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Just pissed off

12 replies

LongWeek · 26/04/2017 00:31

Not expecting sympathy. Just want to complain anonymously.

DH is an MP. For another week. Then parliament is dissolved and he is not. He is then a candidate. AGAIN.
It was supposed to be 5 years. 5 years without having to campaign.

But no. We have 6 weeks of uncertainty & stress. Of never seeing him. Of complete strangers thinking it's acceptable to ask me what I think about policy. (Though, they do that all the time- it's just more at election time).
6 weeks of people being offensive to my face even more than normal. 6 weeks of people messaging me on Facebook telling me how awful I am. How awful he is.
6 weeks of my kids being got at and called names at school. Even more than normal.
I didn't choose this life. I didn't want to be in the 'public eye'.

Everything I say, everything I do is watched & could be used against me. Against him.
Wherever I go, I am 'the MPs' wife.
Arghhhh!!!!

It's like this all the time. Always being careful, always being aware of not saying or doing anything controversial. Can't complain cos everyone is a voter. Can't trust anyone.
But it's so much worse at election time.

Like I said. Not looking for sympathy. Just need to rant a bit.
Don't know anyone in the same situation.

OP posts:
Anon1234567890 · 26/04/2017 01:15

You have taken your life in your hands posting on here.

Would like to say I sympathies but never experienced it. Hope you survive.

RNBrie · 26/04/2017 01:26

Sit down with him and discuss him stepping down? It doesn't sound like it's working for your family and he doesn't have to be an MP.

I'm sorry people are awful to you, no one should be awful to you regardless of what your husband does for a living. I hope the next 6 weeks passes quickly for you.

FeralBeryl · 26/04/2017 02:27

Flowers it's shit. It really is. But it's happening everywhere - I'll give the NHS as an example. Wards are merged due to financial restructuring.
Perfectly competent staff who excel in their area have to reinterview-for their own jobs.
The ones that are successful breathe a sigh of relief. Then it happens again. They have to re interview again. It's constant uncertainty on top of the expected job pressures.

The best thing you can do is grit your teeth, slap on a smile and remember it's just 6 weeks. You can do it! Channel your inner Alicia Florrick Wink

FlorisApple · 26/04/2017 06:56

I've always thought that being a politician must be awful. But being the spouse of a politician must be worse, since you didn't really choose it and you probably don't have the thick skin they must have to have. Yes to Alicia Florrick. And have you read American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld? It's a good read based on the life of Barbara Bush (that makes it sound weird, but it's really good!)

MollyHuaCha · 26/04/2017 07:07

Not fair if the kids are targeted. I guess you just have to ride this time out. Good luck Flowers

Guitargirl · 26/04/2017 07:10

Did you and your husband not discuss this before he decided to run (the first time)? It sounds bloody awful but then presumably he/you knew this beforehand. Does he know about the effect it has on you?

I get that you're having a rant. But, um, elections are such a key part of the process then you just kind of have to put up with it or withdraw from the process entirely. Difficult though when it's not YOUR job or politics (or salary) - which is why I ask if your husband knows how you feel.

Garnethair · 26/04/2017 07:14

It is shit and I do feel for you.

MoreThanUs · 26/04/2017 07:20

I really feel for you. Lots of people seem to feel able to attack MPs in a way they wouldn't dream of doing to anyone else. I do think GEs bring out the worst in some people (as evidenced frequently on MN), and I'm sorry your children are having a bad time.
I am a Tory, and many of our friends work for Labour and Lib Dems - we love and respect them and enjoy talking politics with others who are interested.
It must be hard, but I do hope the sacrifices are worth it - it must be amazing to be an MP, even if very thankless.

AgentProvocateur · 26/04/2017 07:39

Unless you're Mrs Douglas Carswell, you have my complete sympathies. And if you are Mrs DC, you have my sympathies for another reason. We don't treat our representatives well in this country, and whatever your political views, they do an important job.

LongWeek · 26/04/2017 08:06

Not Mrs Carswell!

DH knows. And I don't want him to step down- I wouldn't ask him to.

And I know elections are part and parcel of his job. As is the abuse & name calling etc. Doesn't mean I have to like it!

It's just- as I said- I can't talk about it IRL with anyone really. Hence the rant.
Anyway. Got to get kids to school & get on with life. DH will be back late Thursday night & at least we'll have him (supposedly) at home for the next 6 weeks. Though I suspect we'll see him less than when he's in London most of the week!

I'll channel my internal Alicia (sadly look nothing like her & certainly can't wear heels like hers!)Flowers

OP posts:
Guitargirl · 26/04/2017 08:13

Nobody said you had to like it.

FeralBeryl · 26/04/2017 12:02

Ah but I bet you could swig wine like her!
WineFlowers

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