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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To leave my lovely DP

344 replies

Shouldistayorshouldi · 01/01/2024 11:17

I have posted about my DP before under a different name about how great he is and all responses were agreeing he sounds like the dream man, any brothers etc etc.

But for some reason I’m just not happy. I haven’t been for a long time if I’m honest. On paper he is perfect…loyal as a dog, very good job, conventionally good looking, extremely hands on dad, does washing cooking cleaning, can turn his hand to anything and do it well, very tall, great body etc, family man, very close to his family but in absolutely no way a mummy’s boy or anything like that just really values his family. Does bath and bed every night. You get the picture.

We have been together for 12 years and I would say for the last 5 I just haven’t been happy. It started with his lack of enthusiasm for socialising etc. he’s very very docile and is happy to just coast through life whereas I am very much a do-er and want to always have plans. We didn’t go out on dates he was happy to just sit at home and it was the crux of most our arguments. This went on for some time and in the end I just gave up trying and started doing things with friends and family. No sooner did I stop badgering than he started making an effort but by this point I was over it and just lost interest.

Over time we’ve had fall outs and I’ve tried to break up with him 3 times and kind of been “guilt tripped” (or so it’s felt) into getting back together. I wouldn’t say this was deliberate on his part but it’s just how I’ve felt and couldn’t bear to see him in the state he was in. I’ve sort of resented the fact we’ve got back together.

Our sex life is now none existent. I am not attracted to him at all. I am closeted bi-sexual but feel I would be much happier with someone of the same sex. The thought of having sex with him makes me sick. I have to psych myself up for it (probably once every 8 months or so) and I feel revolting during and after. If he knew this he’d be heartbroken. I go into the bathroom and cry because I can’t stand him touching me. This isn’t his fault it’s just how I feel.

It’s now the case that every little “ick” he does makes me rage. If we argue I think to myself “well just piss off then I don’t want to be with you” which is awful. I never outwardly express this to him, obviously.

I really don’t want to hurt him as I know I am the love of his life but I just can’t go on like this. He says he would rather have me than have a sex life if it came between the two (I tell him we don’t have sex regularly for health reasons). Writing this down I feel like such a horrible person, I realise there’s 5 years worth (probably more) of facts and examples I can give but have left specifics out for obvious reasons although I am happy to answer any questions.

I am planning to leave him this year, I’ve been quietly getting my ducks in a row but I feel I’m betraying him by not telling him where I’m at. I just don’t want to reveal all without me having a place to go as I know I’ll end up feeling guilty again and be right back at square one. I think this needs to be a clean break.

Terrified of traumatising DC also as well as the financial aspect.

Like I said, tons of examples that I could give that have probably got me to this point. The bottom line is I’m not happy; I haven’t been for a long time and I don’t know why. I love him very much but like a family member, not somebody I’m “in love” with.

OP posts:
VanityDiesHard · 01/01/2024 15:16

Mikimoto · 01/01/2024 15:11

a) Are you Ross' first wife?
b( You were on a BREAK!

Haha jinx!

VanityDiesHard · 01/01/2024 15:15

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:56

@JANEY205

she isn’t

they weren’t together at the time she slept with other people

try reading OP’s posts

I don't think 'we were on a break' is really a get out of jail free card.

Mikimoto · 01/01/2024 15:11

a) Are you Ross' first wife?
b( You were on a BREAK!

JANEY205 · 01/01/2024 15:09

TedMullins · 01/01/2024 14:54

Maybe she doesn’t want another relationship. The fact that she might not find someone who does what frankly should be the bare minimum in any relationship is not a reason to stay. My partner is fantastic - does all the cooking, always listens to me when I have a problem and is emotionally intelligent, genuinely tries his hardest to see the world from a woman’s POV and understand the extra stuff we deal with, funny, domesticated, does 50/50 dog care etc etc - but if I stopped fancying him or started loving him like a brother rather than a partner, or got bored of him, or simply felt the relationship wasn’t satisfying me any more I WOULD STILL RATHER BE SINGLE than stay with someone I didn’t romantically love or fancy just because he’s a functional human who makes my life easier. I wouldn’t be thinking “what if I never find anyone as great as him”, I’d simply be thinking “I don’t want to be in this relationship any more”. Maybe I wouldn’t ever meet anyone else who measured up, but that wouldn’t magically make the love and attraction come back if it faded away.

It’s also a) depressing that the bar is so fucking subterranean for men that being a decent parent and an ok guy is seen as something to be celebrated, and b) there are so many women perpetuating this narrative that they think a man being a half decent human means they’re so special that if you don’t love or fancy them, tough shit, you should just be grateful they’re nice. No, we should make sure the absolute baseline expectations of men are that they’re decent functional humans who equally collaborate in a relationship. And even if they fulfil all these expectations and more, we should also take care of our own needs, and if those needs are to end the relationship, that’s absolutely OK.

Well her desperately seeking out affections of others anytime they are on a ‘break’ tells quite the opposite story doesn’t it! That she does want to be with someone else. She is a cheat and has treated him appallingly. If you want to talk about the bar for decency being on the floor let’s start with OP.

porridgeisbae · 01/01/2024 15:03

I find it pretty shocking that he left a letter like that around where your DC can find it, and I assume/hope they were too young to read /understand it. Sad

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:59

JANEY205 · 01/01/2024 14:44

I think he will eventually move on and be happy. I don’t know if the same will happen for you. Finding a good supportive partner is like gold dust. Much easier for a man to find someone than for a woman to find someone loving and supportive, willing to take on your children etc.

My friends mother did the same as you and she’s never forgiven her. Not saying you should stay in an unhappy relationship, but I think be honest about how this may turn out as right now I’m getting grass is greener vibes.

Your husband not knowing you had sex with others is disgusting. Truly disgusting. ‘We were on a break’ is not a thing if you initiated them all and he was devastated!

Good luck to your DH!

@JANEY205

maybe op isn’t that bothered about finding another partner

it’s not the be and end all for some people, believe it or not

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:57

ManateeFair · 01/01/2024 14:50

She’s not being unreasonable to leave him.

She is being unreasonable to treat him this badly for years.

@ManateeFair

no one is forcing him to stay 🤷‍♀️

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:56

JANEY205 · 01/01/2024 14:45

Because she is a cheat….

@JANEY205

she isn’t

they weren’t together at the time she slept with other people

try reading OP’s posts

TedMullins · 01/01/2024 14:54

JANEY205 · 01/01/2024 14:44

I think he will eventually move on and be happy. I don’t know if the same will happen for you. Finding a good supportive partner is like gold dust. Much easier for a man to find someone than for a woman to find someone loving and supportive, willing to take on your children etc.

My friends mother did the same as you and she’s never forgiven her. Not saying you should stay in an unhappy relationship, but I think be honest about how this may turn out as right now I’m getting grass is greener vibes.

Your husband not knowing you had sex with others is disgusting. Truly disgusting. ‘We were on a break’ is not a thing if you initiated them all and he was devastated!

Good luck to your DH!

Maybe she doesn’t want another relationship. The fact that she might not find someone who does what frankly should be the bare minimum in any relationship is not a reason to stay. My partner is fantastic - does all the cooking, always listens to me when I have a problem and is emotionally intelligent, genuinely tries his hardest to see the world from a woman’s POV and understand the extra stuff we deal with, funny, domesticated, does 50/50 dog care etc etc - but if I stopped fancying him or started loving him like a brother rather than a partner, or got bored of him, or simply felt the relationship wasn’t satisfying me any more I WOULD STILL RATHER BE SINGLE than stay with someone I didn’t romantically love or fancy just because he’s a functional human who makes my life easier. I wouldn’t be thinking “what if I never find anyone as great as him”, I’d simply be thinking “I don’t want to be in this relationship any more”. Maybe I wouldn’t ever meet anyone else who measured up, but that wouldn’t magically make the love and attraction come back if it faded away.

It’s also a) depressing that the bar is so fucking subterranean for men that being a decent parent and an ok guy is seen as something to be celebrated, and b) there are so many women perpetuating this narrative that they think a man being a half decent human means they’re so special that if you don’t love or fancy them, tough shit, you should just be grateful they’re nice. No, we should make sure the absolute baseline expectations of men are that they’re decent functional humans who equally collaborate in a relationship. And even if they fulfil all these expectations and more, we should also take care of our own needs, and if those needs are to end the relationship, that’s absolutely OK.

PTSDBarbiegirl · 01/01/2024 14:54

Of course it's OK to want a different life. I wonder if it will help you to be open with him and say you feel neither of you are fulfilled and it's best to end the relationship. He does sound on paper lovely but that doesn't mean you have to be unhappy. Give him the respect he deserves though and let him move on to.

Dibilnik · 01/01/2024 14:53

Shouldistayorshouldi · 01/01/2024 11:24

I am gentle with him I tell him how amazing he is and how great of a person/dad he is but I’m just not happy. I tell him he will be so happy with someone else eventually. I tell him how much I love him but that I’m not in love with him. He’s just one track minded about it

He's very selfish and/or dense, then, OP. Seriously, if someone told you how unhappy they felt with you, would you force them to stay with you? What possible pleasure would you get out of that? As for the suicide notes, that sounds rather manipulative I'm afraid.

Make 2024 the year you take care of your own happiness. No one else is going to, and that includes him!

ManateeFair · 01/01/2024 14:50

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:42

I do think that the vitriol that op is receiving from some posters is due to this idea that if a man is nice enough and a decent parent we as women should be falling over ourselves with gratitude - “he’s a keeper!” Urgh!!

you are soooooooo not being unreasonable op

She’s not being unreasonable to leave him.

She is being unreasonable to treat him this badly for years.

VanityDiesHard · 01/01/2024 14:49

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:42

I do think that the vitriol that op is receiving from some posters is due to this idea that if a man is nice enough and a decent parent we as women should be falling over ourselves with gratitude - “he’s a keeper!” Urgh!!

you are soooooooo not being unreasonable op

Um, no. I just think that the OP is being shitty. Just because some men are also shitty does not excuse women being so also. I don't get why that is so hard to understand. Nobody should mistreat a decent partner, whatever their gender.

ManateeFair · 01/01/2024 14:49

You’ve been cruel to stay with him, to be honest. Give the man the chance to meet someone who finds him attractive and doesn’t feel rage at every thing he does. You have been messing with his head and his feelings for way too long.

Is it possible you’re also kidding yourself about your sexuality? If you feel so repulsed by the very thought of sex with your husband and are planning to seek relationships only with women when you leave, I’m wondering whether you’re gay rather than bi.

Diamonde · 01/01/2024 14:47

Your husband not knowing you had sex with others is disgusting. Truly disgusting. ‘We were on a break’ is not a thing if you initiated them all and he was devastated!

Agree. I've never been cheated on but I know that is so hurtful. Probably best that he doesn't know at this point, though.

BumpyaDaisyevna · 01/01/2024 14:45

You're not communicating with him honestly.

You're telling a white lie about your lack of desire for him. You're hiding what you really feel.

You're not bringing your true self to this relationship- no wonder you are very unhappy.

Bring your true self for a change. It may end in you both separating. But the honesty may also shift things between you and make things better.

JANEY205 · 01/01/2024 14:45

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:42

I do think that the vitriol that op is receiving from some posters is due to this idea that if a man is nice enough and a decent parent we as women should be falling over ourselves with gratitude - “he’s a keeper!” Urgh!!

you are soooooooo not being unreasonable op

Because she is a cheat….

JANEY205 · 01/01/2024 14:44

I think he will eventually move on and be happy. I don’t know if the same will happen for you. Finding a good supportive partner is like gold dust. Much easier for a man to find someone than for a woman to find someone loving and supportive, willing to take on your children etc.

My friends mother did the same as you and she’s never forgiven her. Not saying you should stay in an unhappy relationship, but I think be honest about how this may turn out as right now I’m getting grass is greener vibes.

Your husband not knowing you had sex with others is disgusting. Truly disgusting. ‘We were on a break’ is not a thing if you initiated them all and he was devastated!

Good luck to your DH!

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:42

I do think that the vitriol that op is receiving from some posters is due to this idea that if a man is nice enough and a decent parent we as women should be falling over ourselves with gratitude - “he’s a keeper!” Urgh!!

you are soooooooo not being unreasonable op

LlynTegid · 01/01/2024 14:42

What is does seem from what you describe is that you could still both be loving and caring parents, even if you were separated, and it would not lead to the situation described in several threads of one half of a former couple being bitter and twisted by being unreasonable or awkward about co-parenting.

LuckySantangelo35 · 01/01/2024 14:40

PumpkinsAndCoconuts · 01/01/2024 14:32

The DP being the “innocent” party is completely irrelevant. And he certainly doesn’t “deserve” the children due to being perceived as innocent (by you).

as for the house: OP has already said that she would be pleased if her DP were to keep it.

@FeetupTvon

op doesn’t love him. That makes her guilty of what exactly?!

Diamonde · 01/01/2024 14:40

@pikkumyy77 key theme being that they are encouraged to leave. Talk to the other person, and leave. Not drag things out. Not make plans behind their back.

I've read most of the posts here and nobody says don't leave. But there's a way to go about it decently.

PumpkinsAndCoconuts · 01/01/2024 14:32

FeetupTvon · 01/01/2024 14:13

You need to tell him that you’re bisexual and want to be with a woman.
Hopefully you won’t take the kids with you, after all he’s the innocent party so should stay in the house with the children.

The DP being the “innocent” party is completely irrelevant. And he certainly doesn’t “deserve” the children due to being perceived as innocent (by you).

as for the house: OP has already said that she would be pleased if her DP were to keep it.

BigMandsTattooPortfolio · 01/01/2024 14:32

For God’s sake leave him - the relationship is a prison and you both need to be set free.

pikkumyy77 · 01/01/2024 14:31

quichegoblin · 01/01/2024 13:53

You don’t deserve him. If it was the other way around everyone would say the man was an arse and that all marriages can’t be exciting forever

How is that relevant? Even if she “doesn’t deserve him” the conclusion would still be she should leave him so they can both receive their just desserts. He can find someone who does deserve him and she to the hell that women who don’t appreciate men are apparently condemned to.

Oh, and by the way, men who are in sexless marriages because their wives have the ick are routinely encouraged to leave on mumsnet, and women who cling to unfaithful husbands are encouraged to take their love/labor/assets and walk away.

Something about OP’s unwillingness to demonize her partner has really broken everyone’s brains on this thread.

Its quite simple: she doesn’t love him and for both their sakes should leave. No need to demonize either.

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