Ex husband’s new GF wants family to cut all contact with me
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Divorce Drama and Unexpected Consequences
After a messy divorce, a woman finds herself navigating the complexities of her ex-husband’s new relationship, especially when his girlfriend takes issue with their continued friendship. Despite her attempts to maintain boundaries, the new girlfriend’s jealousy escalates into a shocking act of violence at a bar. As tensions rise and social media becomes a battleground, the woman faces a moral dilemma: should she press charges against her ex’s girlfriend, or let it go for the sake of peace? This story resonates with anyone who’s dealt with the fallout of relationships and the challenges of moving on in a world where past connections linger.
Family Drama and Conflict Resolution: A Divorced Woman’s Dilemma
A divorced woman finds herself entangled in a complex family drama involving her ex-husband’s new girlfriend. The situation escalates, leading to a potential conflict resolution dilemma.
- Background: The narrator acknowledges her role in the divorce, admitting that she was primarily at fault. Despite this, she maintains a cordial relationship with her ex-husband and some of his family members, including his mother and sister.
- Continued Contact: After the divorce, the narrator has kept in touch with her ex’s family, which has not been an issue for her ex-husband. He has expressed no objections to their ongoing friendship.
- New Relationship: The ex-husband has started dating a new girlfriend, who is significantly younger. She is uncomfortable with his past marriage and particularly with the narrator’s continued contact with his family.
- Girlfriend’s Reaction: The new girlfriend reacts negatively to the situation, expressing her discontent through social media posts that highlight the narrator’s past. This behavior creates tension and impacts others in their social circle.
- Confrontation: A confrontation occurs at a bar where the narrator is present with friends. The new girlfriend demands that she leave and, when met with laughter, resorts to physical violence, hitting the narrator and causing her to lose consciousness.
- Legal Considerations: After the incident, the narrator declines to press charges initially but contemplates doing so later, especially given the girlfriend’s ongoing social media attacks.
- Ex-Husband’s Plea: The ex-husband pleads with the narrator not to file charges, promising to address the girlfriend’s behavior. However, the narrator is conflicted about whether to pursue legal action.
The narrator reflects on her role in the situation, recognizing that while she may not be the “good guy,” the escalation of events has left her considering her options. The question remains: is she the asshole for contemplating charges against the new girlfriend, or is she justified in seeking resolution after being physically attacked?
This is Original story from Reddit
Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)
Story
So I’m divorced. I will freely admit that I’m most at fault for the divorce. I never should have been married, but hindsight is 20/20, as they say.
My own family is a shit show and a half. I’ve known my ex’s family for the majority of my life. When we split up, some of his family has kept in contact with me, including his mom and one of his sisters.
It’s nothing crazy, but we grab a drink from time to time, and his mom just checks in to see how I’m doing. Knowing how my family is, she worries about me even though I tell her not to. We split a few years ago, and the divorce was final more than a year and a half ago.
Despite me being the asshole in my marriage, my ex doesn’t have any crazy bitterness, and we have a decent relationship now. In the years since we split, he’s never had an issue with his family staying in contact with me. I know for sure because I’ve asked.
Enter new GF. They’ve been together for 6 months or so. She’s 27, and he’s sneaking up on 40.
Not that big of a deal, but she’s not a fan of the fact that he’s been married before. Actually, I’m the second ex-wife. As they’ve gotten more serious, she’s taken extreme exception to the fact that his mom and sister, in particular, still keep in contact with me.
I’m petty and laughed my ass off the first time she came at me about it all. Privately, I talked with his mom and sister, though, and told them I totally understand if they need to cut contact to keep the peace. They assured me that they do what they want to do and not what the girlfriend of a hot minute demands.
Since I am still in contact with them, she’s taken the mature approach of posting all my misdeeds on social media. Some of which have impacts on people that don’t deserve it. Well, maybe deserve it a little, but in any case, it’s rocking a lot of boats.
Three weeks ago, I was out with friends at a bar. New GF was there with the ex. She was livid and demanded I leave immediately.
I gave the appropriate response and laughed, turned around, and continued my conversation. She proceeded to hit me from behind and smashed my head into the bar top. I lost consciousness for a few, and when I came to, she was being pulled away, and cops were being called.
I declined charges at the time but was told if I change my mind to contact them. So since she’s being petty and posting everything about me, I’m thinking maybe those charges sound a whole lot better.
My ex is begging me not to, saying he will rein her in and get her to stop, but man, I want to pull the trigger now and just do it. As I’ve admitted, I’m not the good guy in this story.
But am I the asshole if I do file charges against this girl?
View the Original Reddit Post Here
Summary of Reddit Comments
The top Reddit comments reveal a strong consensus around NTA due to the clear recognition of the assault and ongoing harassment faced by the individual. Most users agree that pressing charges is essential to hold the aggressor accountable and to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the importance of taking action against such behavior.
- Users highlight the need for legal measures, such as filing charges and obtaining a restraining order, to address the situation effectively.
- There is a collective concern for the individual’s safety, urging them not to dismiss the seriousness of the aggressor’s actions.
Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict
Conflict resolution in emotionally charged situations like this one requires careful consideration of both parties’ feelings and the legal implications of the actions taken. Here are some practical steps to address the conflict while ensuring safety and accountability:
For the Narrator
- Prioritize Safety: Ensure your safety first. If you feel threatened by the girlfriend’s behavior, consider seeking a restraining order to prevent further contact.
- Document Everything: Keep a detailed record of all incidents, including social media posts, messages, and any confrontations. This documentation can be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Consult Legal Counsel: Speak with a lawyer to understand your options regarding pressing charges. They can provide guidance on the potential outcomes and help you navigate the legal system.
- Communicate with Your Ex-Husband: Have an open and honest conversation with your ex about the situation. Express your feelings and concerns, and discuss the importance of addressing his girlfriend’s behavior together.
- Consider Counseling: If the emotional toll is significant, consider speaking with a therapist. They can help you process your feelings and develop coping strategies.
For the Ex-Husband and His Girlfriend
- Encourage Open Dialogue: The ex-husband should facilitate a conversation between the narrator and his girlfriend to address the underlying issues. This can help clear misunderstandings and reduce tension.
- Set Boundaries: The ex-husband needs to establish clear boundaries with his girlfriend regarding acceptable behavior towards the narrator. He should communicate that violence and harassment are unacceptable.
- Seek Professional Help: The girlfriend may benefit from counseling to address her insecurities and feelings about the narrator. Professional guidance can help her navigate her emotions in a healthier way.
- Support the Narrator: The ex-husband should offer support to the narrator, acknowledging her feelings and validating her experiences. This can help rebuild trust and foster a more amicable relationship.
Ultimately, it’s essential for all parties involved to approach the situation with empathy and a willingness to resolve conflicts constructively. Taking these steps can help ensure that everyone feels heard and respected while addressing the serious nature of the incident.
Join the Discussion
Image credit: Pixabay (This is example image – Not the actual photo)
What do you think? Would you have handled this differently?
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