Breakups & Divorce Support Group
Just broke up with someone or in the midst of a difficult divorce? Breaking up is difficult no matter what the circumstances are. They say that time heals all wounds, but sometimes a listening ear or a hug can work wonders for the heart. Whether you need a place to vent, someone to hold you to No Contact, or need advice about what to do, we're here to help.

Littlefeather
I have been married 34 years. During this time our marriage has been pretty difficult, but in spite of that we have persisted and coexisted. However recently this is simply not possible any more. I cannot live with him, and he cannot live with me, and there is no bending or changing this. .
My husband has basically told me he doesn't like me. He suffers from extreme issues with paranoia and jealousy, and is completely convinced that I am a chronic liar. The only thing that would make him happy is if he were attached to my hip. He would want to read all my emails, monitor all my calls, and probably go everywhere with me, even to classes I attend occasionally. He finds excuse after excuse to invalidate, grill, or otherwise accuse me. Recently he tried to demand sexual intimacy, and I explained I am not going to be intimate with a jailer, or someohe who acts like a warden rather than a husband. I told him that intimacy and trust are key, and his response to that was, "I have to stand up for myself with your chronic "lies" and if I do not I become a pile or puddle of waste". This is irrational, and there is nothing I can say about this. The lies are completely in his mind. An example of the so called lies:
A friend of mine called eleven at night. I didn't look at the number and was annoyed that someone would call. He asked me who it was, I said heck if I know. A few minutes later I did look and it was a girlfriend of mine he doesn't like. I decided to take the call in the basement away from him because I didn't want him upset, or to start an argument. It turned out my friend's child had hurt itself and she wanted my opinion about wheter she eneded an ER. Two days later I did tell my husband who it was. His contention was that Iied and sneaked around. My contention is I didn't want to start anything and was trying to keep the peace.
It's always something he harps on about my so called "lies". It's twisted, it's sick, and I am sick emotionally and spiritually from it.
I have been told to seperate from him but this is simply impossible. The issue is that I am disabled, but was denied social security benefits. I have been a housewife, and what social security would have given me wouldn't have fed a flea. My husband has absolutely no money to give me in spousal support. Our debt exceeds his income. The house is mortgaged to the hilt and worth less than what we owe. Cars are not ours. In short I have no place to go to seperate myself from him, and no money to do it with. I have no friends, no relatives, nowhere to turn. Right now we exist in seperate rooms not speaking, not talking, and generally avoiding each other. I feel as though my life is over. I'm fifty four, and I do not feel any other person would want me as I am disabled and unable to work. I am incredibly lonely, and lost. I feel hopeless, trapped, and useless
I have no support system at all.
My husband has basically told me he doesn't like me. He suffers from extreme issues with paranoia and jealousy, and is completely convinced that I am a chronic liar. The only thing that would make him happy is if he were attached to my hip. He would want to read all my emails, monitor all my calls, and probably go everywhere with me, even to classes I attend occasionally. He finds excuse after excuse to invalidate, grill, or otherwise accuse me. Recently he tried to demand sexual intimacy, and I explained I am not going to be intimate with a jailer, or someohe who acts like a warden rather than a husband. I told him that intimacy and trust are key, and his response to that was, "I have to stand up for myself with your chronic "lies" and if I do not I become a pile or puddle of waste". This is irrational, and there is nothing I can say about this. The lies are completely in his mind. An example of the so called lies:
A friend of mine called eleven at night. I didn't look at the number and was annoyed that someone would call. He asked me who it was, I said heck if I know. A few minutes later I did look and it was a girlfriend of mine he doesn't like. I decided to take the call in the basement away from him because I didn't want him upset, or to start an argument. It turned out my friend's child had hurt itself and she wanted my opinion about wheter she eneded an ER. Two days later I did tell my husband who it was. His contention was that Iied and sneaked around. My contention is I didn't want to start anything and was trying to keep the peace.
It's always something he harps on about my so called "lies". It's twisted, it's sick, and I am sick emotionally and spiritually from it.
I have been told to seperate from him but this is simply impossible. The issue is that I am disabled, but was denied social security benefits. I have been a housewife, and what social security would have given me wouldn't have fed a flea. My husband has absolutely no money to give me in spousal support. Our debt exceeds his income. The house is mortgaged to the hilt and worth less than what we owe. Cars are not ours. In short I have no place to go to seperate myself from him, and no money to do it with. I have no friends, no relatives, nowhere to turn. Right now we exist in seperate rooms not speaking, not talking, and generally avoiding each other. I feel as though my life is over. I'm fifty four, and I do not feel any other person would want me as I am disabled and unable to work. I am incredibly lonely, and lost. I feel hopeless, trapped, and useless
I have no support system at all.
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I am concerned with your husbands behavior. Before I can advise in an informed way, I have some questions to ask. Please feel free to not answer if anything is too personal. It is just that this does not seem like reasonable behavior, and especially if it came on suddenly.
Has he had a medical check up lately? Has there been infidelity on either part in the marriage, giving him a reason to be suspicious? I am sorry for the question, but his behavior is irrational based on what we have been told, and many things can cause this. Have you tried counseling at any time during your marriage, and are these new behaviors that he is exhibiting?
If feelings of suspicion and paranoia came on all of a sudden, has he had any head injury or accident of any kind. Is he a drug abuser?
There are so many ways that this could go, that I feel that I don't have enough info to give a good opinion, but I will say that you are going to need some help to sort this out, and I would get myself into counseling asap, with or without him. At any rate, you have come to the right place to make friends that will walk this path with you. It is emotionally tiring to be with someone that is distrustful and suspicious all the time. If you feel that you are in danger, a womens shelter can help you find temporary housing. If you have decided that this is it for you, It may be time to talk to legal aid or retain a lawyer to see what your rights are after such a long term marriage. You have my deepest concern and caring and I may be able to offer more when I know the answer to the questions. We put together a manual for newcomers, and I hope that you will find something to bring you a small amount of peace and comfort as you begin a new path. Big healing hugs coming your way. Kimmee
http://dailystrength.org/c/Breakups_Divorce/forum/2816539-manual
What happens often is these things come in cycles. He goes off the wall, and into extremely abusive and paranoid behavior. He drives me and himself to the edge of
distraction then seems to come out of it. It's absolutely crazy making.
Twelve years ago I couldn't stand it one more minute and I walked out on him. We had a legal seperation at that time and I began dating. He found out about that, even though the person was in Boston and I had moved all the way to Boston to get away from the abuse at home. When the situation in Boston didn't work, my husband begged me to come home and agreed to therapy and anger management classes, and here we are, and have been ever since. He considers my time away as a case of "infidelity" even though we were seperated and close to a final divorce. I would add that I would never do this as long as I am living with him. It is not in my nature to sneak around with other men as long as I am married.
We were in couples counseling. The counselor said this week that it was dangerous to continue. My husband was so volitile that she felt someone could get hurt. She also felt there was no point in it any further as he shut down, immovable and totally resistant to any and all imput. I am going to her this week for counseling myself because this situation has me so depressed I can't function.
I did check with the local woman's shelter. They will not help. Their resources are strictly for those in immediate danger. If my husband hit me or put me in danger then they'd help but not before then. Temporary housing is no option when I don't work and can't pay. I have no money for food, or other basic necessities, and being disabled can't find work. I have been denied social security and as I said, because I was a housewife they would pay me less than nothing if I fought for it. I am totally without resources.
Legal aide in my community does not do divorces.
He has no money to get because his debt exceeds his income. If I leave there is no alimony to be had because there is no money! Home is mortaged to the hilt and worth less than what we owe, cars too, no savings, nothing.
Why am I even alive:(
I so hope that you have researched all your resources. There is welfare as a stepping stone. You were denied of your SSI disability? Why? Can you appeal it? How about some subsidized housing? You would qualify some help with the utility resources as well. Do you have family? Can you see the clergy of your local Church?
I lost everything I had, but I had children to live with, when I loved from upstate Ny to Florida..Thank you so much for your candid reply as I knew that his responses were not rational and that he had some underlying issues. Often times medications are not taken when a person is paranoid, and sometimes in house treatment is needed.
That last statement is very concerning to me. I know that you are overwhelmed, and you do have a lot on your plate. Many of us came from abusive backgrounds and have fought for years for our freedom. It took me two years to get free, and I have been free for 2 years now. I have lost everything I had, but life is the best it has ever been for me. I was lucky enough to have children that are very helpful to me.
I am glad that you are in counseling and hope that you will get on something for depression. Just doing that might help the outlook some, so that a solution can be found. Meanwhile stay here with us, and talk. Maybe someone will think of something that we haven't. Healing hugs to you, Kimmee
I am not interested in Clergy or church. The thought makes my skin crawl. I was very much abused in the church system emotionally. I would never ever set foot in any church again, not ever.
Freedom without any money or place to lay my head would not be much freedom.
As to taking something for depression, I have tried. I am highly allergic with anaphylaxis to any sort of medications that treat depression.
Yes I feel I am in danger, he's going to kill me. If he doesn't kill me physically he'll kill me mentally and emotionally. As is I'm a pile of rubble with no self esteem and no reason I can think of to live or enjoy life.
My family...they had no idea as they took his side. I was alone. So...yeah...there are resources if you have the willingness. So what if they are pennies? Your doctor can help you with the appeal process for SSI....
I'm sorry but I don't buy in not having a support system at all....
I'm very sorry that you're going through this.
Check into food stamps and welfare. There may be other housing options (I know you dismissed a shelter out of hand, but if you really need help, that is a viable option). You rejected the church - well, many churches have ministry programs to help people in your situation. Don't be so fast to dismiss it.
I guess what I am feeling is if you really want to improve your situation, you would reach out to any possible resource instead of saying I don't want this, I don't like that, I won't try the other thing,
Lynne