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Thread : Do or Done  
24 Jun 2009 @ 10:46 PM
HFXMOM Join Date: Mon 23rd Feb 2009
Threads: 12 Posts: 5
Do or Done

Ok....let me start out my apologizing, this is going to a lengthy post, however I need to get this off my chest, and would appreciate some good advice. If any of you have been reading my posts - looking back now, I sound like I am bitching off about my partner always complaining about him blah blah blah. I've recently found myself in a situation that could be our demise (I pray to god it isn't). So here's the naked truth. I have been in numerous relationships, married and divorced twice. Held numerous jobs, impulsiveness is my middle name. I find that I am quick to temper, cry when I don't think I'm understood, overly defensive/protective of my ADHD children (as soon as he jumps on my children for doing something wrong, I'm jumping on him for jumpin on them!), and critical of others' parenting skills while my first name should be Hitler (I'm very strict, and demand common courtesy and respect from my children - and anyone in my life - BUT I also give it in return - and am very quick to point out when it's not given back to me "why can't you show me the same respect in return?").

So, here's the deal. I am in love with a man who makes my heart melt, legs weak, and body tremble every time he touches me. I never tire of looking at him, touching, him, holding him etc. He loves me more than life (tells me all the time) and loves my kids. We have only been together 8 months but feels like forever. Twice we were suppose to move in together, and twice I've pulled away. The first time I pulled away was due to pressure (I wanted to make sure after all the mistakes I've made in the past moving to fast that this was for the right reasons), this second time was due to issues regarding life (children, parenting, house cleanliness etc). I am absolutely heartbroken that I pulled away this time. Last time I wasn't. I was truly looking forward to this this time. This time I would have been moving in with this man (and this is significant) b/c I wanted to, and not out of necessity (as I have in past relationships). I rule my kids with an iron fist (single mom with ADHD), and he doesn't. Mostly 'cos he doesn't have to. I get angry when he doesn't punish his children for doing something wrong no matter how small or big. All he has to do is say, "you know better right?" But there's that underlying tone that his kids get. I don't have it that easy with my kids. I'm starting to wonder if I'm resentful that his kids are easy to raise. Then there's the house maintenance. He can't stand dirty hand prints all over the walls, and I'm ok with that 'cos they can be washed off. I'm ok with eating in the living room and spilling stuff on the furniture and carpet, 'cos after all it can be cleaned (he says "it's extra work - do you have the money to replace the stained carpet, or furniture?", my response is "well, if it was kid friendly - we wouldn't have to worry!") I throw my dirty clothes on the floor, he recently pointed it out to me in a very gentle way that there is a hamper in the room...LOL duh! He asked me not that long ago if "our" house was going to be as cluttered as mine? I tried to explain to him that I'm so busy (i run a small in home daycare) during the day, I don't have time to de-clutter. He says "I'll help". I'll admit it, I'm too busy caring about things that are sooooooooo important to me, I have a hard time incorporating his important stuff too. He's been to my family's with me numerous times, I have only been to his family's a few times. I'm soooooooo nervous that my kids will be judged (he's assured me different) for their outbursts, or fidgitness, and the lot. For the first time EVER in my life, I almost feel as though I don't fit in with a family (all due to new found insecurities). My partner is a wonderful man with a heart of gold. He is very close with his family, and is very much a family man. I felt as though I died inside when I told him I couldn't move in with him. It's like I'm in this little bubble that I'm scared to move out of. Problem is...if I don't soon leave this little bubble, I fear I'm going to lose him. I would be absolutely devastated. We love each other dearly. Someone please give me some kind of wake up call. Do I try what I can do to get over the way I feel and move in with him, or chance losing him over this indecisiveness and fear of mine? He's sooo supportive of me and the kids, I try to be of him. I'm really starting to think I owe him a HUGE appology and beg his forgiveness for being so impulsive, temperamental, over protective, overly judgmental, as just plain scared of finally having everything I've been looking for all my life. This man is my soul mate. I never believed in soul mates....oh and BTW....I forgot to mention that I am VERY independent. Being a single mom for so long, I have a hard time letting someone in to help, and lean on. He wants to help me raise my children (problem is - he doesn't know how to raise an ADHD child - dealing with the outbursts, tantrums, etc - he gets upset and argues back - that's, BTW, where my defenses come in). And, just so you know, my partner is not a saint...LOL he has big time anxiety issues. Which make him a little insecure in some areas. however looking back over the last little while, I'm starting to wonder just how much of those I've contributed too. Opinions and advice please!!!!

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26 Jun 2009 @ 11:33 AM Reply # 1
Anni Join Date: Thu 25th Oct 2007
Threads: 18 Posts: 416
Indecisiveness

I have no authority or expertise in ADHD relationship issues, but I do want to assure you of one thing: No relationship is perfect. Even non-ADHD spouses argue about housecleaning and discipline and so forth - no one is immune to that.

My motto in life is to live without regret. If you feel you will regret not giving it a try, I think you should go with your heart and move in together with a very blunt conversation at the outset about house rules. If, on the other hand, you feel you will regret putting yourself on the line and facing heartbreak again, then I would continue cautiously.

Either way, communicate with him and let him know why you're making the moves you are - he's more likely to support you if he understands your fears and motivations.

Good luck!

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26 Jun 2009 @ 10:40 PM Reply # 2
ADD RN Join Date: Wed 21st Nov 2007
Threads: 11 Posts: 358
Indecissive

I think Anni makes a very good point and you too need to talk. Living together is difficult enough without the added stress of feeling you and your children don't fit in. It is also hard to let someone to take whole of the rain's when we have done them for so long. There is a book about going through all things you need to ask a spouse. I know you two aren't getting married ; but I think cohabitating comes close and getting these questions out in the open from the everyday things such as do you need to have coffee in the morning or need to jog, to the nitty gritty of finances, child rearing, and who is going to keep the house clean. If you can't agree no matter if he is your soul mate is a indication not to live together. Some things we can let go ; but other things are deal breakers. It is up to you and him to realize this. The kids will be affected so it may be a difficult adjustment for them especially if they are allowed to do certain things in your home; but not in the( us )home. It would also be advantageous for you to educate your boyfriend ADHD and so he does know what he is getting into. If he thinks it up to you to keep house and you think certain things are no big deal it is room for being in a disagreement. Follow your heart; but listen to instincts,and head if something doesn't feel right remember it isn't and don't ignore it because we know and it is the best way to protect our selves and children. Good Luck if he really loves you he will welcome the discussion if he doesn't it will be time to re-think this relationship.

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