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AIBU?

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12 year age gap

41 replies

Lokkii · 06/01/2024 20:43

It wasn't really noticeable when I was 30 and he was 42.

But now I'm 38, I'm active and outgoing and he's 50 and falling asleep by 8pm every evening, makes zero effort with himself and doesn't ever plan to do anything, everything is "I'll do it tomorrow".

I hate this existence. I moved to the rural country a year ago for him because he said he'd be happier and have more energy. He doesn't.

:(

OP posts:
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Ohhelpicantthinkofaname · 09/01/2024 09:27

Your DH won’t change and it sounds like you’re incompatible.

theres 8 years between me and DH, I’ve always been the more outgoing one. He will go out as a family and occasionally out for dinner just us, but isn’t really one for going out in the evening (he was when we met but hasn’t been for years). I just go on my own. I have friends and have built my own social life, with hobbies and nights out. Your DH can’t expect you to stay in just because that’s what he wants to do.

you have two choices. You either leave or you tell your husband that you need a life and will be going out and doing what you want. If he doesn’t want to that’s fine but it’s unfair to stop you. You can’t carry on as you are.

Aprilx · 09/01/2024 09:02

When I was 24 I dated somebody 14 years older than me and it didn’t bother me then. Now I am 53 I thank goodness it didn’t last as I feel like a 67 year old is in a different phase of life to me. So I always advise against these age gaps when somebody asks on mumsnet.

That said, there is absolutely no reason why a 50 year old would be falling asleep at 8pm.

GarlicPotato · 09/01/2024 08:40

It is too easy to make this an age thing. This is about him.

We are in our 50s and all the 50+ men I know are physically active, racing around Park Run and posting their personal bests on Strava like they have won the Olympics.

You are too young. Try and get a job and some purpose and structure in your life.

Bouledeneige · 09/01/2024 08:34

Well I think it's about being at a different stage of life and age difference. As you get older I think the difference will get more profound. I'm 60 and I know a woman the same age as me who's with a 73 year old and is starting to have to be a carer for him. The age difference is telling. I also know an energetic 64 yr old with a 78 year old and it's really quite tough for her as he's now got a number of chronic conditions.

WillimNot · 07/01/2024 08:11

There's a 13 year gap between DH and I and he is mid 50s.

It's not your DHs age. It's he's given up.

DH has boundless energy still and is mistaken for a man in his early 40s. He doesn't follow fashion but dresses well. Still loves a night out in the pub, and looks after himself physically. Has a job where he has to be constantly on the go.

I think your DH needs a kick up the arse.

Lokkii · 07/01/2024 08:03

5128gap · 06/01/2024 22:36

Then that's something. If it were me I'd start to look at my options. Where I might want to live, research my housing options in the area and have a plan. There's no rush, you can take your time, just knowing you're working towards it can feel very freeing.

I think this is what I'll do.

I have no ties to anywhere, I'd need to find somewhere to live, then get a job, and go from there.

With DH I've got financial security, big house, don't need to work, but I'm so lonely.

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TempestTost · 06/01/2024 23:53

That doesn't sound typical for 50. The sex thing may be about the meds.

Therapy is a long term solution, but also sometimes depends on compatibility with the provider.

All marriages that are long have had bad patches, that's not unusual in itself. But he's being very unfair if he won't let you have a social life of your own. If he won't give up that shit I don't think he can expect you to stay.

LadyLolaRuben · 06/01/2024 23:50

You don't have children (sounds like he decided that for you), you're not happy, you have a pot of savings, you sleep in separate rooms, you have nothing in common. Get out while you're young and can start afresh.

Elisabeth3468 · 06/01/2024 23:37

Not sure if this is an age or personality thing. My partner is 37 and I'm 27 and he has far more energy than me. He does need a lot less sleep though.

theduchessofspork · 06/01/2024 23:33

I think this is well and truly over OP.

Pull all your financials and call a solicitor next week.

No point delaying the inevitable. Life will be much better on the other side.

Isthisthisreallife · 06/01/2024 23:29

Sounds like there’s nothing left between you to work for. I would be looking at divorce if I ever found myself in this situation

FinallyHere · 06/01/2024 23:07

if I started to go out in the evening he'd get depressed

I'd suggest your options are either to ignore him and develop a richer social life for yourself, ignoring his attempts to control your life or ... leave him.

What's stopping you from leaving.

5128gap · 06/01/2024 22:36

Lokkii · 06/01/2024 22:19

Luckily I have got money, a decent savings pot of my own.

Then that's something. If it were me I'd start to look at my options. Where I might want to live, research my housing options in the area and have a plan. There's no rush, you can take your time, just knowing you're working towards it can feel very freeing.

Lokkii · 06/01/2024 22:19

5128gap · 06/01/2024 22:08

Do you have family and friends you could stay with initially? If you've no job and no money you'd be entitled to benefits until you found work. Citizens Advice could tell you what you'd be entitled to.

Luckily I have got money, a decent savings pot of my own.

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Sirzy · 06/01/2024 22:18

As others have said I think this is an individual issue not an age one. My partner is 14 years older than me but really he is the one with much more energy when it comes to going out!

Tiny2018 · 06/01/2024 22:13

This isn't an age thing, but compatibility as stated above. I'm 39, partner 29 and I'm definitely the livelier one of the two.

Hankunamatata · 06/01/2024 22:13

Either you stay and build your own social life while he sits at home.
Divorce and do the same.

Mirrormeback · 06/01/2024 22:10

You're only 38 you can go back to uni and study and get a loan and escape that way

5128gap · 06/01/2024 22:08

Do you have family and friends you could stay with initially? If you've no job and no money you'd be entitled to benefits until you found work. Citizens Advice could tell you what you'd be entitled to.

Lokkii · 06/01/2024 21:16

How do I leave?

I don't have a job at the moment so he has the only income.

There's a lot of money tied up in the house but it wouldn't be quick to sell.

Sometimes I dream about just disappearing one day. I'll just get on a train/plane and...work it out.

OP posts:
kiwiaddict · 06/01/2024 21:09

Lokkii · 06/01/2024 20:57

He's on medication for depression, he gave up therapy because he said it wasn't helping. He's just a hermit, and becoming more so.

He never wants to see anyone, or do anything, he's very happy just doing nothing and letting the day be wasted.

He's very happy in himself, loves his routine, just wants me home, if I started to go out in the evening he'd get depressed (when I tried).

I feel like I'm dying.

Isn't that a symptom of SSRI's though?

When I was 20 I went on SSRI's but the doctor didn't tell me the side effects and I was too young to know...

Never orgasmed during sex, no interest in sex (ended up costing me my marriage a few years later)

No motivation to do anything, nearly failed my degree

Came off them in my 20's and was a different person...

Cantdoitagain1 · 06/01/2024 21:07

I think it is an age gap issue because you’re in different stages but also you’re just over him, for good reason. Bite the bullet and leave. You deserve some freedom and it seems you’re gaining nothing from this partnership so you’d be better off alone. Life is too short. Good luck.

Justcallmebebes · 06/01/2024 21:06

I also agree this isn't an age issue

motherofkevinnotperry · 06/01/2024 21:03

This isn't an age gap issue. This is a taking for granted and putting no effort in issue. Yes we get more tired and change as we age but that doesn't equal no attention, fun or effort.

Rockschooldropout · 06/01/2024 21:03

It sounds like you are just aren’t compatible.. I’m 52 and DH is 38 .. New Year he was the one struggling to keep his eyes open ! We go to festivals etc and but im definitely the more outgoing one .. your DH just sounds boring … sorry