sept-18 18:07:22

Choose a house.then send him to live in the other one.it doesnt sound like you have a lot of feeling left for this man.why are you still together even?I myself could not tolerate anyone who treat my family like that.especially if theres no reason for it.he doesnt sound 'of sound mind' if im honesthmmSorry if its not what you wanted to hear.

M0nica Tue 25-Sept-18 19:40:02

Quite often when things get difficult in a marriage in old age people do not want to separate because they have been happy together for over 40 years, or some such period and it would disrupt family relations with their AC and GC and this is understandable.

But in this case you have been married for only 4 years and, as I read the thread, for most of that time, you have been unhappy and he has been complaining and behaving rudely when you want your family round you.

You know nothing is going to change the way your H behaves and I think you know what you need to do. DGC are only young once and loving AC's are riches to be treasured. As others have said, have a break and sit and think. Sometimes cutting and running may be scary, but it is the best thing to do.

Luckylegs9 Wed 26-Sept-18 07:31:10

You have been together just a short time and it's not a success, you are unhappy so shy stay with him. You owe him nothing. If I had a close family as you have, I would not let him ruin that. I don't get to see mine, that is lonely. It would seem as if it's not finance that stops you from leaving, but misplaced loyalty to someone who is behaving appallingly. It won't get better because he is in control. You will surprised at the support your loving family will give you, being alone doesn't mean you will be lonely. Look after yourself as he is, it not your failure. Good luck, I really feel for you living with such a man, you sound such a lovely caring person, put you and your family first.

jeanie99 Wed 26-Sept-18 09:34:33

What a mess from your letter you seem very depressed which is not good and it would be a bad time to make any major decisions like separating from your husband.
As we get older people can get set in their ways and I think your husband is, he obviously loves what he does and there is little chance of him changing.
You have two options you could separate with all that entails like selling up finding somewhere to live, are you financially ok on your own the loneliness etc.
Option 2 stay where you are accepting him for what he is and try and get along as house mates. You have your friends and family who you can visit on your own and make a different life to suit you.
Life can be short grab what you want.