No

Dreaming Tom wants me to wash the sofa; I say no. I am tired of doing it. I know he wants it done for his family coming to visit, but I won’t do it. We argue, but then Tom asks for a kiss. I say no.

Investment

I’ve started seeing a psychotherapist. I can’t afford to, but I can’t afford not to. I’m seeing it as an investment in mine and my children’s future. I feel as though I’m going mad. Am I ill? Have I gone insane? Is this all my fault? I need to know. I need someone to give…

Thunder

Christmas Day didn’t quite go the way I hoped, unfortunately. The children woke and opened their presents while Tom sat with a face like thunder, watching them. He spent the rest of the day complaining about what I’d bought for the children, saying they should have only had one small present each, and that the…

Holiday

We’ve just returned from a visit to Tom’s family, and I hated every minute of it.

Trip

Just one month after his last excursion, Tom left for a ten-day skiing holiday this morning. Joining him are his brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephews; uncles, aunts, and cousins. His family. We, his partner, daughter, and step-children, weren’t invited. Again.

Enemy

Tom’s family flew in for the weekend on Friday. I hated having to share Annie with the people that – in my head at least – are such a threat to Annie and I. I just wanted to get in bed and snuggle with her instead of having to share her with the enemy. Tom…

Backseat

Tom’s family are coming to visit tomorrow. Since Annie was born, I’ve struggled to keep the house as clean and tidy as I used to. Annie’s a very unsettled baby, so housework has had to take a backseat for a while. I asked Tom to give me a hand. I thought he would, as it’s…