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I fear my marriage is in danger

33 replies

Lilly242 · 21/05/2024 08:29

Changing name for this. I've been married for just over 6years now, been together 8 years, no children. I'm 36 and hes 35. We fell deep for each other and were so sure of marriage (both christians). He's loving, caring and romantic in so many ways, always has my back infront of family and friends, reminds me how smart and beautiful I am daily. But despite all of this, there a few things have become thorns in my marriage:

He is lazy and complacent, in most areas of life. He completed masters but struggled to find his feet straight after and has been in a£28k salary job for the past 3 years. Whenever I mention finding a better job to help us achieve our goals ie get mortgage for house, travel, have children, and also go for a job that reflects his education because I do feel he should be in higher paid roles. He becomes overwhelmed and says he doesnt feel smart enough for higher paid jobs. This is a constant cycle. Last year he enrolled onto a course to up skill himself, we paid £700 but he never completed it. I do beleive him as it's tough when you dont believe in yourself.

Hes gained so much weight from from over eating over the years, if we go out anywhere within an hour he'll start to complain about pain in feet, back etc. I'll be lying if i said I still find him sexually attractive ( I still love him) and I remind him that he is choosing to increase the risk of making me a widow young by the lifestyle he is living. Also we dont have a sexual relationship, as he has phimosis (tight foreskin) which causes performance issues for him, i only found this out after marriage as we decided to keep intimate relationship for after marriage. Despite me nagging him to get help for years, he only decided to get himself referred a year ago. Hes been for a med assessment and the medic concluded that it is slightly tight, but not to the point where it should cause issues in the bedroom. I feel this is the case and most of it is the anxiety of feeling discomfort which then effects his performance. Hes been referred for psychological help but they closed him saying its physical. Catch 22. Hes now on waiting list to have circumcision on NHS. Because of this we've not been able to have children.

Lastly, as mentioned above hes lazy around the house, I have to nag him to get some household jobs done, doesnt deliver promises made, is financially careless. Weve had many many fights over these issues. He clearly has some commitment issues and I suspect hidden depression which is root cause but he denies it. As much as I try and remind myself to be patient and give time, I find myself in deep rabbit hole questioning my life decisions. I still love him, but I can't help but feel undervalued in this marriage and feel I'm wasting my time. My biological clock is ticking and already behind a few years with having children, and who knows how long more it's going to take.

Please tell me if I'm being an unreasonable and need to be more patient in our marriage

OP posts:
JenniferEckles · 21/05/2024 09:24

I can't see any good reason to stay in this marriage. I'd be cutting my losses and moving on. He might be a nice enough guy, but is not life partner material - I'd rather be alone than with someone like this.

Your religious beliefs might prevent you though, which would be very sad.

Is he even Christian really, or did he just use that story so you couldn't try before you buy because he knew he didn't want to have sex?

MissyB1 · 21/05/2024 09:23

He needs to address all his issues, in order to do that he needs to acknowledge it all first. I think marital counselling for both of you is the way forward. You need a space to be really honest and he needs to open up about why he is this way.

cheddercherry · 21/05/2024 09:16

On the one hand he’s obviously got a lot of issues that maybe he hid / wasn’t transparent about before marriage (he hit the jackpot with you, you got the short end of the straw). HOWEVER if he’s not even trying to help himself over so many years, almost a decade, then my sympathy for him stops and my sadness for you grows.

Theres not much from what you described that sounds like a catch, a partner, or a father I’d want for my children. So no, I don’t think your unreasonable and I think you’ve given more than most, for longer than most in your position. If you want children, go and have children because they won’t always be an option, whereas he could still be in the same position another 10 years from now. You’d be doing it alone anyway by the sounds of it but I’m sure you could meet literally anyone else who would at least support and fulfil you more than he has. It’s not been a marriage it sounds like you’re his carer and the thing you want most he’s never going to give you is he?

DonnaBanana · 21/05/2024 09:16

He’s probably not a bad person but at the same time he’s clearly disappointing you by not giving you enough respect to put in the effort to fix his issues. Focus on how he is making you feel when you come to make any decisions or raise an ultimatum as may be needed. You can deal with his quirks and his wappy willy but it’s going to require he has enough respect for you to pull himself up by the bootstraps and be the man you deserve!

FabricPattern · 21/05/2024 09:08

You've caught a dud. Whatever reasons there are, it doesn't change the fact that you're married to a man who isn't seeking to resolve big issues in your marriage.

Let's be clear - you mentioned children, mortgages - he is showing you very clearly he doesn't want that. He's reluctant to resolve his willy problems which sounds to be more an excuse that a problem, he won't apply for jobs or even complete the training that he buys to do this. Lazy, financially careless, unambitious? He's showing you very clearly who he is and you aren't listening.

And he lucked out on the 'no try before you buy' Christian ethos didn't he? He's very good at keeping up a facade to friends and family by saying the right things but this stops at the front door doesn't it...

Sorry OP. I suspect this isn't much of a dilemma - this man isn't daddy material and if you want kids, you need to go and make that happen.

Beanie567 · 21/05/2024 09:07

You may not have children if you stay with him. That’s really sad.

User1979289 · 21/05/2024 09:02

I fear that you are a nurse with a purse to him. You earn more, you are more motivated, he isn't even motivated to sort himself out so you can have sex which is, frankly, a huge red flag given you waited till marriage. Have you ever had sex? Does he focus on intimacy and your enjoyment if he cannot have penetrative sex? You sound like a carer, not a wife.

Guavafish1 · 21/05/2024 08:47

He sounds like he has many issues including depression.

I think he is being unfair and untruthful to you about having children and being a committed partner.

I would recommend martial counselling and individual counselling.

Both will help you understand what you want for the future