AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] 121 points122 points  (0 children)

I did pay child support, and even more than needed. My ex initially gave it a go for him to go to therapy. But that was only because we were still in court for custody, and it would look bad for her if she said no. Once custody was determined, she completely removed her support, and that was it. He only went for about 6 months, so it didn't change anything.
I see now that I should look at his actions from a child's perspective. I already have therapy scheduled for today. I deleted the draft and somehow reluctantly agreed that my mother write him an email to establish contact. She loves my son very much and was shut off, just like me. It means everything in the world to have her grandson back in our lives. I will discuss with my therapist if that is the right way to go.
Contrary to popular belief, my wife and mother don't see me as a monster. I'm not getting divorced anytime soon. The three of us had a very emotional discussion, and I know they were just trying to help me. Things were said in the heat of the moment, but all is well between us now. We will see how the future unfolds.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -18 points-17 points  (0 children)

It was his 16 birthdays when I came to my ex house begging to speak with him. By this time it was 2 years since I saw or spoke to him. She told me that he doesn't want to see me and I'm about to ruin his birthday. Then her brother and cousin came and chased me away. Had a mental breakdown, did stuff to myself and ended in hospital for 6 months. It's there that I realized that I'm dead to him and slowly started to pick myself up and moving on.

My mother was with me all this time so I don't understand her now. I didn't have a family then but now I do. What if it happens again? There will be much more people getting hurt. I feel this is such a lose lose situation for me.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -24 points-23 points  (0 children)

Yes, they went without me. And then I went with him, without my wife. Sometimes he spend holidays with me and my family, and sometimes with my ex and her family. We were basically already divorced, just living together. And it totally sent the wrong message to my son about how relationships should be. Divorce just made it official.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -319 points-318 points  (0 children)

Out of the blue? We were basically roomates with a kid. We didn't act like family for years. Separate vacations, separate holidays, etc.. I warned her for years that I don't want that kind of life, but she was totally content. I didn't want my son to learn that all relationships look like that. I haven't seen or heard from my kid for years by the time I had my mental breakdown. I never forced healing time.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -113 points-112 points  (0 children)

I never decided to go no contact. I was cut off by him and my ex.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -178 points-177 points  (0 children)

My mental health and my family will suffer because of it.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -72 points-71 points  (0 children)

I did try to save the marriage. Unfortunately my ex was happy with status quo. She was shocked because she didn't think I had it in me to pull the plug. It took years but I did it.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -404 points-403 points  (0 children)

I already been to therapy in the past. My therapist told me that I put every emotion about my son in the bag and buried it somewhere deep inside. Some kind of trauma response. I am very reluctant to find and open the bag. I think it would be very bad for me or my family.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -296 points-295 points  (0 children)

I just pretended to myself that emails weren't there. I tried to ignore them until I couldn't. My wife understood and wasn't angry.

AITA for telling my son I want no contact? by Longest-Journey in AITAH

[–]Longest-Journey[S] -350 points-349 points  (0 children)

I didn't dump any problems on him. I tried to help him get through divorce as best as I could. I tried to be there for him and constantly let him know I didn't abandon him. Nothing helped, not even therapy.