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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be SO fucking hurt by this

283 replies

BelleSauvage9 · 10/11/2024 00:27

Just been at a birthday party for my nephew in laws partner. At the end of the night dp made a big point of telling nephew to get up in the morning with their kids (because he never does). Dp NEVER gets up with our kids. Not on my birthday, mother's day, just never. I feel so unbelievably hurt that he thinks nephews partner is worth that effort and I, the mother of his children, his partner, the hub of our home, is not.

I expressed this to him. His response was that he tells me to wake him up. I've told him many times there's no point in doing that because if I'm awake enough to wake him, then I'm awake and I won't be able to go back to sleep. And it just feels like a bloody cop out, and puts the responsibility onto me. How the hell does being responsible for your own lie in make you feel valued and appreciated and cared for. I just despair :(

OP posts:
Theak · 10/11/2024 09:20

He sounds a bit useless, but if you want to keep your marriage intact you’re going to have to start asking for things. What would happen if you asked him to take the kids out for the morning to allow you some free time?

would you consider getting a job and making things more equal in that respect? DH and I both work full time and split all jobs down the middle but I know if we agreed he would give up work I would fully expect the house to be spotless, all food shopping, laundry and cooking be done by him in that time. Although I would definitely expect to do more of the childcare at the weekend as he’d been with them all week.

JudgeJ · 10/11/2024 09:19

Ubugly · 10/11/2024 00:33

Trying to look like the big man perfect husband, making out he does that! Did you call him out? I would have and be seething to!

I would have said something in front of everyone who was around, 'What, like you never do?'

Sparklybanana · 10/11/2024 09:11

I also think you're being a martyr. If someone got up and made me a coffee every morning I probably wouldn't think about reciprocating tbh. My dh gets up before I do and sorts the kids out - I do most of the care in the evening so I like a short lie in (15 mins). Dh prefers to be less involved in the evening. I wouldn't get up and do the morning unless dh says 'get up' or is ill and there's no choice. Goes both ways - if I ask him to do something he will. It's called communication.
We are both adults and we both contribute but we do have to speak to each other to manage the house. We both have our 'jobs' (childcare and chores) and very rarely would we take over without being requested by the other.

Animatic · 10/11/2024 09:09

Just start waking him up when you wake up and get yourself a cup if coffee while he entertains children. I actually think that's a very useful exercise.

AhBiscuits · 10/11/2024 09:05

Yanbu but if he sleeps through the noise of the kids waking up and you don't, you're going to need to wake him and tell him to get up. Presumably an alarm wouldn't really help as you don't know the time the children will wake up and it will also wake you up anyway.
One lie in each at the weekend. Pick your day and boot him out of bed. Even if you don't get back to sleep and mumsnet on your phone, it's still a break.

ExcludedatfiveFML · 10/11/2024 09:00

BelleSauvage9 · 10/11/2024 05:46

Oh and also I show my appreciation for him by 1. Always offering to make him a coffee (he never makes me one) 2. Letting him lie in every single day that he's not up for work 3. Taking our kids to do stuff without him so he can have free time that is actually free time 4. Cooking meals I know he particularly likes 5. Making an effort on bday/xmas/father's day 6. Buying him a random treat when at the shop 7. Giving him a bigger portion of meals than myself, or giving him 'nicer' bits (I would imagine he's not consciously aware of this last one, but I know I do this as a way of demonstrating my consideration for him, even if he doesn't know)

I'm sure if I paid attention over the course of a few weeks I'd come up with more but just to give you the examples that come to mind immediately.

Oh I have actually thought of one thing he does that makes me feel like he's making an effort and that's tickling my back. And is a really good one, BUT, he knows it leads to sex and he doesn't do it without then moving it on to sex so it feels like it's actually done so that he can get something he wants from it. But I do still appreciate the effort he puts into it, and I thank him and make sure he knows I really appreciate it

You really need to stop with this martyr shite.

Giving him the best bits of meals and he doesn't even know?

Try stepping back a bit, he might appreciate you more when he notices an absence of certain things.

If he doesn't notice, it was wasted effort anyway.

Yazzi · 10/11/2024 08:57

ClytemnestraWasMisunderstood · 10/11/2024 06:46

You cannot play relationship games if you haven't told the other player the rules.
In your mind, which you expect him to read 'because he cares about you', he should be anticipating your wishes and acting in certain ways.
He however, doesn't know this because the game, so far, has gone down a track. You've been bending the rules hoping that he will catch on and realise these are an odd set of rules (you doing the kids in the morning), but to date, he hasn't. Now you've seen someone else playing by the rules in your head and are pissed off.
Tell your partner the rules.

Agree. I'm an early riser and my husband isn't, but we take one weekend morning each. He sleeps through his, and on mine I kick him out of bed to go to the kids, and get him to bring me a coffee that I have with a book or the papers, absolute bliss.

If I didn't wake him and send him downstairs he wouldn't wake up on his own. But when I do wake him up, he heads on down no complaints. It has never been something I've thought of with resentment. It seems to be a really sore point in your marriage OP and either it can continue to be so or you can both find a way (however unfair you may think it is to have to make some sort of effort here too) to change it.

Sugargliderwombat · 10/11/2024 08:54

I would say you need to start waking him. Go back to bed and read a book / have a coffee / whatever.

MILLYmo0se · 10/11/2024 08:54

It isn't that he thinks the wife is more deserving than you, it's that he was performing in front of an audience, showing what a wonderful considerate partner he is, because obviously if he's telling nephew he must do his share and get up with the kids he must too-only you know he's a lazy selfish arse

5128gap · 10/11/2024 08:48

Interesting that he chose this one thing that is a failure on his part to advise on. Indicates he knows its an issue and he knows its not right. Rather than be off down the path of imagining he thinks the other woman is worth it and you're not (which I think is a stretch, as lazy men are lazy regardless of the percieved worth of their partners) I'd go down the line of I'm glad we're agreed this is the right thing. How are we going to make certain this happens in our house on Saturday?

Travellingheavily · 10/11/2024 08:37

I’d buy an alarm clock, and set it next to his bed, or shake him awake when the youngest wakes. After about a month, suggest Saturday is my lie in, Sunday is yours, would he like to swap weekly or keep the pattern.
10 am is lie in get up. TELL HIM.

QuitChewingMyPlectrum · 10/11/2024 08:36

If he got up, would you rest?
It's a tricky one, this.

He was absolutely ridiculous to tell his nephew to do something he doesn't. No question, and it would have been brilliant if you could have addressed it then in a joky way but hindsight is 20:20.

I would maybe suggest having a conversation saying how that made you feel. Perhaps ask him does he realise how tired and unappreciated you feel, and suggest you plan to do nice things for eachother.

It's hard when life is busy to prioritise your partner but it's vital for a happy partnership. Ask him how he thinks you can both build healthy habits towards eachother.

There's no point in seething internally IMO. To have any hope of things getting better for you, shy of checking out of the relationship and moving on, you need to address this.

His actions once you have should tell you all you need to know.

littlehorsesthatrun · 10/11/2024 08:24

BelleSauvage9 · 10/11/2024 05:54

Maybe I sound like a total bitch but I don't want him to look good for acting like someone that he isn't?! He's great at diy and I'll be the first person to say 'oh dp did such a great job of this, it looks so good' 'he worked so hard on this thing' etc, things that he actually deserves to look good for. But no I don't want him getting 'credit' for being an amazing dad and partner when sadly he is not those things and I feel he hasn't earned the right to be given that label. And everyone acting like he is because that's what he shows them when they're around to see it, feels really invalidating to my lived experience of him being actually a bit shit with all those things and me feeling like I'm in an unequal partnership and having to cope with the burden of childcare and housework and the running of the household with absolute minimal support.

He’s also taking credit that belongs to you. You do everything for those kids and he makes out like he does. The reality is the kids will know which of their parents fulfilled all their needs when they grow up. It will be there in your bond, not the one he has with them.

Glazedandconfuddled · 10/11/2024 08:13

You really need to use your words and set some boundaries. Have you told him you want a lie in, or do you tell him there's no point staying in bed now you're awake? Our 2 kids are under 5 and usually wake before 6am, it doesnt take 2 adults to parent so at weekends we take turns to get up and the other one goes back to sleep. Communication is key, you need to talk about how you're feeling and what you want. I disagree with PP about him setting an alarm, you're almost certainly the most tired but with children that age, both of you are probably tired. No one should be getting up before the children but you should take turns getting up, he can work on getting up in a timely way and you can work on locking the door and ignoring any breakfast time chaos while you sleep / doomscroll / whatever doesn't involve you martying yourself. We've got 2 kids under 5, they always wake both of us, yesterday DH did breakfast, I went back to sleep, today it's my turn to get up. My husband is quietly thoughtful and at risk of sounding like an ungrateful cow, it's infuriating at times. He gives me the "best bits of dinner" but as we have different tastes, half the time I think the best bits are the bits he's taken for himself. Shock horror i also prefer to make my own coffee. If your DP doesn't appreciate what you're doing, stop doing it instead of turning it into some weird virtue partner top trumps game that your annoyed about winning.

Amyknows · 10/11/2024 08:10

You paint a very bleak picture of him, but yet you are still with him? I mean what can anyone really say when you are the one choosing him.

SALaw · 10/11/2024 08:04

You're being a martyr. Wake him up and stay firmly in bed. When he makes himself a coffee say "I'll have one too". Organise me time for yourself and say "ok I'm off out at 2 so you'll have the kids" etc. You are saying you shouldn't have to tell him, he should do these things without your saying. Well, yes, but he doesn't so don't then stay quiet and say "he never does these things". Tell him, keep telling him, keep doing it, and he'll get there.

Hididi11 · 10/11/2024 07:54

Firstly... What is his day to day job?
If he is a manual labourer then he deserves the lie in...I mean working in construction or job where you standing for 12 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week.
But
If he is not a manual labourer
Then
Always treat men like kids
You have to tell him
They will play dumb and see how long they can get away with it for
So
You must play the game too
Set his alarm...and you have a lie in.
Some men will really play dumb too see how they can get out of things.
Be upfront. Be honest.
And
Learn the art of assertiveness
If you don't put yourself first dear, noone else will. No matter how many meals you have cooked for them.

thepariscrimefiles · 10/11/2024 07:43

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

What the fuck is wrong with you? Your post is so creepy and inappropriate.

Sceptical123 · 10/11/2024 07:41

Ubugly · 10/11/2024 00:33

Trying to look like the big man perfect husband, making out he does that! Did you call him out? I would have and be seething to!

I was thinking this - it wasn’t about her or you, it was about how this grandiose statement made him look. You should have looked astonished when he said this and said - “You never do!” I can understand you wouldn’t think to at the time bc you’d be so taken aback and you’d also run the risk of him reacting to being publicly humiliated but you could have maybe done it with faux humour. He sounds a right tosser.

GettingThemFromHereToThere · 10/11/2024 07:39

BelleSauvage9 · 10/11/2024 05:46

Oh and also I show my appreciation for him by 1. Always offering to make him a coffee (he never makes me one) 2. Letting him lie in every single day that he's not up for work 3. Taking our kids to do stuff without him so he can have free time that is actually free time 4. Cooking meals I know he particularly likes 5. Making an effort on bday/xmas/father's day 6. Buying him a random treat when at the shop 7. Giving him a bigger portion of meals than myself, or giving him 'nicer' bits (I would imagine he's not consciously aware of this last one, but I know I do this as a way of demonstrating my consideration for him, even if he doesn't know)

I'm sure if I paid attention over the course of a few weeks I'd come up with more but just to give you the examples that come to mind immediately.

Oh I have actually thought of one thing he does that makes me feel like he's making an effort and that's tickling my back. And is a really good one, BUT, he knows it leads to sex and he doesn't do it without then moving it on to sex so it feels like it's actually done so that he can get something he wants from it. But I do still appreciate the effort he puts into it, and I thank him and make sure he knows I really appreciate it

Why are you feisty on here yet seemingly very submissive with your husband?

So you do ALL of that for him and the only thing he does for you is a bit of foreplay?

Seriously, you need to speak up and demand more consideration and equality in your relationship. Demand the things you offer him in return.

At the moment, you're sitting back and literally treating him like a king, then moaning to random strangers that you don't want to have to ask for anything. Wake up call, you've chosen a partner who wont do things unless explicitly asked. He's not going to change so either you continue doing everything and lower your expectations, or you speak up and tell him to do things for you.

Oh, and at the party he was obviously trying to come across like husband on the year to your/his family which is comical. You should have called this out at the time "hang on, I've never had a lie in!". Don't allow it. And if you do allow it, take responsibility for allowing and enabling it.

EdithBond · 10/11/2024 07:37

Mill3nnial · 10/11/2024 07:22

WTF is a nephew in law?

A partner’s nephew

EdithBond · 10/11/2024 07:30

BelleSauvage9 · 10/11/2024 00:51

There's probably some truth in the point you're making, though I wouldn't consider myself 'semi-martyr' about it. More just thinking to myself I won't ask him for anything because it doesn't mean anything if I have to ask for it I guess? Like I feel like asking him to show appreciation for me and giving me extra rest because I deserve it for everything I do for our family defeats the point of him bothering to do it because what I really want is to feel appreciated and asking for it doesn't make me feel that, him thinking it and making the effort off his own back is what will make me feel that. That feels a bit rambley but I hope you get my meaning

I’m 100% with you @BelleSauvage9.

Telling you that you should wake him is grossly missing the point.

He’s an adult. He can wake up himself. Does he wake up to get to work? What would he do if you were away for the weekend or if he were a lone parent? Presumably, he’d be able to wake himself up.

My ex expected me to be his manager. If I told him what to do by when, or gave him a list, he’d do it. But failed to take responsibility for anything on his own. I ended up getting worn down by it all. After a great deal of reflection, I decided I didn’t want that kind of relationship. I already had a high pressure job and three kids to manage, though the eldest was already starting to learn to be self-starting and take responsibility for himself.

I’ve recently had one of my kids say I have to tell him when I want him to wash up. I said, no, he’s a man now and men shouldn’t expect women to tell them what to do. He knows washing up needs doing, so he should do it. It’s what adults have to do.

What it comes down to is does your DP want to let you sleep in and rest on a fair basis or not? If he does, then he knows what he needs to do. If he doesn’t, then he’s selfish and inconsiderate. And, presumably, you’re not into guys like that.

Arewethebadguys · 10/11/2024 07:29

BelleSauvage9 · 10/11/2024 05:46

Oh and also I show my appreciation for him by 1. Always offering to make him a coffee (he never makes me one) 2. Letting him lie in every single day that he's not up for work 3. Taking our kids to do stuff without him so he can have free time that is actually free time 4. Cooking meals I know he particularly likes 5. Making an effort on bday/xmas/father's day 6. Buying him a random treat when at the shop 7. Giving him a bigger portion of meals than myself, or giving him 'nicer' bits (I would imagine he's not consciously aware of this last one, but I know I do this as a way of demonstrating my consideration for him, even if he doesn't know)

I'm sure if I paid attention over the course of a few weeks I'd come up with more but just to give you the examples that come to mind immediately.

Oh I have actually thought of one thing he does that makes me feel like he's making an effort and that's tickling my back. And is a really good one, BUT, he knows it leads to sex and he doesn't do it without then moving it on to sex so it feels like it's actually done so that he can get something he wants from it. But I do still appreciate the effort he puts into it, and I thank him and make sure he knows I really appreciate it

This is martyrdom in it's finest. They are simple creatures these menfolk . . . unless you spell it out they don't get it. Sometimes I think it's weaponised incompetence, other times I genuinely feel my husband hasn't a clue.

So . . . you need to spell it out. No more self sacrifice. You tell your partner what day your lie in is anc then stay in bed. Read, scroll, have a long bath and paint your nails but do f all with the kids. If they come to you, tell them go ask daddy. You need to stop placing your partner's needs on a pedestal. I get it, it's because he contributes financially to the household. But you need to know your worth and you need to explicitly tell him this too. The whole house would collapse without your contribution so stop giving the bloody best dinner bits to him!!!! You are important.

I don't think YOU value your contribution to your family so your partner doesn't either 🤷🏻‍♀️

MyDeftDuck · 10/11/2024 07:22

I would have immediately said to DP "you want to practice what you preach matey, because you NEVER get up with your own kids".... and make sure everyone hears!
Don't even bother setting his alarm either, just give him a dig in the ribs when the kids are on the move and stay in bed........better still, tell the kids to wake Daddy up.
My ex was exactly the same, was useless in the delivery room, never did a night feed, never changed a nappy, never took the kids out on his own!

Mill3nnial · 10/11/2024 07:22

WTF is a nephew in law?

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