Midlife Crisis: Support for Left Behind Spouses

Archives => Archived Topics => Topic started by: Songanddance on August 17, 2013, 01:54:01 AM

Title: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: Songanddance on August 17, 2013, 01:54:01 AM
Makes us left behind think they are doing these things for the other person, things they never did for us,

I agree -I'm fairly confident that my H has taken OW to New York for a few days. He hated NY when we went there some yrs ago as he hates all big cities so the in fatuation is evident here.

Think MLCer, when they are out of crisis, can't believe the things they have done or said
That's why I have kept a diary of his behaviour and words so that one day whether we R or not he will learn what he did and the damage he created. This is not out of revenge but to help him really deal with this when he is on his journey back to himself.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: i can and will cope on August 17, 2013, 05:12:54 AM
Makes us left behind think they are doing these things for the other person, things they never did for us, when really they are just acting as total opposites.

my h acted total opposite changed the beer he liked that he had drank for twenty  5 years, the soap he hated and wouldnt let me buy when together he now used, he stopped being as clean yuk, his morals totally opposite as he woudnt tolerate people who had affairs thought was wrong

he also change his taste in music he stamped his feet one trime like a little child stating i not talking to you and folded his arms...  my son couldnt bekieve it

so they do do these things and i suppose when you sit and think about it it the same thing in the magazine..

my h when i think about it apologised to me for not giving me a big house (i love my 3 bed semi and we were happy ) he just wanted to hae the best of everythin i think mainly thats what he wants now to have money but he is in worse positionnow than before more debt no home of his own and really not happy with ow,  but thats his problem not mine ...hugs xx
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Disneyme on August 17, 2013, 05:19:43 AM
I feel for you. That is why at some point I don't think I will stand. I am only 42. My grandfather lived til 97. I can't imagine just being alone. No one to travel with. It is so hard to watch the life I wanted and didn't get but the OW gets what is important to me. 
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: PatienceGalore on August 17, 2013, 09:30:18 AM
WarriorPriestess, I am new to this site, BD was in January. I only recently believe my H is in MLC. Reading your post, I read my H. There was an OW, and the only thing is the screaming at me, I don't have that. But the silences and the non talking and the non sharing of himself emotionally, I have that too. His father was a bully and his mother cannot deal with problems, is very cutting, silly and narrow minded. she does not really listen and I don't believe really cares, only if it impacts on her. So my H is definitely damaged. I did mention it to him to seek help, but nothing doing. He has been kind, cocky, smart, distant, Monster and mean all in turn. Now he is just not there! I am Standing and thank you for sharing a post which gives me GREAT hope. All the LBS I have chatted to on this forum  have been an unbelievable source of support. I wish you the best in the future with your H and children
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Strongwind on August 21, 2013, 03:10:46 PM
Your testimony was so inspiring...I've been reading all the return stories and yours is the second. Long but good. I wish I had listened to my heart but I was scared and I ended up filing for divorce. It seems as everything including him pushed me in that direction. (I believe there was some pressure from alienator)

It's amazing how these men change...like they have been abducted by aliens and replaced by these monsters and all is left is a shell of who our husband's were.

I've been through a lot in my life but this topped it all so far. The suffering is excruciating. Knowing that the man that use to love you so much is now living with someone else and acting as if he doesn't have any concern for you and what happens. It is as if they are in a cloud and can't see how much pain and anguish they are causing.

My husband was hiding his affair for a while and than one day he just left. Friends, his family and coworkers/employees all helped him do this to me after so many years of marriage excusing his adultery with "well he is not happy" I was the last to know. I think my H was more deceitful than any other H here so far yet he seemed the best of all the men out there. I couldn't believe that I had been so lucky to be with a man who loved me so much he couldn't look at another woman. There are so many variables to my husband's cheating, including a friend that made it worse. I've not only been betrayed by my H but from everyone I use to think was a friend.

Anyway, I want to stand but all the circumstances seem against me. I have so many questions. I use to be a Christian fellowship leader. I studied and taught God's Word for many years but I had been distanced myself for good reasons and I had in a sense become the prodigal daughter for a long time.

Now I have doubts as to what is true. I've studied Chinese Medicine for years and my H really helped me get through school. I owe him a lot but I'm so angry and crushed by his rejection that all I feel hurt and defeated.

What if God doesn't desire for us to be together?  I know God honors marriage and this was definitely the adversary but we have no children and I'm older than my H. Sometimes I feel even cast aside from God b/c i don't feel worthy.  I can't imagine living without my H and the thought of giving my marriage up causes unbearable grief and emptiness. I write on this forum because when I hear from the posts it keeps me from driving myself crazy for a few hours. No one believes that he will ever come back to me and everyone tells me to move on. How can I move one if I can't even take a step forward without remembering something we did together. We have been together 16 years every day of those years. Now I have to pretend he is dead. It seems unreal since I know he is alive and with someone else. Thanks for sharing your story...sorry if I was long winded too :-)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Disneyme on August 21, 2013, 09:14:30 PM
I feel the same way. Lost all my friends who want to see him happy. Lost family. I used to have Christmas dinner for 30 people every year for 19 years. Last year it was 8. My dad and grandfather died right before BD, and to add to it my brother and SIL were to sick to one and her parents were away. It hurt so bad. I didn't even want to celebrate.
I think the same thing that God maybe doesn't want us together. Yes it would be great for him o be someone better too, but will he? Trust is lost, bad hings in my head now. I feel if he loved me ever he couldn't have done this. How would I know if he hit bottom and came back that it wasn't just because he has no one else or in trouble and needs me now? Before this site I heard Joel Osteen say over and over if someone left you, God has someone new, better for you. That is confusing with Gid hates divorce. So which is it? I bot even k ow what I hope for. I wish OW would get out of he picture to see what would happen then. I can't compete with a fairy tale.
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: alwayshope on September 11, 2013, 10:44:40 AM
Heard this story of hope today….

http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/familylife-today/player/love-renewed-mike-and-pam-calvert-362420.html

Hope it helps some of us out there!

I heard it too... God is good.
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: riverbirch on September 12, 2013, 04:07:20 PM
Alwayshope
 That post is just what I needed today. I wish there was some way for the H to hear it.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: alwayshope on September 12, 2013, 07:44:52 PM
Alwayshope
 That post is just what I needed today. I wish there was some way for the H to hear it.

Riverbirch - I have those thoughts too... It is so clear to us, isn't it?  As we listen to the stories, it is just crystal clear and we think 'surely he would wake up if he heard this?'.  Unfortunately, as we know, the answer is 'no'.  What will it take?  Goodness gracious, how much more does he need to spiral down and destroy before he hits the bottom, and comes through that tunnel?  It is just so exasperating. 

I struggle so much sometimes, when I hear these stories, I think 'God?  Do you want me to hear this to keep me encouraged to keep praying, etc...?'.  The obvious answer is YES, He wants me to keep praying!  I don't know what the end looks like, but as a Christian, and one who loves my H who is so lost, I MUST pray. 

Take heart, Riverbirch, no matter what, God is with us.  He hears us, He sees us, He has great compassion for us as he feels our pain.  We must surrender daily and look to Him for strength - it is the best thing.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: riverbirch on October 06, 2013, 06:21:32 PM
Wow.
Your story brought tears to my eyes. I love the stories of the suddenly want to come home.
I am so happy for you. :D
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: xyzcf on October 06, 2013, 06:40:23 PM
Awesome Stillhoping, please don't disappear..keep us informed a bit at least of how things are going.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: StillHoping on October 06, 2013, 07:01:40 PM
Thank You!

I will keep you posted, I promise :)

Wish me luck, lots of it !!

Stillhoping
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Forever on October 07, 2013, 12:19:29 AM
Great story SH.
This is what we all are hoping for and you experience that it could really happen..
Wish you luck and I am happy for you

Forever
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: riverbirch on October 07, 2013, 06:09:59 AM
I will have to keep reading this. In a not so hopeful place right now and when stories like this come up it is a blessing. :)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: i can and will cope on October 07, 2013, 07:05:08 AM
thats great news and i wish you all the best hugs hdic xx
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: FindingJoJo on October 07, 2013, 07:46:23 AM
Thank You!

I will keep you posted, I promise :)

Wish me luck, lots of it !!

Stillhoping

Wishing you Luck and saying prayers -
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: 1Cor.13 on October 07, 2013, 10:08:26 AM
Just wanted to share some good news.....

After 2 1/2 years of him being gone and after 1 year of me completely detaching from his MLC, he told me last weekend, out of the blue, that he's ready to come back home. :o  He wants to come home and he loves me.

 Nothing else said, yet. I learned so much about detaching and when he asked me if I'd take him back, I waited a minute or two, looked at him and said "Of course, I want you to come home".   He held me in his arms the rest of the time he was here and then he went back to his place.   He is coming back when his lease is up in 4 weeks.   

 I know he will need lots of time to spill more, but I am willing to give him time.

He booked us on a cruise to the Caribbean, the day after Christmas, just the two of us.  A room with a balcony :o 8)

I don't even really know what to think, yet.  I am so far detached, I think I am scared to let my guard down.

Don't get me wrong, I love him to pieces, I'm just so scared to get hurt again. 

Wish me luck, ladies.  Here it goes...... 

Hope
BD April 2011
OW found July 11
---------------------------
Wow SH,

  How wonderful..obviously alot of work cut out for you both..I am praying for you! Just out of the blue huh? Mine has been gone for 2.5 years and I have been pretty much dark for the last year or so..please keep us posted. Was there any sign from him prior to this that he was changing?

Be Blessed,
1Cor.13
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: StillHoping on October 07, 2013, 03:11:30 PM
Thank you ALL, for the good wishes. I will need them :)

""Was there any sign from him prior to this that he was changing?""

Last year, October, again, out of the blue, I got a text from him saying "Do you want me to come back? How will it ever work?

I replied "It will work, but you have to be ready for it".  We texted for almost 2 hours and in the end he said that "she" was the love of his live, but he was done with her.  I didn't believe it.  My detaching was starting to work, a little.

He became much calmer, much more understanding and caring.  I had never seen that in him, or at least in many years.

In January this year, I saw that he had gone back to visit her, on one of his "business trips".  She lives out of state.  She is an ex wife from 30 years ago and they were only married 1 year.  Their marriage was annulled.

Since then, he has been going back about once a month, so I let it go.  Never said a word, I just pretty much stopped caring.  I started living my life, trying to build a new life, without him. 

This summer, I went home, to Germany to visit my family.  I had been saving to go home, but when the time came to book my flight, he insisted to pay for it.  Got his computer and booked my flight right then, I guess to make sure I wasn't paying for it, myself. I thought that was strange, but again, I let it go. 

Again, when I came home, I expected nothing, that was the end of July.  I didn't text, I never called, I only answered a text if he texted first.  We started going to breakfast on the weekends, but that was it.

Two weeks ago, he said, out of the blue, that he wanted to talk to me the following weekend.  I just said ok. That was the end of that conversation.

I had established my own routine at home. Going to work, going to the gym every day. He didn't cross my mind every single minute, anymore, so I felt good.

That weekend came, we went to breakfast on Saturday, he said nothing. He texted me in the evening to go have a drink,he said nothing.  He met me the next morning to go to breakfast, he said nothing.  Then he told me he was going to a football game that evening.  I just said ok, have fun.

That evening, I send him a text saying " You said you wanted to talk to me, but you never did?"  He replied "I'm coming over after the game, tonight"  He did, sat on the bed and said "So, I was wondering if you want me to come back?"  He said "I don't want us to end up like my brother" (who went through MLC and his wife left him and remarried). 

I waited a minute or two and then told him "Yes, I want you to come back"  He held me in his arms the rest of the evening and told me he was moving back home when his lease is up in 4 weeks.  I told him that it will take some time for both of us to get used to this, again, but that I'd give him all the time he needed. It was ok.

He said he didn't want to be a prisoner in this house  ::) :o.  I said   I don't care if you hang out with your buddies, I don't care if you go to football games.  I just want you to come home at night and I want you to stop seeing her.  He said he was done with her and that he loves me.

That was pretty much all that was said.  I learned not to ask too many questions, I learned to let him do this on his time and that this cannot be rushed.

He said I want to take you on a cruise during Christmas Break, just the two of us, he already booked it. We are going to the Cayman Islands :)   A room with balcony, so we can enjoy the view :o.  So sweet.  I wanted to say "Who are you and what did you do to my husband, but I didn't, cause I really don't want the old guy back :)

This is the beginning of a new Beginning, I guess.  I will keep my guard up for a while, I know that, cause I will not ever let anyone hurt me like this again. I am a completely new Me and I will never be my old self, again. 

We shall see.  I am very happy and excited, but also a very scared....

Thank you to everyone.  I wish you all the same outcome.  I think of all of you, and I hope that one day, all you guys will have a happy ending.

Bless you!

Hope
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: riverbirch on October 07, 2013, 04:22:01 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: 1Cor.13 on October 07, 2013, 07:41:14 PM
Thank you ALL, for the good wishes. I will need them :)

""Was there any sign from him prior to this that he was changing?""

Last year, October, again, out of the blue, I got a text from him saying "Do you want me to come back? How will it ever work?

I replied "It will work, but you have to be ready for it".  We texted for almost 2 hours and in the end he said that "she" was the love of his live, but he was done with her.  I didn't believe it.  My detaching was starting to work, a little.

He became much calmer, much more understanding and caring.  I had never seen that in him, or at least in many years.

In January this year, I saw that he had gone back to visit her, on one of his "business trips".  She lives out of state.  She is an ex wife from 30 years ago and they were only married 1 year.  Their marriage was annulled.

Since then, he has been going back about once a month, so I let it go.  Never said a word, I just pretty much stopped caring.  I started living my life, trying to build a new life, without him. 

This summer, I went home, to Germany to visit my family.  I had been saving to go home, but when the time came to book my flight, he insisted to pay for it.  Got his computer and booked my flight right then, I guess to make sure I wasn't paying for it, myself. I thought that was strange, but again, I let it go. 

Again, when I came home, I expected nothing, that was the end of July.  I didn't text, I never called, I only answered a text if he texted first.  We started going to breakfast on the weekends, but that was it.

Two weeks ago, he said, out of the blue, that he wanted to talk to me the following weekend.  I just said ok. That was the end of that conversation.

I had established my own routine at home. Going to work, going to the gym every day. He didn't cross my mind every single minute, anymore, so I felt good.

That weekend came, we went to breakfast on Saturday, he said nothing. He texted me in the evening to go have a drink,he said nothing.  He met me the next morning to go to breakfast, he said nothing.  Then he told me he was going to a football game that evening.  I just said ok, have fun.

That evening, I send him a text saying " You said you wanted to talk to me, but you never did?"  He replied "I'm coming over after the game, tonight"  He did, sat on the bed and said "So, I was wondering if you want me to come back?"  He said "I don't want us to end up like my brother" (who went through MLC and his wife left him and remarried). 

I waited a minute or two and then told him "Yes, I want you to come back"  He held me in his arms the rest of the evening and told me he was moving back home when his lease is up in 4 weeks.  I told him that it will take some time for both of us to get used to this, again, but that I'd give him all the time he needed. It was ok.

He said he didn't want to be a prisoner in this house  ::) :o.  I said   I don't care if you hang out with your buddies, I don't care if you go to football games.  I just want you to come home at night and I want you to stop seeing her.  He said he was done with her and that he loves me.

That was pretty much all that was said.  I learned not to ask too many questions, I learned to let him do this on his time and that this cannot be rushed.

He said I want to take you on a cruise during Christmas Break, just the two of us, he already booked it. We are going to the Cayman Islands :)   A room with balcony, so we can enjoy the view :o.  So sweet.  I wanted to say "Who are you and what did you do to my husband, but I didn't, cause I really don't want the old guy back :)

This is the beginning of a new Beginning, I guess.  I will keep my guard up for a while, I know that, cause I will not ever let anyone hurt me like this again. I am a completely new Me and I will never be my old self, again. 

We shall see.  I am very happy and excited, but also a very scared....

Thank you to everyone.  I wish you all the same outcome.  I think of all of you, and I hope that one day, all you guys will have a happy ending.

Bless you!

Hope
----------------------
Hi Hope,
  How wonderful! As I write this, my H is dropping off our D17, he hasn't seen her for a month, I am dark with him because of all the monstering..she is sad and I have to find out why without prying..Oh Geez..He was in mexico 2 weeks ago with alienator and her kids, what a blast this is.. :o

-----------------------
Keep us updated, please,
Blessings,
1Cor.13
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: WeepingWillow on October 08, 2013, 04:22:10 PM
he said that "she" was the love of his live, but he was done with her.  I didn't believe it.  My detaching was starting to work, a little.
regarding: "I didn't believe it."
Still Hoping,
My question is -
Which part didn't you believe?  that she was the love of his life?  or that he was done with her?  or both?

You're a wonderful, patient lady.  Encouraged by your story.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: StillHoping on October 08, 2013, 05:17:14 PM
WeepingWillow

"""regarding: "I didn't believe it."
Still Hoping,
My question is -
Which part didn't you believe?  that she was the love of his life?  or that he was done with her?  or both?""

Both, but mostly, I didn't believe that he was done with her, and he wasn't.  After 25 years, I knew him like a book, he just didn't know it, I guess.  It just was a gut feeling, and I was right, like I always was.

He said last week, that he knew it was time for him to face his issues.  He said he's been seeing a counselor.  He said his first step was to tell me that he wanted to come home.  Now, for the next few weeks, until he comes home, he has to work through some more "stuff", as he put it. 

I didn't ask what that "stuff" was.  He can tell me when HE is ready. I will not push him for answers, although I can't wait to get answers.  I know pushing him, especially right now, would be the wrong thing to do.

He's not out of the woods, yet, I know that, but he's working on it, so I have to be patient.  It's very hard to wait for answers, answers I've been looking for for over 2 1/2 years, but I know I have to wait for him to come forward with it.

Like so many wise friends have told me, take it "One day at a time".

Hope
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: WeepingWillow on October 08, 2013, 06:41:21 PM
You are amazing. truly.
Thank you for clarifying it for me, Hope.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: riverbirch on October 08, 2013, 07:13:43 PM
Thank for clarifying for all of us.
At least he is willing to get help. You are a very lucky lady. :)
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: i can and will cope on October 11, 2013, 01:24:46 AM
Still hoping

i keep going back to your post about him just texting out of the blue.  my h did that last oct too he said his intention was to go back to ow get his stuff and come back home but he couldnt leave her??  it was beyond me why he needed to tell me this since then it has been as they say another rollercoaster ride, he has monstered then been like my old h all this while still living at home.

then it changed end of July he never really came back to the house but then he text me to tell me how sorry he was  remonising sbout our old life wishing things , i probabaly did wrong by answering him nad  eacting to his nasty texts, he then proceeded to balme me i didnt shoe him that i loved him or wanted him if i had loved him i would have fought and shown him??? (i keeping this short as i can)  he then left it but ten days later i gget a text saying he wants me to really think about things and dont anser until i do but now we are coming to the end of us he wants me to be happy?? (i was happy until you went off )  we could csrry on he will pay me to help keep the house (previously in last 18 months i was gonna lose house becuase he would throw me and our son out ow was moving in ,,he denied saying all this of course)  or we could go our sepate ways and sell house or talk abiut reviving the relationship we used to have?? i then said i didnt think there was any point in talking while ow still in picture as i woldnt be with hi if she was , he then monstered again and back and forthed then blamed me again. he is starting to get more emotional but still proceeding with things as he cant leave ow , this breaks my heart and i am trying to cope with the lovely people on this board but wjust wondered what you thought i know they cycle back and forth my bd was totally out the blue (like many others i know)   I know ow is affair down and my h did 180 turn around from what he was , any hoo just would like your feedback . 

i am so happy for you too xx
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Trustandlove on October 11, 2013, 11:58:06 PM
DGU, you are the master of the concise post.  It all sounds so simple when you put it like that, but of course we all know it hasn't been.  I am absolutely thrilled that it turned out that way; I've been following that story since you first wrote about it, which must have been when the forum began. 
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: StillHoping on October 12, 2013, 04:33:04 AM
How do I cope

Thank you for your reply.  I appreciate all the advice, from everyone.

After I had been working on detaching, really not caring what he did or didn't do, or if I saw him or not, I got a text, last October saying "Do you want me to come back, how will it ever work?"  This was NOT a text saying "I want to come home", I knew that.  After reading so much here, I thought "well, there he goes again with his cycling, wonder where this is going". 

I waited to see what would happen.  We actually talked that day, for 2 hours.  He also talked about the past, things in his family that had bothered him all his life, things that bothered him about our relationship, but in the end, he said "I am done with her, but she was the love of my life".  That sentence, right there, told me, that he was NOT done with her.  I did not believe him, and I just continued my detaching and went on with my life.  I knew he wasn't anywhere ready to start any kind of reconciliation.

In February,  he wanted to talk to me.  He asked me, again, if I wanted him to come back.  Told me how guilty he felt about what he did.  He wanted to know how I felt about him coming back.  Back then, I was simply still somewhat pissed about all of it,  total detachment, I guess, left me, that day.  I said to him "I just can't believe you would leave ME for this ugly ass, bug eyed b!tc#" sorry for those words).  He looked at me and said "Ok, that's enough for today, we'll talk again, some other day"  I just said OK.

7 months later, he wanted to talk again.  This time he told me he had been seeing a counselor, he knew he had to start dealing with "things" (didn't ask him what all), he had to prepare "steps" on how he was going to deal with his issues and the first step was to come back home.  He asked me if I wanted him to come back home and I said "Yes, I do want you to come back".  Didn't ask anymore.  He said we'll talk again, later. I just let it go.   

Then he told me he wanted to take me on a cruise during Christmas break, just the two of us. I said "That would be very nice", thats all I said. I wanted to say more, and ask so many questions, but I learned that that questioning them, was the wrong thing to do. I knew I had to let him do this at his own pace, not mine.

 Next day he came and told me he booked it.  It was almost as if he booked it so quickly, so he couldn't change his mind and he had to go forward with whatever he discussed with his counselor.  He said several times that he WANTS to come back home, he really wants to come back, but there are still "things" he was dealing with, but he knew he had to start dealing with it now, because he did not want to loose me.  He was afraid to loose me.

I am telling you all of this because, like so many other have told me, this is a long process and it just takes lots of time.

I wish you the best and I hope it will eventually all work out.

take care

Hope
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: LoveMeMyself on October 12, 2013, 08:20:26 AM
DGU,

Thank you for breaking this down and giving us more insight into their journey. It is so helpful to see the time frame and to even know the communication details.  It has given me more hope.  Anything is possible.  I've been to the point of giving up....many times but more so here lately. Every time I think of ending my stand or when my hope seems to fade....I come to the forum and read something inspirational and up-lifting. I am at the 4yr. point in all this and it seems no end is at sight. I know, the time frame isn't important....but so very hard to continue hoping and waiting. 

Thank you again for posting this heart warming return. We have all probably been waiting and watching for this information about your friend. May God Bless their reconciliation.

(((HUGS)))
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: i can and will cope on October 13, 2013, 03:21:49 PM
hi Still hoping

thank yiu for claryfying your situation, i still find it facinating and am so happy for yu , it is interesting to read what can happen and i am myself at the moment trying to detach yet again, but know why its called the roller coaster ride.

I try not to have any expectations but i have been dreaming a lot about h and the trollop he with , it upsets me becuase i try not to think of then when conscious but it is so hard, i know she is an affiar down beucase my h would never have gone for someone like this and she is toally the opposite to me.

anyway ii waffle now i would like to keep updated on your situ as i feel it is such a lovely positive outcome, the only thing i am thinking now is about chrustmas and wnat we would have done sad arent i ??

its nearly 2 years since he went on that doomed holiday and i encouraged him to go , god i wish i hadnr now but hey ho my fault as is everyhing else according to h , i never showed him i loved him this last 18 months i never fought for him, om g i just csnt believe the things that come from the mlc mouth

hugs xx
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: StillHoping on October 14, 2013, 03:35:29 PM
Hi How do I cope

Thank you for your lovely reply.  It makes me feel good, like I'm doing the right thing.  Believe me, this is not easy for me.  I want to say so many things to him, all the things he did to hurt me, but I know this is not the time.  Maybe, some time down the road, he will be ready to listen to me.  Well, he would probably listen now, but, I have read so many times to say nothing, and to let them come to us, I don't want to push him away, again.  This is a process and I know I can't rush it. 

He is very sincere, so caring, like I haven't seen him in years and I am just enjoying this right now.

I know he still has issues to work through, I am very aware of that, he even told me so.    I also know that this will not be easy, since he has changed (for the better), but, so have I, a lot.  I have changed to where I will not put up with anything anymore.  I am not afraid anymore to speak my mind, no matter what it is, with him, with my kids, and they all know, I have changed. 

I so want to believe everything he is saying, but the trust is just not there, yet, and I told him that.  I told him that he will have to show me that I can trust him, he says he knows that.  I told him that I will never let him hurt me like this, again and he said he understood.  He kind of looked shocked, when I said that, like he didn't have a clue what I meant (he may not, lol)

  I didn't give him any details about the pain he caused me; that's another chapter in this book, I guess.    I said I will give him one more chance, because I can't just throw away half of my life, like it never happened. 

I said for better, for worse, just didn't think it'd get this bad.  Well, it is what it is and I know I can deal with it, now.   He's talking about how he'll be back home for his birthday (beginning of December) and what I wanted for my birthday (hasn't even acknowledged my birthday the past 2 years).  I said let's just wait til it gets closer, and left it at that. 

I sometimes wonder what it will be like when he's back.  I have completely changed the way I live my life and I'm not going back to the old way.  I like ME now, very much.  The old me was a wimp, the new me is a ROCK. 

take care and just be patient.  They can change their minds overnight, as you know. They do it when they leave and they can do it again, when they want to come back.  This just happened so fast, again, just like when he left.  I don't even know what to think, yet, really.    I wake up in the morning thinking, did this really happen, does he really want to come back home?. 

Well, we will see.  For now, I am just leaving him alone, since he said he still has some "things" to work through. 

I will keep you all posted

Hope

Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: toughtimes on November 01, 2013, 05:29:39 AM
Living with hope, I was reading the last post and I felt sad, I thought oh no it's not going to work out and then it didn't but then it did!!!! Good story telling. How long did this whole journey last for your friend? Do you think your truth dart was a turning point for her? There are a few stories where the MLCer suddenly wakes up so to speak. Thank you for sharing xx
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: i can and will cope on November 02, 2013, 12:24:30 AM
thats a lovely story lovemy man and a long time but still lovely to hear  :)

http://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=1756.msg263082#msg263082
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Ibelieve on November 21, 2013, 02:27:24 PM
Hi all,

Thought this would be the perfect place to post this...

Today on Dr Phil there will be a couple with the husband going through MLC. He left wife for OW, now he wants her back.
Dr Phil is going to try and help them. Should be interesting to see what Dr Phil has to say..

Dr Phil
11-21-2013 Today
On CBS  (Channel 2 in Southern California)
3pm in California. *Check your listings AND...They also rerun it in the early morning hours.

I will be watching. Take car all!
Ibelieve
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: bestfriends on December 02, 2013, 07:38:38 PM
Warrior Priestess, your post from "With God's Help" really touched me and I felt like this was what I had to do with my husband.  I gave him 30+ days of unconditional love, no questioning his actions, no obvious paranoia, no bringing up conflict, just tolerance and love.  I think it worked.  My husband is no longer having an affair and he is responding to me with love and affection more than he has since we first met.  Thank you so much for the post, I think it is one of the things shared that has saved my marriage.  I love my husband and forgiveness and becoming friends and lovers again was my goal and I think it is coming along great.  Thanks again  :)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: kikki on December 02, 2013, 08:16:47 PM
That is so wonderful to hear Bestfriends.
Are you able to share a link to WarriorPriestess' post that you read and felt was so helpful to you?

May things continue to go very well for both you and your husband.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: OldPilot on December 02, 2013, 08:36:16 PM
That is so wonderful to hear Bestfriends.
Are you able to share a link to WarriorPriestess' post that you read and felt was so helpful to you?

May things continue to go very well for both you and your husband.
http://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=1756.msg106009#msg106009

I think this is it
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: kikki on December 02, 2013, 08:46:33 PM
Thanks so much OP  :)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: SSG on December 02, 2013, 11:29:06 PM
Even though my situation is early on...these stories also give me a glimmer of hope for a future with my H.
I thank everyone for sharing

SSG
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: 31andcounting on December 11, 2013, 10:18:17 AM
Beautiful heart~thank you for sharing that! :):):)
31andcounting

Edit
http://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=1756.msg275288#msg275288
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: FindingJoJo on December 11, 2013, 12:28:28 PM
Beautiful Story BH, thank you for sharing.  Since this is close to you can you tell others how your sister acted during this time apart? 
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Beautiful Heart on December 11, 2013, 10:52:44 PM
Beautiful heart~thank you for sharing that! :):):)
31andcounting

You are so welcome 31!  :)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Trustandlove on December 12, 2013, 12:07:03 AM
BH, thank you for that; the one slightly confusing thing is that we often use "S" here to mean son -- so at first I was confused when you said your S was a tough girl!

I'm glad things are good for them!
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: toughtimes on December 12, 2013, 02:21:29 AM
Hi bh it's a great story, very heart warming. It was a short time wasn't it? 1.5 years seems quick compared to many stories here. My brother had a mlc and was a clinging boomerang, three kids and my sil carried on just as we say here. I thought she was crazy at the time, letting her h come home every week but after four years he moved back in full time, gave up his flat and they are happy family again. Still ups and down but I think some growing up was done. My brother drank a lot and lived high energy replay antics.

Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: FindingJoJo on December 12, 2013, 08:14:44 AM
Thank you BH and toughtimes both stories are great and it helps to understand the actions of someone who lived it and survived. 
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Beautiful Heart on December 12, 2013, 09:52:26 PM
BH, thank you for that; the one slightly confusing thing is that we often use "S" here to mean son -- so at first I was confused when you said your S was a tough girl!

I'm glad things are good for them!

LOL...sorry about that...I was using S for sister.  Thank you T&L  :)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Beautiful Heart on December 12, 2013, 10:02:21 PM
Hi bh it's a great story, very heart warming. It was a short time wasn't it? 1.5 years seems quick compared to many stories here. My brother had a mlc and was a clinging boomerang, three kids and my sil carried on just as we say here. I thought she was crazy at the time, letting her h come home every week but after four years he moved back in full time, gave up his flat and they are happy family again. Still ups and down but I think some growing up was done. My brother drank a lot and lived high energy replay antics.

Hi TT,
Yes, 1.5 yrs is a very short time time compared to the stories here. He was Very high energy, moved from one woman to the next. I think the last straw is when he got into an accident and nearly died. He had surgery and nearly lost his foot, he did lose 2 toes. He does not remember anything about the accident. My sister took him in to care for him, I think this is when he came home for good. The lack of toes is the grim reminder of his wild ride through MLC!

I'm so happy to hear your brother is back home with his family!!! Another happy ending!
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Beautiful Heart on December 12, 2013, 10:04:07 PM
Thank you BH and toughtimes both stories are great and it helps to understand the actions of someone who lived it and survived.

You are welcome JoJo  :)
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Beautiful Heart on December 13, 2013, 06:49:47 PM
TT,

I believe your brother is right, I really think they hate themselves, why else would they be so miserable?
I would love to read your your stories, I'm not sure is I have read them yet. Thanks TT

XXX :)
BH
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Disneyme on December 14, 2013, 12:40:22 PM
I am so confused. Unconditional love like what. I don't even speak to h. Then I hear men say they realized when they knew they had lost the wife. I guess from NC and detachment. I feel like I had tried everything, maybe at wrong times who knows. right now I feel hurt but really don't feel the wanting him back. I am thinking moving on looks good don't know how I can get over any of this not that he ever asked. Posting newest update on my thread.
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: FindingJoJo on December 14, 2013, 03:26:07 PM
I am so confused. Unconditional love like what. I don't even speak to h. Then I hear men say they realized when they knew they had lost the wife. I guess from NC and detachment. I feel like I had tried everything, maybe at wrong times who knows. right now I feel hurt but really don't feel the wanting him back. I am thinking moving on looks good don't know how I can get over any of this not that he ever asked. Posting newest update on my thread.

I think that the only way you can get over any of this is to forgive and let go of the anger.  For me I have been very conscious that this isn't the person I knew and I really don't need to punish him he is living a nightmare.  All I can do is be aware of my actions, my behaviors and be the best I can be. 
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: PatienceGalore on December 15, 2013, 01:18:40 PM
I have come to the same conclusion. I am no longer angry and I look upon him as a sick man, and therefore it is unjust to be harsh as he is not behaving as he should normally, so I am modifying how I am in accordance.
Reading these stories is uplifting and makes me even more determined to stay where I am...
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: SSG on December 15, 2013, 01:37:53 PM
I am so confused. Unconditional love like what. I don't even speak to h. Then I hear men say they realized when they knew they had lost the wife. I guess from NC and detachment. I feel like I had tried everything, maybe at wrong times who knows. right now I feel hurt but really don't feel the wanting him back. I am thinking moving on looks good don't know how I can get over any of this not that he ever asked. Posting newest update on my thread.
Disneyme...my husband has also never said anything I would like to hear, or that he is sorry, or that he is not happy....nothing.  But I know everytime I see him he is miserable and I know the man that walks into this house is not the man I fell in love with and married .  It is very hard at times, to be strong and think one day he will wake up and say 'I missed you and want to come back'.  I have not read your story so don't know how long your H has been gone.  But I have read enough on this forum to know that it can take quite awhile and we must learn to put them 'aside' for the time being and get on with our lives. 
Easier said than done...but we must.  And we all hope our H's and W's will return to us when they wake up and finish their journey.
Just wanted you to  know you are far from alone in your thoughts.

SSG
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: kikki on December 15, 2013, 01:40:41 PM


I think that the only way you can get over any of this is to forgive and let go of the anger.  For me I have been very conscious that this isn't the person I knew and I really don't need to punish him he is living a nightmare.  All I can do is be aware of my actions, my behaviors and be the best I can be.

Quote
I have come to the same conclusion. I am no longer angry and I look upon him as a sick man, and therefore it is unjust to be harsh as he is not behaving as he should normally, so I am modifying how I am in accordance.

FJJ, PatienceGalore and SGG - absolutely.  There is no discounting that our MLCers' behaviours are horrendous and that we have been put through the wringer.  If we are ever going to change how society views a MLC, we need to start with one person at a time.  If we at the coalface can see this for the maladaptive disorder that it is (hopefully 'temporary' and all the while protecting ourselves and our children), then that will be the catalyst for change.



Title: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: OldPilot on November 18, 2014, 12:52:46 PM
http://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=5763.0

   Her parent never divorced, but her Dad was with the OW for 14 years.
 14 years! 


Is that too long?

Best to make the best use of all that TIME!
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Anjae on November 18, 2014, 12:54:17 PM
Way too long. Use our time the best we can and, for those of us without kids and who may want them, make sure we have divorced the MLCer.

I would have no idea what to do with someone I had not been close to in 14 years, unless I would be still the old me and the MLCer was the old them.
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: confused_but_trying on November 18, 2014, 01:36:12 PM
Amazing, and I can understand her reluctance.
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: LaughLoveLive on November 18, 2014, 03:32:18 PM
Wow 14 years!!
I too understand her reluctance. I suppose after that long it is like any new relationship but with the shared bond of a family and a previous life together.
I liked hearing this story today, thanks for sharing limitless
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: LearningIamOk on November 19, 2014, 05:24:08 AM
Interesting story, L. The weirdness of the world never ceases to amaze me. I don't know what I would do after all that time. I would not be the same person after all that time. I would hope that my xH wouldn't be either. I have no interest in him as he is.
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Anjae on November 19, 2014, 06:16:20 PM
This is the thread for us to debate the stories that are posted on the return stories cont, sticky thread.

I too understand her reluctance. I suppose after that long it is like any new relationship but with the shared bond of a family and a previous life together.

Most likely. Or maybe not. Not certain exactly how it would be. But for me the fact that there has been a previous life together, that was cut for so many years, would not be very appealing.

Why to leat this person back into my life after over a decade? Certainly the way the two people have develop was very different and it would be difficult to remain on the same pace.

I accept that if there is children from the marriage things are a little different if they are not.

It is already super complicated for me to imagine a place for Mr J in my life, and it has "only" been 8 years and a month, let alone 14 years.
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: Neo on November 19, 2014, 07:15:28 PM
For many people outside of the MLC world, 1-2 years is too long, let alone 14 years. It is all a matter of perspective. All I know is this, there are no absolutes in this life. Many people say that if someone cheated on them, they would dump them in a second. Well, we have that going on in our situations and many of us haven't, the reason is, you never know what you will do, until you are faced with that dilemma. We can conjecture all we want to, but it is only when reality steps in, do we have to make that difficult decision. 
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: nah on November 20, 2014, 02:28:58 AM
attaching
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: confused_but_trying on November 20, 2014, 06:13:31 AM
For many people outside of the MLC world, 1-2 years is too long, let alone 14 years. It is all a matter of perspective. All I know is this, there are no absolutes in this life. Many people say that if someone cheated on them, they would dump them in a second. Well, we have that going on in our situations and many of us haven't, the reason is, you never know what you will do, until you are faced with that dilemma. We can conjecture all we want to, but it is only when reality steps in, do we have to make that difficult decision.

Quoted for truth.  In fact, I have found that it's often the people that are most verbal about something that wind up back peddling when the situation actually manifests.  Almost like they are trying to convince themselves more than anyone else.
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Strongwind on November 22, 2014, 12:49:45 AM
wow!! 14 years and he leaves her because she want's a commitment? When there is children involved there is always contact I guess. H and I don't have children together and he is quite a bit younger than me. The chances are slim for my marriage.. My mom told me yesterday that H is never coming back and, even though I know she is probably right, it hurt so much. Why? I sometimes feel that hope helps us go on.... So so sad. Life is so short, I'm not sure it's worth standing past 2 years?  Blessings  SW  :-*
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Anjae on November 23, 2014, 03:58:46 PM
My mom told me yesterday that H is never coming back and, even though I know she is probably right, it hurt so much. Why? I sometimes feel that hope helps us go on.... So so sad. Life is so short, I'm not sure it's worth standing past 2 years? 

Hope does help us to go on. Only you can decide if it worth to still stand after 2 years. As you know 2 years is not that long in MLC lenght.

Anyway, you do not have do decide anything right now, do you?
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: ember on January 03, 2015, 09:20:47 PM
14 years!!!! I wonder what made her Dad leave the OW. He sounds like he could be a MLCer so did he finally wake up or was it the pressure from the OW to commit? Very interesting. Thanks for posting.
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: HopeFaithLove on March 29, 2015, 03:24:53 PM
Thanks for sharing Sada  and heroIam. It is good to hear return stories. Good luck on the road to reconciliation.
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Junior 1975 on June 29, 2015, 12:27:52 PM
This gives me some hope.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Thunder on August 02, 2015, 02:16:02 PM
Nice story trouble.  Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: hawk on August 13, 2015, 06:28:37 AM

ls it true it's mostly husbands if any that sometimes come back ?
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Thunder on August 14, 2015, 08:38:49 AM
hawk, it may just appear like that but I think it's more men who do the leaving.
I'm sure women come back too.   :)
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: ArmySpouse on September 21, 2015, 11:21:34 AM
 So today I wanted to share a story about a woman  that lives in the elderly home I am volunteering at least twice a week .  I have just started last month and so I still get to know the people and the life's and the stores to have to share Little by little.

 Every day before I go I ask God to show me where I am needed most that day and who needs to be listened to and so I just go with the flow walk my rounds..

 So we were having a girls group conversation and all of them talked about how long they were married and talk about their spouses and so on.  one of the ladies there is 96 years old (just had her birthday 2 weeks ago) and she said she was 21 years married until her husband left her and their 4 children .. 
She said her oldest then was 15 and the youngest 7 years old . 
And I just said "oh my gosh that is what my husband is doing right now" and ask her how old she was ..she said she was 37 years old and her husband was in his early 40s ..  So it screams midlife crises !!  :o

 I'll ask her then if he ever came back and said he was sorry..? she said "yes, three years later he turned around and said he wanted to come back home but she said no you made your bed and have to lay in it".. She went on and got a job and took care of her 4 kids on her own.. Mind you that was 60 years ago!! So much harder to do when most women dependent on their husbands! That took some guts..

 I know that this form is about standing.. and I respect that... but that's not what I'm talking about what I got out from this was she said to me :

" take one day at a time ..you can do this! you will get out stronger and my four children love me and are very proud of me and how strong I was then,  I could take care of my kids all by myself ,I didn't need a man .. So just trust God ,the good Lord, he will see you through and everything will be OK .."

 I guess I needed that message and again I'm amazed that people still come forward to me and share their story.. mind you she was already the second lady in the nursing home whose husband has walked out on her .

 She said she never dated again but it's not that she didn't want to -it's just that she took care of her children and then by the time that they were old enough ,she felt she was too old to date again ..but she said she never minded she was happy .

 She said later to me that thank you for sharing my story with you and I said no I thank you From the bottom of my heart I do .

 She says her 4 children are very proud of her and don't really have any contact to their father .  And I asked about the husband if he was ever happy and she said honestly I don't know I never saw him again really .

 Bottom line is no matter what trust in God he will see you through and trust in yourself you can come out as a better person ..  ;)

 That's why I wanted to hear because those stories a priceless and that means so much to me right now ...
Title: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: Sha10613 on September 23, 2015, 03:55:01 PM
What a great story, ArmySpouse. Thank you for sharing! It's a good reminder that we can do this, and to trust God.
Title: Re: Re: Return Stories Part Three
Post by: 31andcounting on September 25, 2015, 11:21:33 AM
Nice story Reallytrying~  things and people happen for a reason I guess !!
thanks for the reminder!!
(hugs)
31andcounting
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont..
Post by: stayed on October 29, 2015, 09:59:34 PM
?
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: OldPilot on October 29, 2015, 10:28:13 PM
?
This thread is for discussion of  this

http://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?topic=5763.0

Quote
Please try to keep this thread to RETURN STORIES or links
If you would like to comment or discuss this or your own sich use the linked thread


Link   - OLDPILOT

All other discussion will be moved to the above thread
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: hawk on October 31, 2015, 06:13:21 AM
l get your point AS and the encouragement for your sitch and all but l feel like slapping that women with a dead fish to on the other hand.

l mean so her kids grew up without a father and she spent the rest of her life alone - great .
She should have used her brains, made him squirm a bit and then taken him back if he was genuine, put her family back together.
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: HeartTattoo on October 31, 2015, 06:33:03 AM
l get your point AS and the encouragement for your sitch and all but l feel like slapping that women with a dead fish to on the other hand.

l mean so her kids grew up without a father and she spent the rest of her life alone - great .
She should have used her brains, made him squirm a bit and then taken him back if he was genuine, put her family back together.
hawk,

I think that's exactly the beauty of this forum.  Giving us an understanding of MLC behavior.  Giving us tools other than anger & bitterness to heal & live our lives.  And, if it happens, to forgive the MLCer & rebuild a new life together.

Some of us will have realized our M's, even before MLC, were not satisfactory & will quickly rebuild lives that can't include the MLCer again.  Some of us get discouraged at the antics of the MLCer or at the length of time it may take (& it may be forever) for the MLCer to exit the tunnel.

This elderly woman did the best she could with what she knew.  And, it is a shame she didn't have something or someone like THS to encourage her to forgive & rebuild.  We here, too, ultimately have to try to make the best decisions for ourselves given our own circumstances.

Hugs,
HT
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: hawk on November 02, 2015, 05:10:36 AM
Very true ht , l really think to lucky for us we found this place .
And whatever happens with mine , l'll always be thankful l learned to let go of the anger and to not live in bitterness and well , l wouldn't say l'm forgiving , might never will but that doesn't really matter.
For me it's more about letting it go and finding some peace for ourselves you know.
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: Anjae on June 02, 2016, 05:03:39 PM
Bumping.

Also commenting on Sewing post on the Return Stories threads.

In all three cases you presented, including your own MLC, it seems people returned, or in your case wanted to return, within 18 months up to two years.

But that does not match much of what we see here. At 18 months 2 years our MLCers seem to be getting worst and worst. I think many LBS would be delighted if their MLCer was wanting to return at 18 months 2 years, but that is not what happens.

In my case, at the two years mark, Mr J had already teamed up with OW2, and was going for his first court divorce case. Hardly a sign of wanting to come back. At around 18 months, 16, if I am not mistaken, OW1 broke up with him.

He come and told me. But he still wanted a divorce. He just wanted me to be his friend and, if I was OK with it, to meet in a hotel and spend the night with him. All while he carried on with his MLC life. I said not, thanks.

Do you think the cases you presented, including your own, are more midlfie transition that deep MLC?
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: Keep believing on June 07, 2016, 09:17:54 PM
Cerde
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: Keep believing on June 07, 2016, 09:22:58 PM
Who is warrior princess?
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: Ready2Transform on June 07, 2016, 09:37:34 PM
Don't think there was a poster here called Warrior Princess, but there was a WarriorPriestess. All of her posts are here: http://mlcforum.theherosspouse.com/index.php?action=profile;area=showposts;u=1049
Title: Re: Return Stories Cont.. discussion only
Post by: Keep believing on October 03, 2016, 04:04:55 AM
Attaching