Immediate support
Immediate support

Relationship and family issues

Anything to do with managing relationships and family, including parenting, separation, loneliness, divorce, family and friendships.

Start a discussion

FAQ

Find answers to some of the more frequently asked questions on the Forums.

View the FAQ

Forums guidelines

Our guidelines keep the Forums a safe place for people to share and learn information.

View the guidelines
Categories
Start a discussion

Pinned discussions

BeyondBlue Hey there - read this to see what this section is all about
  • replies: 0

Hello and welcome This is the Relationships and Family section where members can talk about what is happening in their lives and the people they live with. We know that who we live with can make a big impact on our wellbeing, both in a good way or a ... View more

Hello and welcome This is the Relationships and Family section where members can talk about what is happening in their lives and the people they live with. We know that who we live with can make a big impact on our wellbeing, both in a good way or a negative way. As always, we want to hear your story and how it impacts you and encourage everyone to support each other with kindness. There are a few things to consider when posting in this section so we can all get the most out of it: Everyone’s situation is unique. We all do our best to share what is important in our story but we can never share it all. Let’s be mindful we can’t know all of everyone’s story. Anonymous but public. These posts are available to everyone and while the moderation team keeps the Forums anonymous, posts are still online for everyone to read. Have a think about what you want to share to get the best support for you. Please stay safe. This space is an amazing way to seek support from others who might understand what you are going through. We want to hear how you are going and what is happening for you. Please also consider 1800RESPECT if you don’t feel safe or 000 if you are in danger right now. You deserve to be safe. Thank you again for joining this conversation, your contributions are worthy and important to us here. Beyond Blue

All discussions

Start a discussion

Olliepop Try to understand my husbands "cut them off" attitude.
  • replies: 3

My husband is very straight to the point, if he doesnt like something or someone, he would gladly tell them to their face, if someone has upset him for the smallest of reasons, its done.The past year, we have overcome my family upsetting him in which... View more

My husband is very straight to the point, if he doesnt like something or someone, he would gladly tell them to their face, if someone has upset him for the smallest of reasons, its done.The past year, we have overcome my family upsetting him in which he said he would move on, not let others get to him etc. again and just let people be as we cant change them.XMAS day, my family lunch, we were all in a room, the kids going crazy, my siblings shooting nerf guns and he just snapped, that he wanted to go and both him and i and our son had to leave.So we packed our things, and left. My family were not happy about this, for more reason than one i am the youngest girl of the family and all they saw was my husband wanting something and me obeying what he said. It took awhile (and my husband drank after this) to let out feelings he doesnt like how my family act, and how nobody says anything when something wrong is happening, he verbally critisied my entire family 1 by 1. I found this really unfair, although i still tried to listen to my husabdn and understand. I even tried to explain why to my family in which, they dont get it and just said you shouldnt have left, period. I belive it was wrong also, and pointed out to my husband that too although i didnt want to go, and i feel he overreacted i still left as i love him and hes my husband. My husband had a short fuse infront of his own family yesterday, i flagged how he was acting, and he cleared it up with them.This made me some what jealous, as he realised with his own family how he was acting and cleared the air.. yet nothing has changed on my family end. My parents are afraid to talk to me, im too afraid to reach out to them as im unsure on what they will say to me, and my husband hasnt apologised to the simple fact he blew up like he did and stormed out. I dont think my family mind he was upset, about whatever, but i do believe they think he should say something instead of storm out and then send drunken messages to people later and go over the top. There are some things my husband doesnt remembe rhe said after he began to drink, which i flagged to him also. But im just sad, and stuck. Trying to be patient to give everyone space as well. I know my husband misses his late father, and he stated in his state that after he acts that way he remembers his father and knows his father wouldnt be happy in how he acted.Trying to stay positive, not sure where to go from here.My mother gets jealous after these moments if i spend time with my in-laws, as I dont act like my husband, and she probably wished i did as my husband makes them feel a particular way.We have only been married for 6 years. My older brother and i did discuss, and he stated its still early years, and it is hard, but there is a line of accepting personalities and how you act etc. in life.I can feel my father is waiting for my husbands apology, and he too will be gossiping with my middle sibling, as thats what the family tends to do.I dont know how to approach my parents, and i dont know how to keep moving on and in hopes my husband finds a way to reach out to put things at ease.Thank you as always BB fam.

G.P I feel like he's emotionally unavailable but doesn't understand it's impacting my mental health
  • replies: 8

Unsure if any of this will make sense, but don't feel like I have anywhere to turn to right now. My husband and I have been been married for a year, and it's been a challenging year for us mentally. There's been some good moments this year, but overa... View more

Unsure if any of this will make sense, but don't feel like I have anywhere to turn to right now. My husband and I have been been married for a year, and it's been a challenging year for us mentally. There's been some good moments this year, but overall I feel like our relationship is not at its best. We've committed ourselves to working on our mental health by seeing psychologists separately, and have occasionally seen a couples counsellor. There's been some progress, and I know progress takes time, but there's one thing that we can't seem to work through. I feel like he's unable to accept my emotions or feelings because it doesn't make sense to him or is irrational. He withdraws when I cry, and then I feel guilty for crying, when honestly, I'm just trying to release what I'm feeling. Today for instance, I went for a walk to clear my mind and get some fresh air. I was in a reflective mood. I returned from my walk and he asked how I was feeling. I told him, I was reflecting on things generally and was looking to vent. I've been feeling flat lately about our relationship, and other anxieties have been bothering me which I mentioned. I mentioned lightly that we both need to continue working more on ourselves individually and together, while recogising that we're doing our best. Immedialtely he became defensive and began to talk about all the all his efforts to help. I expressed to him that I appreciate his efforts, but I wasn't looking for immediate action, but just to be heard that this was what was on my mind as I was asked when I returned from my walk. I was really looking for emotional support. And lately this is how our arguments have been, that I'll look to express my point of view, and when I become frustrated or hurt, I cry because it's all I can manage. And I'm crying as I write this now because I feel defeated at trying to feel understood. It's happened many times over months, and it hurts.. He says that it comes from a deeper place, that when he saw his mum being highly emotional he couldn't accpet it because he felt his mum was erratic, illogical and had mental health problems. I feel like I'm now this projection. That he's pacifying me. And worse, I feel like I can't be emotional around him for fear of being rejected again & again. I've communicated the above, but it's too hard for him. And I just feel so suppressed because of his emotional unavailabilty. There's so much more that's been happening, but this is all I have space for right now.

Mumof3teens Struggling
  • replies: 2

I’m feeling so lost and isolated and have no one to talk to. My partner barely notices me anymore and doesn’t know what to do when I’m sad. My father has not been there for me and is more caring toward his step family he’s emotionally unavailable and... View more

I’m feeling so lost and isolated and have no one to talk to. My partner barely notices me anymore and doesn’t know what to do when I’m sad. My father has not been there for me and is more caring toward his step family he’s emotionally unavailable and so is my partner. I want to go somewhere where noone knows me and start again with my life. I really don’t have friends. I don’t trust anybody. I go to work and I come home, don’t talk to anyone. I just don’t know what to do anymore.

beezel Married and lesbian
  • replies: 5

I'm married (to a man), older and lesbian and find I am not accepted by community since coming out. The lesbian community offers opportunities for meets but members run a mile when they find out you are married. The mainstream population very between... View more

I'm married (to a man), older and lesbian and find I am not accepted by community since coming out. The lesbian community offers opportunities for meets but members run a mile when they find out you are married. The mainstream population very between supportive comments of bravery and always there for you, to repulsion and rejection. I feel surrounded by a void without human contact, slowly moving towards some sort of resolution of which I am unclear and wonder if I'll ever reach. I know I am not alone, I have read enough stories, usually shared at the end of the journey when the torment is over. There are others like me out there still on the journey and I wonder if anyone is brave enough to come forward to look at how we can support each other. COVID has shown us how important contact and touch are important to resilience and mental health. Professional assistance is helpful but nothing would replace the support of someone travelling the same journey. Any suggestions welcome.

Guest_94947506 Resentment towards my step-daughter and my spouse
  • replies: 1

My wife and I started dating when her child was 2 years old. My parents were opposed to the idea that I was dating a person with a child from a previous relationship as things can get messy down the track. I was madly in love and could not care less.... View more

My wife and I started dating when her child was 2 years old. My parents were opposed to the idea that I was dating a person with a child from a previous relationship as things can get messy down the track. I was madly in love and could not care less. A couple of years later, we got married, and soon, our first child came along. I have become incredibly protective of my child and jealous when my spouse devotes her time to our stepdaughter. I do not enjoy the time my stepdaughter stays at our place. I wish I could only spend time with 'my own family'. My parents-in-law, who are very inclusive, constantly invite my partner's ex and his new family to all family gatherings. All of them are nice people. Initially, I was okay with that I felt that I was the new addition to the family. Years went by, this 'tradition' has not changed and I feel resentful. My wife and I never talk about how we feel, and I am sure both of us are not happy deep down about the whole situation. She 'pretends' that everything is okay. I have become more emotionally detached and have started to give her cold treatment. I feel awful that I have taken so long to realise that I cannot accept my stepdaughter. After all, she has done nothing wrong. I am resentful towards my stepdaughter and now my spouse. This is unhealthy and abnormal.

Needstrength Advice on how stay strong during separation while living together
  • replies: 1

Hello alli I have recently realised that my husband has been emotionally abusing me and controlling me for a very long time. I am not allowed to go anywhere without him knowing how long I will be, who I am meeting, how much it will cost etc. the more... View more

Hello alli I have recently realised that my husband has been emotionally abusing me and controlling me for a very long time. I am not allowed to go anywhere without him knowing how long I will be, who I am meeting, how much it will cost etc. the more I think back over the last 30 years the more incidents and examples I remember. i have tried to talk to him but he jumps straight down my throat if I try to tackle and talk to him, over the last few years I have told him I have had enough and we have separated for a few days but then he comes and worms his way back, balling his eyes out the last time. Anyway, my question really (as I can see how this is going to play out), is how do I cope and stay strong when I tell him that I am done? It is going to be very difficult because he will refuse to move out so I know that we will end up living in the same house for months while I get everything sorted. How do I stay strong to make sure that I go through with it this time?he had a period of regularly working away last year and I was so happy while he was away even my friends saw a big difference in me and I know I need to separate it’s just he has always been the dominant one. thank you in advance for any advice

RayOfLight Need help rationalizing
  • replies: 1

Hi Team, Need help rationalizing my response to an issue with my wife. A few months ago, my wife was stressed at work and sought comfort from a colleague in another state.In the month or so I became aware of it, the last 2 weeks before confronting th... View more

Hi Team, Need help rationalizing my response to an issue with my wife. A few months ago, my wife was stressed at work and sought comfort from a colleague in another state.In the month or so I became aware of it, the last 2 weeks before confronting the situation, my wife would be out of bed earlier and could hear messages going from 6am.This would persist late into every night and would often wake up at 1am to find my wife in the lounge, phone pinging while she did her resin work. Over the next 3 weeks, it got to the stage my wife would abruptly end our chats to respond to messages, going so far as for my wife to interrupt our dinner chat to start speaking about the colleague. I noticed my wife starting to leave the room I was in with a smile on her face, going to another room to continue the conversation. While working from home, the phone was always face down now or the phone being put away when I got close. I tried to organize some "us" time, however even when out to dinner, the messaging didn't stop. It all reached a head when I lost my cool and blurted out "how long until you're sending nudes", to which my wife became very defensive.Pointing out the weeks prior and asked how she would react in the same situation, my wife defended here actions and said she would be fine if the roles were reversed. My wife is a very jealous person and know this would not be the case. I opened my wife's WhatsApp to ask her times of messages to highlight how neglected I felt. I know the conversations were continuing after the incident and reached a point I would sink when I would hear her phone ping. I hate myself for checking later, but opened her phone and WhatsApp now had a password. I don't believe there was any intent at this stage, but could see an emotional relationship starting between them, as my wife was openly talking about some of the topics without listening to what she was saying. In all I felt my wife needed someone else to talk to, though at my expense as I couldn't get any interest at all and felt like I had lost my value. A few months later on my Birthday, she left for the morning to spend with friends and was assuming she would be back around 5pm to have a birthday dinnerwith me.Instead I got a message saying she was too worried about driving home in peak hour.She arrived home around 11pm, kissed me then went and sat in the lounge. I know it's me, however only feel wanted when no one else is giving her attention. I try giving all I can, but I don't feel it's enough.

Aria87 My Husband VS My Family
  • replies: 10

For many years my husband has been "putting up"with how my family behave. I used to cover up for them whenever they would be in the wrong, assuming it would help him just move on from the situation as i believe you cannot change people and at the end... View more

For many years my husband has been "putting up"with how my family behave. I used to cover up for them whenever they would be in the wrong, assuming it would help him just move on from the situation as i believe you cannot change people and at the end of the day im used to how my family are. December came to breaking point, where i had an argument with a sibling, which lead to my husband letting out all his frustration against my family. Which lead me to confronting people and their behavious, in which they have all learn how to speak to in laws etc. My mother is a big help in my life, now my husband refuses to help drop off our son at her house as he doesn't want to see her until hes ready. This brings a huge divide for me as my family want to apologize to him to work and move on from the siutation. My husband feels if he does this he is giving in and it will only happen again. Ive made it VERY clear the boundaries noone can cross. Im not expecting my husband to have daily lunches with any of my family. But i do wish he would just let my mum know whats bothered him, allowed her to apologize and we learn and move on from this. My husband needs more time, but the more time the more its oging to break more relationships and this gives me massive anxiety. I feel i cant turn to any family as they will just keep pushing me to fix my husband, ad i cant keep pushing my husband because im afraid he will loose it. Please help

Olliepop Text message pressure!
  • replies: 1

So the Christmas period for me, brings alot of pressure during the day, and leading up to Christmas even more so. Yesterday, my husband and my son went for a drive to visit his family etc, and i was at work very very busy. In my brain, my husband and... View more

So the Christmas period for me, brings alot of pressure during the day, and leading up to Christmas even more so. Yesterday, my husband and my son went for a drive to visit his family etc, and i was at work very very busy. In my brain, my husband and son are okay, my husband loves to text, alot. and i fell behind in the many messages and pictures of things he was sending me. By the time i finished work, and handled all the staff who required my attention i replied, and he was very short. I tried calling as i was wrapping up the office, he didnt answer, then i called again no answer, then i sent a message im calling to see if you want anything for dinner on my way home? he replies, not yet. so in my mind, i was hoping for some fun at home, walk into the door and they are planning something for my day which was huge, i walk in to silence from my husband and my son his usual self. I look at my husband and hes livid, im like are you okay? then long story short, he was upset i didnt reply to his messages, i looked at them but didnt reply.. and it was not good enough that i didnt reply no matter how busy i was.I was in shock. So i apologised, as thats how he felt, and he continued to ignore me for the rest of the night, we made dinner separately, i was very tired so went to bed on my own, and this morning i get another text from him good morning, i reply and he said oh i wasnt sure if you would reply.starting on the jokes.. and again, i said i was busy if you realised how my day was you would realise how silly this looks, and he stated again... to open and not reply to many messages,is no excuse no matter how busy you are. Im really confused.. firstly, he knows where i am and what im doing.. when he was in my position with staff and working, i never got upset he didnt reply, and also may i add what we text about isnt life threatening. But my husband, he likes to text, ALOT!.. and we have had a few fights in the past where i ask him to refrain from so many messages and text fights as id rather deal in person, because most of the time he doesnt hear me in his messages. As i work with family, his indirect stab was him assuming i wasnt on my phone thinking i was around my family as he thinks they put me on edge, when they dont, but he just keeps assuming. Is this a little uncalled for from him?Im so tired, and this must reply attitude for texts is crazy.But does my husband have a valid point? i would assume he would call me if it was so important.

Willow18 Am I being dramatic
  • replies: 1

Been with partner for over 20 yrs. Should have seen it from the start when he was jealous. I had some guy friends and he hated them, he wanted to hang out with my girlfriends and I when we were having "girl time" because he said we should be able to ... View more

Been with partner for over 20 yrs. Should have seen it from the start when he was jealous. I had some guy friends and he hated them, he wanted to hang out with my girlfriends and I when we were having "girl time" because he said we should be able to do what we do in front of him. We ended up moving away and he was still jealous..if I want to go for coffee its fine but if its like lunch/dinner, a bbq/party etc he will get all sooky and we end up fighting. Been happening our whole relationship. A couple of yrs ago our teenage daughter had some online stuff that broke us. Now he is really controlling with her. Not allowed to have a boyfriend, gets angry if she wants to hang out with her friend as he's worried she's doing the wrong thing. I have mentioned the way he is is wrong but he turns it around on me. Says I don't show him affection. I think I hold alot of resentment towards him for the way he is. I grew up with a abusive step father who didn't let me do anything. I also had an abusive first boyfriend who isolated me from everyone.My partner is not physically abusive but I feel like he is controlling. There are so many other things I could talk about but it would go on forever. He puts it all back on me. Says he loves us more than anything and doesn't want to see us hurt etc and then tries to make out like I don't love him as much as he loves me. He chooses not to have friends. He has acquaintances. He has really bad social anxiety as well so we don't do alot. I just want to know I'm not crazy. This is not right right? My 16yr old and 11 yr old can see his behaviour is not right. I don't know what to do.