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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Normal in a relationship

36 replies

Preachscreen · 06/09/2025 09:59

So my partner is going out today with my children to an event, he didn't really mention what it entailed and I said I'd rather do something else together or I may not come if they wanted to go to the event but it seemed to involve atanding all day which isnt great for me physically. Didn't know much of the details of the event but on the morning of going it appears acually quite good now my partner had elaborated on it, he hasnt mentioned the event otherwise, just organisdd and assumed it would happen and spoken to.my children about it...I thought maybe I'd go after finding out the details but unfortunatly second thought I have to look after the pet who is unwell this week and can't be left alone as lethargic, it would be cruel. My partner was indifferent really. I've anxiety this week and its heightened at present more than the normal which I've shared with him but with no real advice or reassurancefrom him...not sure what im expecting I guess. Current anxiety driving factors are pressures from my job and feeling like I am the decision maker/ have to be my partners brain as he doesn't seem to function and think, get tasks done/poor decision making and is on setraline. Anyway so I've just broken down in tears, likely also hormonal.... and my partner asks if and why I'm crying in an insincere tone and then I said nothing i guess as i felt he wasnt being heartfelt and he has just left for the event without another word with my children.. I'm clearly upset, crying and not feeling great.... is that normal or should I expect my partner to have been more loving and concerned, trying to comfort me. This is how he seems to be about anything. If I say he was Inappropriate in a situation he will reply sorry without a second thought if prompted with no substance to his answer and this is on repeat whether its following him raising his voice or snapping at me.I feel almost unloved somehow. I guess the picture is bigger than this post but I've rambled enough.

OP posts:
BuffetTheDietSlayer · 06/09/2025 10:25

It sounds like you tried to sabotage his day out with the children because you want his attention on you.

Preachscreen · 06/09/2025 10:23

Perhaps it appears so but I'm upset and as said at the end there is more to this story. Be kind.

OP posts:
ButSheSaid · 06/09/2025 10:23

no real advice or reassurancefrom him.

I have experienced anxiousness and trauma, and have learnt it is not anyone else's place to advise me about it or reassure me.
What does heartfelt mean, like, what did you want him to do?

He was taking kids to some event and you were crying and breaking down at him. You need to see your doctor.
If you don't like your boyfriend, break up with him.
Have a relaxing, peaceful day at home.

Preachscreen · 06/09/2025 10:22

No he just needed to drive to the event. He didn't disclose any details to me, mentioned it once and then on the cusp of going, by that point he gave more details on the morning of going but I had to take responsibility for the pet, would have been reckless to go.

Anxiety wise, he has mental health and it is taking its toll on me and so i have anxiety which has worsened due to it. Yes he managed to identify an event and drive to it but everyday tasks utility bills, essential planning for children, house maintenance, ensuring he has his bank cards on him, managing his money etc always involves me reminding and putting things in place and fixing things.

OP posts:
Notmyreality · 06/09/2025 10:20

toomuchfaff · 06/09/2025 10:06

feeling like I am the decision maker/ have to be my partners brain as he doesn't seem to function and think,

Yet he has organised an event, you had no input, he was taking the kids, its all done and sorted - but youre his brain, he doesn't function?

Your AIBU is contradictory to this point.

Exactly my first thought.

Haggisfish3 · 06/09/2025 10:17

People often reach the point of sympathy fatigue where, if someone is often anxious or upset, it becomes difficult to be sympathetic as you know nothing you say will help and it will happen again in the near future.

Haggisfish3 · 06/09/2025 10:16

I suspect you are co dependent on each other. It sounds like you are anxious over a non event. Partner took dc out -you didn’t fancy it so stayed at home. No need to be anxious or upset about any of that, on either side.

HotBathwater · 06/09/2025 10:13

I agree with the first three replies. You need to get help with controlling your anxiety, for your own sake and that of your relationship. And your partner appears to have organised this day out with the children perfectly well without needing you to be his ‘brain’?

toomuchfaff · 06/09/2025 10:06

feeling like I am the decision maker/ have to be my partners brain as he doesn't seem to function and think,

Yet he has organised an event, you had no input, he was taking the kids, its all done and sorted - but youre his brain, he doesn't function?

Your AIBU is contradictory to this point.

GRex · 06/09/2025 10:04

It doesn't sound like you're coping with normal life very well and that will be damaging to your children as well as to you, you need to go to the GP about your anxiety. If you call 111, they can get you a Saturday appointment.

Mrsttcno1 · 06/09/2025 10:02

I’m not sure what he’s done wrong here OP, are you receiving any professional support for your anxiety?

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