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AIBU?

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Don't want to do nude selfies for my DH

358 replies

Ralphiesaurus · 06/04/2023 08:58

So... long history of this. I won't bore you all but my DH has always had a thing about sexting and nude pics etc (to be clear - with me!). I hate it. There is a bit of an odd dynamic in our relationship, with him having had to give up work years ago because of a disability and at one point me really resenting a massive commute (no chance of us moving nearer to my work, oh no...) and also being furious that he would pester and pester and pester me for sexts on my train journeys.

Anyway, lots of other stuff - coercive stuff around sex, really unhealthy - and back in 2016 I actually ended up exploring getting a divorce. Selfishly, though, when my solicitor told me I'd be unlikely to get a clean break, and would have to pay him maintenance for life, I backed out and decided to try to fix things as best I could. At the time I was drinking quite a bit (but never missed work or anything) and he threatened to use my "alcoholism" against me in the divorce to make sure I wouldn't get custody of "his" (our) children.

So now he does what chores he can manage (he used to do nothing) and we rub along ok. And I gave up alcohol completely almost four years ago, so there's that.

Anyway, I am on a short break away with my eldest DD (for uni) and my DH kept on and on and ON at me for a nude pic. I almost did it this morning and then something in me rebelled and I said "no". He is now furious!!

I know everyone will likely say "LTB" - esp as my children are now much older - 14 and almost 18 - but the lawyer I saw that time made it sound so clear that I would have to support him - forever - as he can't work. And I can't stomach that.

FFS how did I get into such a dreadful mess? I was a totally committed feminist in my younger days and yet this has crept up on me.

And the worst of it? I feel bad for standing up for myself!!! 😮WTF is that all about?! AIBU to expect him to understand that I hate taking pics of myself (full stop - but especially) naked?

OP posts:
Ralphiesaurus · 13/08/2026 12:02

Thanks for the support! It was actually a bit of an anticlimax as I didn't realise it can take several weeks for the court to pronounce the conditional order. But it's all moving in the right direction.

OP posts:
Ralphiesaurus · 22/08/2026 07:19

Reached a bit of a milestone. Have agreed financial split after mediation and my lawyer is now going to draft the financial consent order. As long as the court sees no objections, this means no delays to the rest of the legal process. Conditional Order has been approved and will be pronounced 2 Sept. I can apply for the Final Order 15 October. The end is actually in sight, which is amazing.

Granted, we will still be living together til the house is sold next year (after DD’s A levels) … but managing with that.

OP posts:
Ralphiesaurus · 02/09/2026 16:48

Conditional Order pronounced today. One step closer to the end!!

OP posts:
Davros · 02/09/2026 17:23

good news 💐

Twogonksandapencil · 02/09/2026 17:29

Congratulations OP, another milestone in your journey! I have been reading your thread and am so sorry for all you have gone through with this awful, manipulative man. But so glad you found the strength and determination to do something about it.
I was wondering how your kids are doing - do you think they were aware of how bad things were for you and how do they feel about the divorce?

Ralphiesaurus · 02/09/2026 18:35

They are gradually sharing things they found odd in their Dad's behaviour... as though me divorcing him has given them permission to sort of process things in a different way. Obviously they don't know about the pic demands etc but they are aware he could be a bully especially when he didn't get his own way. They are 21 and 17 (very nearly 18) and have been very kind and supportive. More than i was expecting actually...

I'm in therapy with someone who specialises in unpicking coercive control/abuse and am glad of a safe space for the actual details of what went on. I am also getting support from an IDVA, which has been invaluable in helping me process and name what went on. It's horrific really... but I am getting free.

I have found other threads on here from when the girls were born... under a different user name... and I realised things were very very wrong a LONG time ago. I am so glad it is almost over.

OP posts:
BlueMum16 · 02/09/2026 19:54

I'm so pleased things are going well and you're finally almost at the end of this drama.

Believe in yourself and show your DDs what not to accept from a partner

Good luck

Twogonksandapencil · 02/09/2026 23:27

That all sounds really positive. So glad your girls are being supportive and that you are getting the help you need to deal with everything you have been through. You should be so proud of yourself for realising that you deserve better. Wishing you loads of luck for your new life and hope you don't have too long to wait.

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