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Please tell me it gets easier!

Mostly a lurker here, I posted an intro about a month ago, but this is my first post since then. I told my H in early January that I wanted a divorce. We've still been living together as we sort everything out. I'm moving out this coming weekend, and it's just making everything very real now.I know that this is for the best, but it's still really hard, and it just hurts. It doesn't help at all that I've had to watch him just going out with his friends constantly, and seemingly not being affected by this at all. I know it will be better for me when I'm not so aware of what he's doing. We are still on good terms, and hope to remain friendly. I have a step-son that I've helped raise for the last 7 years, and I adore him, and want to stay a part of his life. I'm just really scared right now of how things are going to be once I move out. I'm scared of losing my step-son, and losing a friend in my H. They are the only family I have in this country, I do have some great friends, but no family. Any words of encouragement that things will get better would greatly appreciated!
11/20/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:20:25 12/4/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:16:19 12/11/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:15:53

Re: Please tell me it gets easier!

  • It gets better, it does, but it is tough. Are you in therapy?  Do you have friends?  Since your h and ss are your only family here I suggest getting out and making friends and joining groups or picking up a new hobby. That and therapy will help you. Good luck and keep posting
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • It gets better.  I'm sure it will get a lot better once you've moved out.  Definitely see a therapist if you're not already.  Mine has helped SO much.

    Good luck! 

    The day I left was just my beginning.
  • It will get better. Also, you have to remember that people process things differently. Since you're friendly and still living together, your H might not truly believe this is happening. The first month H and I separated, I was going out with my friends constantly. I'm sure he thinks I've been very flippant and glib about the whole thing, but really, it was party of my grieving process. Since then, I've spent a lot of time alone, being sad, working on myself etc.

    I agree with the PP who suggested therapy. My therapist has helped me overcome SO much. Also, don't be afraid to reach out to your friends. Good luck and stay strong.  

  • To answer a few questions, yes, I do have a lot of good friends in the area, and I do have hobbies, so I do get out. I am not in therapy, though I know that it is covered by my EAP. I haven't gone out as much in the past few weeks because with my H going out so much, I've had to stay home with my dogs and SS more. I think I'm just nervous about the unknown, and unsure of how my relationship with my SS is going to be. I basically gave up having my own kids to be with my H and his son, and so he is the only child I have. Being a step parent means I have no rights at all. My H has no problem with me being in his son's life, and SS wants me to be ( and is 15, old enough to make his own decisions), I just hope that it actually works out. I plan on putting in the effort, and I am not moving very far from them, but there are never any guarantees, kwim? Some of my really good friends are my neighbors too, so moving puts me farther away from them. Again, I'll be close, but not as close as just walking across the street. Just general nerves and fear of the unknown I guess. . . .
    11/20/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:20:25 12/4/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:16:19 12/11/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:15:53
  • Aw, I'm sorry you're going through this. I have been there, I remember identifying with you when I read your intro a little while ago - especially the anxiety about losing your connection to your stepson. Don't stress about how long it takes, because everyone's different. I felt like it was taking me waaaay too long to get over someone who didn't give two craps about me in the first place, but it does get better. And the s/o board helped tremendously.
    Vacation
  • Thank you all for the words of encouragement, I appreciate it! I suspect this is going to be a tough week, so you'll probably see some more posts from me.
    11/20/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:20:25 12/4/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:16:19 12/11/2011 1/2 Marathon 2:15:53
  • I does get better. Be patient. You'll do 2 steps forward and 1 step backward but in the end, you'll go forward.

    We are in a similar situation. I have no family here since mine is in Europe (don't want to be too specific, you never know who is lurking!) It makes me quite anxious but I know that I'll always have the option to go back if I want to. I think right now you have a great opportunity to build your life here. Making your own friends, joining new groups... I know I relied too much on XH's social network because it was the easier solution at the time.

    image
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