WAW1 - Anticipation2

[markhaving probs]

I left a answer phone message on the family landline to say goodnight to the children and also to tell my W I could not have the children overnight because of a therapy appointment I had the following morning.

She called me back and then proceeded to engage in the normal 'attack husband' stuff to the point where my son was crying his little heart out asking me not to argue with mummy. She used the old "you're selfish" card as she usually does. I could hear her in the background badmouthing me saying "daddy won't put you first" etc. After I calmed my son down I told my W not to do that EVER again. I told her I will always put my children first, but as usual she wanted to argue.

She then said I probably would not take the carpet away I said I would. I said I would as I promised, but I will let you know when I can.

Then she decided that I did not need therapy, she said "well can't you sort yourself out, why do you need therapy"? Again, this is an attack on me, she obviously sees this as a weakness that has again painted a picture of a weak, needy man. I initially did not tell her where I was going but because she was using the children as a weapon against me to ask why I could not have them overnight before my appointment the following morning, she assumed I was going out with a 'girlfriend' and did not want them. She appears to be losing her mind and just coming out with non-sensical rubbish. It is so difficult to keep a calm and cool conversation going with someone who appears to be going mad.

I feel deflated as yet again I have come away from a phone call on the defensive. Her anger does not seem to abate, though one minute she apologieses to me and is all nice, the next anger. I said I cannot talk to you anymore and ended the call.

How can anybody even begin to think of reconcilliation now or in the future when I am dealing with somebody like this?

Have I come across as a weak individual again?