My ex-husband ignored me emotionally for years but now won’t stop texting me over a $65 hoodie

Small decision

I need advice.

My ex-husband recently asked me to return a hoodie that I accidentally packed when I was moving out of his apartment. I didn’t realize it was among my things at the time. Later, I went through old clothes and items I no longer used and donated them to a charity near where I live. The hoodie ended up in that donation bag, I honestly didn’t think he would ever ask for it back.

Now he’s texting me saying he wants his hoodie back because it cost $65. I told him that I no longer have it but that I’m willing to send him the money instead.

Here’s the thing: when I moved out, I left behind expensive furniture and a TV that I had personally paid for, because I wanted him to be comfortable and I could afford to replace them myself (he earns about $90 an hour). Deep down, I don’t think this is really about the hoodie or the money. I think he’s jealous because I’ve recently started dating someone new,a surgeon who is financially well-off, both from family wealth and his own clinics.

My ex-husband was extremely difficult to live with. He struggled with multiple addictions and had a pornography addiction. He rejected me sexually, and our relationship lacked intimacy completely. I have a high libido, but there were no hugs, no kisses, no affection at all. I felt more like a maid,cooking for him, cleaning, and doing his laundry. The last thing he told me before I left was that he would miss my cooking and cleaning. Imagine saying that to your own wife🤨.

He also had very low self-confidence and seemed uncomfortable around other men in general because he didn’t know how to interact with them. Throughout our marriage, I constantly encouraged him to build male friendships and a support system, but it never really happened. Over time, I felt more like his mother than his wife, which became emotionally exhausting and very difficult to live with.

So now I’m wondering: what should I do? Should I just send him the money and move on? Or should I show my new partner the messages and expose how petty my ex is?

Posted Feb 26, 2026, 1:51 PM UTC

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