Oh glm, I wish I knew what to say to you! I know from what you've mentioned about the ex in the past that she seems to be quite toxic, and certainly not healthy for you to have to keep dealing with her - especially when you've made your choice to NOT deal with her. You have every right to not have toxic people in your life. I don't understand his insistence on keeping her in his life. Does he thrive on toxic drama? He knows how much it bothers you, yet still does it. Actions speak louder than words, IMO. However, I also know you made a fairly big move when you moved in with him. Changing doctors, clinics, schools for Jareth, etc. It sounds like your new neph is more with it than your old one, which is a positive. Would you move back in with your Dad? Have you talked to his mom about any of this? Are you sick and tired of dealing with his crap? What do you feel when he comes home, or what do you feel at the very thought of him? I know nothing about having a relationship. At age 39, I have never been able to hold a man's interest for very long, so I'm not sure I'm the best person to give out any advice pertaining to this. But, I want you to know, I feel for you, wish the best for you, and want you to know you are always in my thoughts. I want whatever is best for you and whatever will make you happy and comfortable. It is important to be comfortable in your home and LTR, I think. And, of course, happy goes with that! But happiness can be elusive, especially when faced with medical challenges like we are. Which is why I say comfort is more important, as that can be more consistent than happiness. How comfortable are you in the situation you are in right now?KarenInWA
Besides, if he's not a kidney match, who needs him?!
glm,so sorry to read this. Am I surprised? not really but I'm still sad and frustrated on your behalf.Men, me being one so having some insight, can be bloody stupid/dumb/mean/tactless/horrible/uncatring/selfish/petty/brainless/childish/jerks - I should know I fit a few of these categories, but I will leave which for others to decide.As you wrote you seem to know what to do so I am not certain how we can help because I understand you are stuck in your situation for various reasons, and you're not a silly person you know fully well what the deal is.The problem is, as I see it (or one of them anyway) is that BECAUSE you have forgiven so much he feels he can keep doing it (for whatever reasons - who knows) - because well you've gone back and forgiven him and whatever else. The whole excuse of not wanting the 2 hour talk about it just shows he damn well knows what he's doing, and that it's wrong, but hey guess what he doesn't care.What's worse is that he's clearly such a crap liar that you've found him out several times and yet he keeps doing it - umm.. duh?!!!you have nailed it that you have no trust and no communication and frankly that does mean no *real* relationship. who knows what else is going on that's bad for you or your son (eg: money issues and stuff that I know you have aluded to before). I think if you stay, he'll continue to take advantage of that and do as he pleases (and even if he's not cheating with the ex, or whatever his reasons are to talkt o her still) it kind of doesn't matter because the issue I think is that he can't even be honest with you about it. Let's say he's just talking to the crazy drama ex because he feels he can't talk to you - as in he feels closer emotionally to her (I am NOT saying he is or does, this is an example only) - you'd think the right thing to do would be to attempt to explore a solution to that issue - like gee why do I not feel like I can talk to you? Why, despite everything, do I need to seek an ex like that for emotional comfort/support/whatever. Again I am not trying to suggest this is what he's doing or thinking!!! I have no clue (remember, I'm male!)I know you have so many different priorities and problems/issues to deal with that make it hard to know what to do and what is best.. all i can offer is the humble advice to be TRUE TO YOU.I'm reminded of that old saying "Fool me once - shame on you. Fool me twice - shame on ME" - and not saying you should feel shame or bad for this, but there is wisdom in those words - which you yourself understand from your own post(so this is not news).if you do NOTHING this will just continue and you'll be miserable. What action to take (if any?) well that's the million dollar question, and I don't have that kind of cash alas...just my 2 cents
I'd have to say, GLM, that from everything I've read, it's time to drop this boyfriend. As I think Richard said, you've told him what your dealbreakers are, yet he persists in doing whatever he wants. His happiness and not yours is his primary concern. If it's just not practical to leave at the moment then I would do my best to detach emotionally. Expect nothing from him and you won't have to drown in disappointment. I see you setting yourself up to be a lifelong doormat if you don't stand your ground. Never an easy move to make, but you've said yourself, you know it's what you should do. The way I see it, it's either now(ish) or down the line after you've wasted years of your life on a dead end. Years that could have been spent with the right partner for you. Good luck, sweetheart!