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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To leave over sausage in bread…

205 replies

Growingyou · 27/12/2024 13:31

I hope this isn’t too outing, and hoping for some wise advice.

DH and I are in a very low place. DC1 has critical illness & high needs. The discovery of this came after I was already pregnant with DC2. During 2nd pregnancy I experienced a life threatening illness which has left me with long term side effects (eg I can no longer drive). To the external world I’m positive and functioning exceptionally well, but I may never revert to the super mum, energetic, athletic person I previously was.

DH is angry/exhausted. This is not what he wanted from parenthood or from a partner. It’s all well and good for ‘in sickness and health’, but DC1 and I’s health is proving too much.

For Christmas, my job was tree/decorations/gifts, DH’s was food. DH did not sort out food. We had leftovers. 3 leftover sausages in some almost stale bread. There was no present under the tree from him to me.

I was… hurt. DH asked me that night whether I had a good day. I honestly answered that some of it was fun, but I felt sad that there are never any moments he shows thoughtfulness or care for me. His response was - you’re an adult.

This is obviously tip of the iceberg and lots of small issues that have culminated to now. But I just had this moment of clarity that maybe I just release him from this life he doesn’t want, and release myself from always feeling like I’m not worthy of love.

Children are still very young but maybe that’s a good time to recreate a new life.

He has said he’s open to couple’s counselling but he “knows” the problem will be him.

Would a leftover sausage sandwich be the last straw for you too?

OP posts:
rwalker · 27/12/2024 13:43

I think it’s difficult to advise of a few lines of text
all I can say is having high needs kids can suck the life out of any relationship

oviraptor21 · 27/12/2024 13:43

I'm intrigued as to what his reason was for not doing Christmas dinner - did he have one?
Regardless, it does look like he's checked out. But I would take him up on the counselling. It should be useful for both of you whether you stay or decide to separate.

PragmaticIsh · 27/12/2024 13:38

Have you had any individual counselling OP, for either you or your DH, to help you with the emotional impact of your DC's illness? Just wondering if there is a relevant charity for their condition which might be able to offer support?

I know that doesn't address your marriage but it might help you. DD was ill early in her life, thankfully nothing critical, but the impact on our marriage and our emotional wellbeing was vast. The way we dealt with the impact was different too; DH was grumpy and cold whereas I was anxious and needed more affection.

Maboscelar · 27/12/2024 13:33

Absolutely it would. How could he think that was ok to serve up? You deserve so much more, and I hope he gets what he deserves too. Leave. Be free.

Hercisback1 · 27/12/2024 13:33

He knows he is the problem but he won't change. That is all you need to know.

You can make changes to yourself and your life.