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Author Topic: I need help - just learning about BPD with my wife  (Read 1154 times)
959
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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Relationship status: Husband
Posts: 2


« on: April 08, 2020, 06:15:47 PM »

Hi Everyone,

Don't know where to start. Recently discovered why I've been so
confused, sad and depressed. Somehow I came across Walking
on Eggshells and instantly recognized myself in the descriptions
- Best husband ever one day and evil controlling unsupportive
jerk the next.

Found out six months ago she was having an affair and I have
until the last two months been in a state of denial.  Tried my best
to find out how and try to fix our marriage but things have gotten
worse... found out she has had five affairs since last year.

She has had extreme sexual abuse in her childhood and currently
has extensive counseling and prescription requirements to cope.
If we divorce, it feels like she would not be able to survive outside of
the safe and supportive life we have together due to her mental
condition and lack of regular daily coping skills.

How can I love someone who cares nothing about the last ten
years of our marriage.
I'm so tormented on what to do - anyone else been here?

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ForeverDad
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Gender: Male
What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Ex-romantic partner
Relationship status: separated 2005 then divorced
Posts: 18438


You can't reason with the Voice of Unreason...


« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2020, 10:58:31 PM »

Welcome! Welcome new member (click to insert in post)  You have found excellent peer support, anonymous and remote, but we have "been there done that" and have a wealth of past experiences that collectively are a treasure trove of what generally works and what generally doesn't work.

This is probably a time for you to be pragmatic... It is what it is.  Do what you have to do.  Of course, first educate yourself on more aspects of how Borderline Personality Disorder (about half of these PDs are "acting out" inflicting pain and suffering upon those closest to them).

You are blamed for everything because of course that person is never at fault.  Blamers, Blame Shifters, moods morph between good and bad and back again almost by the minute, accusers, predictably erratic and unpredictable, etc.  You have to understand that the person's perceptions and world view are skewed, and the rants and rages are prone to become more and more frequent.

An important question:  Do you have children?  If not, don't start.  If you do have children, the custody and parenting schedule issues can make a separation and divorce even more difficult — and important — than the financial aspects alone.

To help you deal with her, read Henry Cloud's Boundaries.  Before you begin a divorce (even during an initial separation) be sure to read William Eddy's Splitting: Protecting Yourself While Divorcing Someone with Borderline or Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
« Last Edit: April 08, 2020, 11:05:40 PM by ForeverDad » Logged

Panda39
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Gender: Female
What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner’s ex
Relationship status: SO and I have been together 9 years and have just moved in together this summer.
Posts: 3462



« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2020, 07:37:01 AM »

Hi 959,

I'd like to join ForeverDad and welcome you to the group Welcome new member (click to insert in post)

Excerpt
If we divorce, it feels like she would not be able to survive outside of the safe and supportive life we have together due to her mental condition and lack of regular daily coping skills.

My partner felt much the same about his undiagnosed BPD ex-wife (uBPDxw).  She played the victim for 17 years of marriage so he believed the brainwashing, but when he expressed this fear to his mom she told him his wife was like a cat and would land on her feet.  You know what?   She did.  They have been divorced for eight years and the ex has never been homeless and has never starved even though she is mentally ill.  She is capable of obtaining what she needs.

Your wife like my partner's ex is an adult and she like any adult is responsible for taking care of herself, she is responsible for her own feelings, and her own behaviors.  These are not your responsibilities.  Your responsibility is to take care of you (no this is not selfish it is self care).

What do you think are the best things for you?  What do you deserve?

Panda39
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"Have you ever looked fear in the face and just said, I just don't care" -Pink
worriedStepmom
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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner’s ex
Posts: 1157


« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2020, 10:21:32 AM »

If we divorce, it feels like she would not be able to survive outside of the safe and supportive life we have together due to her mental condition and lack of regular daily coping skills.

As Panda said, this is a common fear.  She's trained you to think that you HAVE to take her abuse because she needs you so much. 

It's not true.

My H was worried not only that his ex wouldn't be able to support herself/take care of day to day things, but also that her mental health would deteriorate so much that she would commit suicide.  He felt very responsible for her mental health.  But it isn't his job to keep her mentally stable - and it isn't yours either.  When he backed away from taking care of her, she did spiral down.  She's been involuntarily committed twice and voluntarily checked herself into a psychiatric hospital once.  This is not a bad thing - she was getting the help she desperately needed, from professionals.

Your wife has a support system.  She has a therapist who can help identify destructive thinking and help her to deal with them.

Do you have a therapist?  Divorce is emotionally hard even without a disordered spouse, and it can be invaluable to have someone neutral to help you work through your feelings.
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livednlearned
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Gender: Female
What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Family other
Relationship status: Married
Posts: 12866



« Reply #4 on: April 11, 2020, 02:36:46 PM »

How can I love someone who cares nothing about the last ten
years of our marriage.

Oof, that's painful. How are you holding up right now? It's got to be a lot to take in and process.

Is your wife aware that you know?
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Breathe.
959
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What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner
Relationship status: Husband
Posts: 2


« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2021, 06:03:54 PM »

Hi ForeverDad, Panda39, worriedStepmom, livednlearned

Thank you all for your help and encouragement!

Just wanted to post an update.. I read the books you mentioned ForeverDad and they were critical for the sanity and success of getting a divorce and breaking free from the emotional torment I was under. It has been 11 months now and my divorce was finalized in Nov 2020 I'm doing much better and I'm actually happier than I've ever been and this was due to getting help from BPD and Men's coaches as worriedStepmom recommended.

Thank you all again
~959

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Panda39
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Gender: Female
What is your sexual orientation: Straight
Who in your life has "personality" issues: Romantic partner’s ex
Relationship status: SO and I have been together 9 years and have just moved in together this summer.
Posts: 3462



« Reply #6 on: February 15, 2021, 09:40:12 PM »

Thank you for the update.  So glad you've had a positive outcome!  Way to go! (click to insert in post)
Panda39
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"Have you ever looked fear in the face and just said, I just don't care" -Pink
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