Hello, question asker! I'm Jia Ao, and I'm not looking for anything.
I've read through the issues and confusion you outlined on the platform and researched your and your ex-husband's experiences. I understand your situation. It's unlikely you have no feelings for each other, but there are still significant hurdles in your relationship, especially with your ex-mother-in-law.
If a third person is involved in a relationship, it can get pretty complicated. It's often said that marriage isn't just about the two people involved, but that it requires mutual integration with the entire family. Your current confusion and uncertainty are probably because you still have feelings for him. So, do you want us to help you figure out whether you want to get back together with your ex-husband or learn how to deal with this relationship?
To help you figure out and organize the issues you're facing:
First, take a step back and assess your relationship from an objective, calm perspective.
All your doubts and struggles are actually because you still have an emotional connection with him and he's been in contact with you. You'll come to your senses and often be softhearted, so you'll meet with him, but the fundamental problem of your divorce hasn't been solved. Therefore, you actually resent him meeting with you at this time, and it also involves feelings. The problem of your divorce has always been getting along with your mother-in-law. You don't get along very well with his mother, and your ex-husband didn't handle the conflicts between you very well, which makes you seem passive.
If you don't resolve this issue, you'll still be at risk of divorce if you get back together. It's not just about whether or not you get back married. I think you're already thinking the same thing.
If you really want to get back together and develop a long-lasting relationship, it really depends on whether your ex-husband has the ability to establish a healthy sense of boundaries between you. There are some things your mother-in-law can get involved in, and some things she can't interfere with. You two can only solve problems between yourselves. She can help with housework and childcare, but if she gets involved in emotional issues, it will only complicate your relationship and make things worse.
2. Be aware of the main issue behind your divorce.
The relationship between a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is always tricky. If there's a husband who doesn't know how to handle this kind of relationship, it can make things a lot harder. From what you've said, it doesn't seem like your ex-husband has this ability. So, whether or not you want to get back together, you can just ask him directly: Do you have the ability to solve the problems and conflicts between you and your mother-in-law? You bring these problems up with him and let him deal with them. If there really is no way to solve them and he keeps being evasive, do you think you have the confidence to get back together with him?
At this point, any remaining feelings will likely be used up.
You've already divorced once, so you should really think this through. You shouldn't get back together just because you still have feelings for each other or because you are lonely. This isn't the best way to get along with each other. You should learn to take responsibility for yourself and love yourself first. So I suggest you think about this carefully.
3. How should you handle a conflict between your wife and her mother-in-law?
If you do get back together, you'll first have to resolve the issue of the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law not getting along. There are several reasons for this, but ultimately it's because there's a generation gap between the two generations, and they have different living habits and views on various aspects, which leads to conflicts and disagreements between the two sides.
If you and your ex can't resolve your differences, you might want to consider living separately. The best way to do this is to reduce your contact with him. It's important to take the initiative and make the first move. If he's not willing to do this, you might want to think about whether you're ready to marry him again.
4. Accept your emotions as they are.
You realize you still have feelings for your ex-husband. If you didn't have any feelings at all, you wouldn't be so conflicted. There's no need to rush to deny it; just accept it as it is. You know each other and were classmates, but feelings are feelings and problems are problems. If you want to have a long-term, stable relationship, you need to be more mature and stable. First, solve the problems one by one.
If you can, it's best to communicate well first, be honest about your feelings, and talk through the problem together. You might want to exchange views on whether to stay together and work things out, or to stop seeing each other in the future.
Until then, take care of yourself, don't overthink things, and remember that this is not something you can handle alone.
And don't forget the three elements of love theory proposed by American psychologist Sternberg: love is made up of passion, intimacy, and commitment (this theory comes from Baidu Baike). If your ex-husband is unable to give you enough respect, understanding, and commitment, and there is passion and intimacy, you will be the one who suffers the most. You must learn to protect yourself! I wish you all the best.
I hope my answer is helpful.
Best regards,
[Name]
Comments
This situation sounds incredibly complex and emotionally draining. It seems like you've been placed in a very difficult position with your exhusband and his family. I can see how it would be hard to know where to turn when faced with such persistent behavior from someone you once cared deeply about.
It's important to prioritize your own wellbeing and peace of mind. From what you've shared, it appears that your exhusband is struggling to cope with the divorce and might be using manipulative tactics to regain your affection. This kind of behavior is not healthy for either party. You deserve respect and understanding, especially during such a vulnerable time.
The involvement of his mother and her health issues complicates matters further. While it's commendable that you've tried to help her, it's also vital to set boundaries for yourself. If her reactions are being used as leverage against you, it's crucial to find support outside this dynamic, perhaps through friends, family, or a professional counselor who can provide guidance.
It's clear that you're feeling lost and uncertain about the future. Sometimes, taking a step back and focusing on your own needs and healing can provide clarity. Consider what's best for you moving forward and try to make decisions that will lead to a healthier, more peaceful life.
Navigating postdivorce relationships can be particularly challenging, especially when there's a history of closeness and shared experiences. It's understandable that you might still have lingering feelings for your exhusband, but it's essential to evaluate whether rekindling the relationship would be beneficial for you or if it could potentially lead to more heartache. Trusting your instincts and seeking out a support network can be key steps toward finding your path again.