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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I know I am being unreasonable

38 replies

Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:10

... but how can I stop feeling like this?

Every time my partner has a night out, I cannot settle until he is home. I literally lay awake rigid with anxiety all night. This is really becoming an issue for me, as we have two young children and I end up being absolutely knackered (emotionally and physically) the next day.

It's not that I don't trust him, but I can't quite put my finger on what my anxiety is actually about. I just have this feeling of impending doom like something really bad is going to happen, and although I don't pester him all night, I am constantly checking to see if he has been online - when I see he has, I feel momentarily relieved as it's like proof he is OK. But then I go back to this horrendous anxiety and no matter what I do I cannot settle or sleep until he is home.

My partner is fantastic and it's not like the nights out are frequent, maybe monthly if that. He deserves to let his hair down and have a night off. He does have a tendency to get extremely drunk when he does go out, and will occasionally stay out until the early hours (sometimes almost the morning). I ask him to let me know when he thinks he will be home then update me if this changes. In general he does do this, but he almost never comes home when he initially says.

I wish I could just enjoy the space and have a restful night sleep - rational me knows he will more than likely be fine bar a sore head. But nothing I have tried (mediation, breathing) helps me relax and get to sleep. I have had therapy in the past and potentially this is triggered by me losing close family members at a very young age and me having a deep fear of him dying, but surely everyone has a fear of something bad happening to their loved ones and are still OK with them being on a night out?

My partner is aware of my anxiety and like I said, is fairly good at letting me know if he is going to be late, but does get drunk and communication isn't always the best (but also I know I shouldn't expect him to check in with me constantly throughout the night). I try not to show I am anxious on the lead up but he has told me that he picks up on it and then its in the back of his head and he can't fully relax. We have good communication about it but I don't know what to do to make it better.

We are in our late 30s and have two small children, if this makes any difference.

I know this is very much a me problem but just wondering if anyone else has had similar and has some words of wisdom? It seems to be getting worse not better.

OP posts:
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Blev2022 · 26/11/2024 20:17

Sorry I haven't read the whole thread, but I'd probably recommend trying to get some trauma therapy for this, I would lean more towards EMDR than CBT. You can get both in the NHS though.

lizzyBennet08 · 26/11/2024 20:00

Honestly the solution here isn't asking your adult partner not to socialise monthly. That's really unfair and controlling.
This is something you need to deal with yourself .

portslader · 26/11/2024 19:34

Ablar · 26/11/2024 17:22

My mother in law is like this. It's literally ruined her life. My father in law is currently in hospital and she refuses to stay at home alone. She has made my partner and her daughter (married with two children) move back in with her until he's home. My sister in law is also petrified of being at home alone (despite her two children being in their 20's) and begs my partner to stay there when her husband goes out for the night.

I don't think it's that OP's scared about being in the house alone, it's anxiety about something happening to the DP while he's out late and drunk. That's certainly the case for me anyway.

Ablar · 26/11/2024 17:22

My mother in law is like this. It's literally ruined her life. My father in law is currently in hospital and she refuses to stay at home alone. She has made my partner and her daughter (married with two children) move back in with her until he's home. My sister in law is also petrified of being at home alone (despite her two children being in their 20's) and begs my partner to stay there when her husband goes out for the night.

Lickityspit · 21/11/2024 20:50

I’m the same, but it’s when my DS goes out. He doesn’t do it often but when he does he drinks way too much. I can’t settle til I know he’s home safely. So I know the anxiety you feel and it’s not nice

Pipconkermash · 17/11/2024 10:40

That a father of two kids goes out and stays out until the following morning, gets completely wasted (and high?) and lies about when he’s going to be home, that’ll be why you’re anxious.

autumn1610 · 17/11/2024 10:17

@Snowdrop1990 yep i hate it and i don’t want to be like it. Honestly at times i can be sick it gets that bad. He got attacked before i met him and i don’t know if it stems from that, but i also can’t remember being like that when we first got together. But it also applys basically to anyone i care about, people could be driving all over the country and if I don’t know they are doing it I wouldn’t give it a 2nd thought. But as soon as I know and then I don’t hear within a reasonable time they are at the destination it’s like boom hello anxiety. if I ring my parents and neither pick up and it’s dark out I’m like great somethings happened… not they have taken themselves off to cinema or to a friends. I genuinely can’t think of what the counsellor said it was but just had to rationalise basically, I just find it so distressing it’s horrible. But I will never demand he comes home or he drinks less, appreciate it if he does message but he shouldn’t need to, it’s my issue to deal with. He has never not come home and nothing bad has ever happened but it’s like if I worry about all the worse cases then it won’t maybe.

MessyNeate · 17/11/2024 10:04

I think it's normal to worry! Often some men don't make the best decisions!

My DH works away, is a very capable man but when he's out I worry and always wait for that text or call to tell me he's back safely, if he's home and out I will prob go pick him up anyway (may as well as I'm not asleep and my DC are much older)

He went on his stag do in Benidorm
Last year and called me at 10pm completely lost. Drunk so wasn't getting any sense out of him 😂 this is why I worry haha

Balletdreamer · 17/11/2024 09:52

I feel the same as you. I find it so odd the number of people on here who think
its unreasonable to worry. My husband rarely goes out but when he does he gets quite drunk. Like you I constantly check phone, and feel quite sick as the night goes on. I don’t tell him this, as I don’t want to be controlling. But I worked with someone who fell down the stairs while pissed and was in intensive care for two weeks. So I can’t just tell myself he’s a grown up and will be fine.

HappyTwo · 17/11/2024 09:16

Is it because your hubby when he does drink drinks to a point of being so drunk and you worry he is not capable of making decisions about safety? I had similar - it was because my hubby was using as a stress release - suggestion was to find other ways of stress release but also I actually preferred he didn’t come home and planned to stay at his brothers if he was going to have a drinking night until late - he got to do his thing and I got to have a decent night not worrying about him / waiting until he came home.

MagnoliaGirlie · 17/11/2024 09:12

Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:10

... but how can I stop feeling like this?

Every time my partner has a night out, I cannot settle until he is home. I literally lay awake rigid with anxiety all night. This is really becoming an issue for me, as we have two young children and I end up being absolutely knackered (emotionally and physically) the next day.

It's not that I don't trust him, but I can't quite put my finger on what my anxiety is actually about. I just have this feeling of impending doom like something really bad is going to happen, and although I don't pester him all night, I am constantly checking to see if he has been online - when I see he has, I feel momentarily relieved as it's like proof he is OK. But then I go back to this horrendous anxiety and no matter what I do I cannot settle or sleep until he is home.

My partner is fantastic and it's not like the nights out are frequent, maybe monthly if that. He deserves to let his hair down and have a night off. He does have a tendency to get extremely drunk when he does go out, and will occasionally stay out until the early hours (sometimes almost the morning). I ask him to let me know when he thinks he will be home then update me if this changes. In general he does do this, but he almost never comes home when he initially says.

I wish I could just enjoy the space and have a restful night sleep - rational me knows he will more than likely be fine bar a sore head. But nothing I have tried (mediation, breathing) helps me relax and get to sleep. I have had therapy in the past and potentially this is triggered by me losing close family members at a very young age and me having a deep fear of him dying, but surely everyone has a fear of something bad happening to their loved ones and are still OK with them being on a night out?

My partner is aware of my anxiety and like I said, is fairly good at letting me know if he is going to be late, but does get drunk and communication isn't always the best (but also I know I shouldn't expect him to check in with me constantly throughout the night). I try not to show I am anxious on the lead up but he has told me that he picks up on it and then its in the back of his head and he can't fully relax. We have good communication about it but I don't know what to do to make it better.

We are in our late 30s and have two small children, if this makes any difference.

I know this is very much a me problem but just wondering if anyone else has had similar and has some words of wisdom? It seems to be getting worse not better.

I totally relate to this. To calm my mind down, I put on a series or movie I really like and makes me feel good and play on my laptop in bed and I fall asleep with that (or a podcast). I know it's not the best sleep hygiene but it helps quiet down the anxiety for the night. I also apply what I've learned from my therapist (I've got Generaised Anxiety Disorder so I know it's part of my many unhelpful ways of thinking to imagine the worst case scenario at all times, and not the actual probable scenario) and it helps too quiet the mind.

Berlinlover · 17/11/2024 09:10

If my partner got extremely drunk and stayed out until all hours I’d be extremely anxious too. YANBU in any way.

Hallllllllie · 17/11/2024 09:07

Tamuchly · 17/11/2024 08:22

You are not being unreasonable but your partner is!

Anxiety of any kind is difficult to deal with, you haven’t limited his going out or what he does when he’s out and you downplay how you feel. It isn’t unreasonable to ask someone in their late thirties to not drink themselves stupid on a night out or to come home at a reasonable time - he is a grown up after all! The fact that he knows you are battling this anxiety should make him want to make little changes to help eg. I won’t be home later than 1am or I’m going to alternate soft drinks with alcohol tonight. IMO he should by home by midnight latest but at the very least he should be giving you a time and sticking to it. He knows you can’t sleep when he’s out so should be back at a reasonable time or he is fuelling your anxiety - he should know that without being told.

This is really unfair to ask of someone. No one should have to put a set time limit on their night or drink soft drinks to please someone else. It's OPs issue, not her DHs.

Hallllllllie · 17/11/2024 09:06

Tamuchly · 17/11/2024 08:22

You are not being unreasonable but your partner is!

Anxiety of any kind is difficult to deal with, you haven’t limited his going out or what he does when he’s out and you downplay how you feel. It isn’t unreasonable to ask someone in their late thirties to not drink themselves stupid on a night out or to come home at a reasonable time - he is a grown up after all! The fact that he knows you are battling this anxiety should make him want to make little changes to help eg. I won’t be home later than 1am or I’m going to alternate soft drinks with alcohol tonight. IMO he should by home by midnight latest but at the very least he should be giving you a time and sticking to it. He knows you can’t sleep when he’s out so should be back at a reasonable time or he is fuelling your anxiety - he should know that without being told.

This is really unfair to ask of someone. No one should have to put a set time limit on their night or drink soft drinks to please someone else. It's OPs issue, not her DHs.

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 17/11/2024 09:01

Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:49

I am mainly OK in other areas but perhaps some more counselling around this is on the cards, I just have no spare cash at the moment and it's so hard to get NHS therapy - CBT does not work for me!

OP, I agree that CBT doesn’t suit everyone.
How would you feel if DH was out but not drinking so heavily? Think about that seriously because it seems to me that he is putting himself at risk being out all night unable to look after himself properly if he was attacked. In which case you could reasonably ask him to drink less and come home earlier.

socks1107 · 17/11/2024 08:56

I worked out it was only with a certain set of friends. For many reasons they set me on edge.
Everyone else great I enjoy my evening and space. He rarely sees this group now if at all and my anxiety is all but gone

Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:56

burnoutbabe · 17/11/2024 08:50

I get this but we have no kids.

It's more I have to be in alert mode to solve problems until he gets home. Working out when tubes stop running etc. hearing battery is getting low.

I wouldn't have the same issue if he was at someone's house and kipped there. But vague texts about just finishing up /onto x place /need to get someone else back to their tube etc wind me up. Am fine once I hear the "am in Uber/taxi" text.

Worrying about someone who is getting very drunk in a busy place but still had to get home, with low battery seems a normal thing to worry about. I doubt as many women /mums create such worry the other way around or as often.

Yeah I think it's this too. I'm slightly better when he stays elsewhere but still have a very restless night.

And I know what you mean - he doesn't worry at all when I'm out but then again I tend to just go out for food and a few drinks and am always home before midnight. He wouldn't mind at all if I was later but I just don't want to. Often I'm home and he's in a peaceful slumber, clearly doesn't affect his sleep 😅

OP posts:
burnoutbabe · 17/11/2024 08:50

I get this but we have no kids.

It's more I have to be in alert mode to solve problems until he gets home. Working out when tubes stop running etc. hearing battery is getting low.

I wouldn't have the same issue if he was at someone's house and kipped there. But vague texts about just finishing up /onto x place /need to get someone else back to their tube etc wind me up. Am fine once I hear the "am in Uber/taxi" text.

Worrying about someone who is getting very drunk in a busy place but still had to get home, with low battery seems a normal thing to worry about. I doubt as many women /mums create such worry the other way around or as often.

Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:50

Squirrelblanket · 17/11/2024 08:37

I get this, but I think it's mainly that I'm a restless/light sleeper. It happens to me in any situation where I'm likely to get woken up earlier than usual or randomly by something. So for example, it happens if I'm waiting for my husband to get in, if I'm having to get up earlier than usual for the airport or times when I've been babysitting for my nephews when they were babies and used to wake in the night. It's almost like my brain is on high alert and decides it would be better to just not sleep at all!

I don't have an answer I'm afraid, I just accept that I'm going to have crap sleep on those nights. But I do sympathise! It's so frustrating.

I am exactly like this too! So it is probably a bit of both.

OP posts:
Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:49

coffeesaveslives · 17/11/2024 08:36

I think there's a difference between feeling a bit unsettled because you're in bed alone and the routine is off, and being rigid all night with anxiety to the point that you can't sleep.

Are you anxious in other parts of your life? Would you consider going back to the GP for a chat and maybe a referral to counselling or some medication?

I am mainly OK in other areas but perhaps some more counselling around this is on the cards, I just have no spare cash at the moment and it's so hard to get NHS therapy - CBT does not work for me!

OP posts:
Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:48

portslader · 17/11/2024 08:26

I'm like this when my DP goes out (thankfully rarely).

I think people are a bit quick to say it's not "normal" - what is normal? I think it's certainly a very common level of anxiety.
Think of all the parents of older teens/adults who say they don't sleep till they hear them come home. It would be nice to have no concerns at all but I think those people are lucky.

No solutions I'm afraid, just "management" I.e explained to my DP that I know it's my issue but it really helps if he can stay in good contact etc and he's happy to then as it's not like I'm checking up/don't trust him.

Glad to know I am not alone - I am dreading when it's my kids going out! Yeah this is how we manage it too, but I just wish I could switch off and enjoy the space. When I know he's got a night out coming up I worry about it so much in the lead up - mainly worrying about how anxious I know I am going to feel

OP posts:
Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:47

Tamuchly · 17/11/2024 08:22

You are not being unreasonable but your partner is!

Anxiety of any kind is difficult to deal with, you haven’t limited his going out or what he does when he’s out and you downplay how you feel. It isn’t unreasonable to ask someone in their late thirties to not drink themselves stupid on a night out or to come home at a reasonable time - he is a grown up after all! The fact that he knows you are battling this anxiety should make him want to make little changes to help eg. I won’t be home later than 1am or I’m going to alternate soft drinks with alcohol tonight. IMO he should by home by midnight latest but at the very least he should be giving you a time and sticking to it. He knows you can’t sleep when he’s out so should be back at a reasonable time or he is fuelling your anxiety - he should know that without being told.

Yeah I sort of agree - I don't think he needs to have a curfew but I do think he needs to work on not getting quite so drunk. He's just one of those people who can drink and drink and drink and stay standing, therefore stays out late, whereas I'd be knackered and home in bed by 11!

OP posts:
Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:45

autumn1610 · 17/11/2024 08:20

I can’t help you with an answer but I also have this. I’m usually ok until I go to sleep then if it gets probably past midnight and I wake up I won’t be able to get back to sleep. I check WhatsApp last seen etc. used to do find my friend on a night out and it really helped me. Not sure on advice but I always think the worse, then he just waltz’s in drunk and the anxiety just goes. I also have it when I know someone is travelling say they have been to mine and are travelling home in my head I’m like ok that journey is 2hours if I haven’t heard within what I think is a reasonable time of that then it’s like instant anxiety floods over me hot, feel sick etc and then they message and it’s gone straight away. I spoke to a counsellor about it as it got so bad around the Ukraine/Russia kicking off and they weren’t very helpful just basically tried to get me to rationalise different circumstances rather than going straight to doom

Edited

Omg I could have written this - I am vaguely unsettled in the evening but it is when I go to bed that it really ramps up. I also get anxiety about long distance travelling too! It's awful isn't it

OP posts:
Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:42

BackinBlack24 · 17/11/2024 08:17

Is your anxiety that something will happen to him because he gets so drunk and stays out so late or is there a tiny bit of you that thinks he is up to no good ? Once a month to be staying out all night and drinking that much is a lot imo for anyone with small children at home why does it have to be so extreme ? Can he not have a night out having a few in the local pub with friends ?

I definitely trust him in the sense that he wouldn't cheat on me! Also I think I worded it badly, he goes out about once a month but sometimes (so maybe every few months) goes on a real bender. Usually when its for a mates big birthday or something. Usually he's back in the early hours but even then I just can't settle until he's home :(

OP posts:
Snowdrop1990 · 17/11/2024 08:41

Francias · 17/11/2024 08:14

Do you suffer with any other anxiety at all? Are highly strung, overactive mind, etc?

It's not normal to worry to this extent, as you know, so it sounds like an anxiety disorder. It must be horrible to experience, and as you've said, likely linked to past experiences.

I definitely have an overactive mind and used to suffer from a lot more anxiety than I do now, I was on medication for years. But the last few years generally have been a lot better and I am OK the majority of the time, but have certain triggers like this!

OP posts: