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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Engaged, but he's refusing to marry me.

564 replies

Davegrohlsnewwife · 08/10/2022 18:11

I have been with my partner for over 5 years. I moved into his house with my DC's (from previous relationship) after a couple of years. He works away a lot, sometimes several months at a time.

Two years into the relationship he asked me to Marry him. He was tipsy so I laughed and told him to ask me when he was sober. I told him to seriously consider what he was asking for, but he remained certain. He then went away for work, so I didn't receive a ring until 7 months later.

We told the whole family, everyone was really chuffed for us - and my family particularly as my previous relationship was very abusive and nearly broke me.

He has been away for a few months again, but has done a complete u turn on marriage. He says he loves me, wants to be with me forever, but just doesn't want the wedding.

I am really miffed. Previously I never really wanted to get married again, but that was until I met my now partner. I was excited because we had planned to elope, then just have a party when we got back.

He still wants me to wear the ring, but to me it feels like a sign of ownership with no commitment. He's due home soon, and I am seriously considering giving the ring back.

I don't know if I Abu or if those feelings of being controlled previously are bubbling to the surface.

AIBU?

OP posts:
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skyeisthelimit · 29/07/2023 16:28

That's a great update and I am glad that you are happier now. He had his chance, he threw it away and you have done the right thing and moved on.

vickylou78 · 29/07/2023 11:48

Thank you for updating!! I'm so pleased!!!

deeperthanallroses · 29/07/2023 01:19

Oh that’s amazing! Don’t worry about revenge, wishing him the sad lonely old age he deserves, sitting in his precious house until he had to move into a home. What happened to him being such a great dad? From the messages he sends you’ve realised that was a delusion too.

Weenurse · 29/07/2023 01:16

Great update,

revipetitly · 28/07/2023 23:33

Looks like he learned something!

Sensitive content
Engaged, but he's refusing to marry me.
Secondsop · 28/07/2023 20:34

Amazing update - so happy for you! Wishing you and the kids all the very best.

billy1966 · 28/07/2023 20:21

You really are amazing.

Delighted for you.

Completely his loss.

You haven't heard the last of him, so well done for not letting him know your location.

He was no prize.

You definitely are.

Sincerely wishing you well.

sodthesodoff · 28/07/2023 18:44

Ah amazing update. So so happy for you and your family.

I love the fact you feel lighter and happier now. You deserve this happiness. Flowers

Jillybloop393 · 28/07/2023 17:40

Well done, pleased all is good for you x

Davegrohlsnewwife · 28/07/2023 15:12

I'm so sorry - I didn't get messages on DMs or further comments - long story - broken phone - downloading everything again - different settings on phone etc 😩

So to update: it's a bit of a long one - sorry! - I spent Christmas and New Year with my friend, which was brilliant! She went out of her way to spoil me and I am honestly so lucky and grateful for her.

She helped me find a nice affordable house, and within 3 months I moved in, so been here just over 3 months now - and in the process of doing it up, renovations etc - which I'm taking my time with and getting the place how I want.

The house is also nearer to kids school and all their friends which is great for them - I often come home to a house full of kids! But I like that!

I am in the process of changing jobs for a better more flexible role, and a bit of a pay rise - my next goal is to be able to take kids abroad next year 😀

In the end I did return the ring to my ex. I guess I somehow wanted a moral high ground, that even though he treated me rather badly, that I would still continue to do what I thought was right. I'm not gonna lie - thinking up revenge tactics was very fun though! But I just wanted to leave it all behind me, pick myself up and be self sufficient. Then I know I am where I am completely off my own back.

I never got an explanation. I've had messages from him. "Hi, how are you?" - "Hey, I miss you - would be good to talk" - "I'm sorry - I've been a total d*ck" but I just leave him on "read". I have completely ghosted him, he doesn't know where I live or what I'm doing. Maybe that's me punishing him? But regardless, I am much lighter, happier, healthier now - and I am enjoying my life.

I was completely overwhelmed by the support on MN and I am also incredibly grateful to everyone on here too. Such kindness from strangers helped me out of a horrible situation (I mean - I do know there are worse things) but I felt I was going mad, and now I am in a completely different place. So thank you all again - I hope you are all well and happy xxx

OP posts:
vickylou78 · 28/07/2023 09:16

Any updates??

OhcantthInkofaname · 27/07/2023 20:25

I would look at this realistically for now. He has gifted you a ring. That ring no longer means in anticipation of marriage. You may now sell that ring to secure yourself housing.

cherish123 · 27/07/2023 19:18

I would not wear a ring if you are not getting married.

notanothertakeaway · 17/07/2023 18:12

@Davegrohlsnewwife how are you now?

tkwal · 13/07/2023 22:59

Put the ring on your right hand, then when he eventually notices say its such a lovely ring that you didn't want to stop wearing it completely but that you would like to discuss what it symbolises to both of you

Heygal · 18/11/2022 21:45

Is there an update? X

Sundaya · 02/11/2022 03:04

We’re you ever able to confront him? I want closure for you so badly!

MaggieMagpie357 · 27/10/2022 12:01

Hey @Davegrohlsnewwife I have been thinking about you a lot since you first posted on here. I really hope you are happy and well and looking forward to the next chapter of your life!

expat101 · 18/10/2022 19:30

On flip side of that is where the lives grow apart. Friend in the airline industry once spoke about the pilots retiring and finding things were not all pleasant back home because both parties had established different routines and lives.

my Aussie uncle’s neighbour has taken up with the man next door whilst her DH was stuck somewhere in the united emirates with the lock down, ironically in the construction industry. Not sure if they guy has managed to get back home yet, but geese how awful.

it’s certainly very challenging for all parties and following the big money to set up for a decent retirement has its draw backs.

serendipitea · 18/10/2022 18:14

I have the impression that one factor in him changing his mind might have been spending a lot of time in a closed environment with many other men living similar lives - far from family, while the wives likely spend all their time as a stay at home mom taking care of children and home, and when the strain leads to divorce the wife quite rightly stays with the house. This I think causes quite some resentful in the men living away months at a time to earn big bucks for the family... Put many such men together and I can see men re-considering sharing 'their' assets...

crosstalk · 17/10/2022 16:30

Hope all well OP. I certainly wouldn't take the advice above and let his friends know. His mum needs a heads up and the reassurance you have nothing against her and will be in touch and you've alerted your parents, that's enough.

But never again pay for things while a man pays a mortgage without your name on it. Yes, he is giving you a room for you and DCs, but he has you paying the bills, decorating the house and making it a home, doing his housework and catering for him. And making you dependent on him.

dontputitthere · 17/10/2022 15:54

So good to hear your update and you're doing well. Friend is cementing her place as best friend ever by stopping you from checking your phone!

What a dick. Getting his mates to check up on you. Personally I think you're doing the right thing. Let you leaving be a surprise for him.

Just also wanted to say remember there's bound to be a crash. You're probably running on adrenaline. When that goes you're bound to feel empty and exhausted. It's really common with stress and trauma etc.

But sounds like you've got this covered. Have you moved in totally now? Always come back here. We're all rooting for you Flowers

T1Dmama · 17/10/2022 15:09

T1Dmama · 17/10/2022 15:03

I would contact him mum and simply say:

I wanted to let you know that I have left X.
I have to put my kids first and being that X no longer wants to make any long term commitment to me, I need to put down some solid foundations for them, I had hoped X and I would buy a house together and get married, however sadly it is clear neither was ever going to happen.
We are safe & well.

I would send something similar to his friends saying that you’ve left because he called off the engagement & has no intention of committing to you long term & wont even have a discussion about it!

His not him

T1Dmama · 17/10/2022 15:03

I would contact him mum and simply say:

I wanted to let you know that I have left X.
I have to put my kids first and being that X no longer wants to make any long term commitment to me, I need to put down some solid foundations for them, I had hoped X and I would buy a house together and get married, however sadly it is clear neither was ever going to happen.
We are safe & well.

I would send something similar to his friends saying that you’ve left because he called off the engagement & has no intention of committing to you long term & wont even have a discussion about it!

TightPants · 17/10/2022 14:12

Loving your updates OP!
You sound amazing, stay strong 💪🏼

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