New here? Say hello

Pinned post by Malcolm — Community Founder

I’m Malcolm, and I started Love Over Exile because I know what it’s like to feel completely alone in this. When I was in the worst of it — arrested on false allegations, rejected by my entire community, cut off from my three children — I couldn’t find a single place where someone truly understood. Not therapists, not friends, not the legal system. The loneliness of parental alienation is unlike anything else.

If you’ve found your way here, chances are you know that feeling. The one where the ground has shifted under everything you thought you knew about being a parent.

This thread is for introductions — your first hello if you want to give one. Share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. Some people write their whole story, others just say “I’m here.” Both are welcome.

You’ll notice we use stage tags — they help people find others in similar situations:

:seedling: Early Days — Just realising what’s happening, still trying to make sense of it all
:high_voltage: Crisis Mode — In the thick of legal battles, accusations, or emergency situations
:snow_capped_mountain: Long Haul — Been at this for a while, learning to live with the reality
:sunrise: Reconnection — Working on rebuilding relationships with your children
:green_heart: Mentor — Been through it, here to support others

Don’t stress about picking the right one. I’ve been every single one of these.

This community is built on one simple principle: we speak from the “I.” We share our experience, not instructions. We validate first, advise second. And we never, ever judge each other for how we’re coping.

Welcome. I’m glad you found us, even though I’m sorry you had to.

Malcolm

God, I’m sitting in my car right now reading this. Just found this place and I think I’m exactly where you were three years ago.

Hi Malcolm, I’m Raj from Leeds.

:seedling: Early days for me — my ex moved back to her mum’s with our 8-year-old son after our divorce, and suddenly I’ve gone from seeing Arjun every other weekend to… nothing. The family keeps asking what I did wrong, like it’s some failing on my part as a father.

Just trying to work out what’s actually happening here.

Just found this place last night after another failed FaceTime attempt with my son. I’m definitely in the :seedling: early days camp and honestly still trying to wrap my head around what’s even happening here.