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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Genuinely, what the hell do I do?

370 replies

LolNotFunny · 25/09/2025 20:00

I know this will make me sound awful but I really need some advice because I have no one to talk to in real life. My fiancé is 47, I’m 33 and we have a 3 year old. We have been together for 7 years. He is a good dad. His age has always been a bit of an issue for me but I loved him so much so we carried on. Recently though I have found myself increasingly more bothered by it. I have lied to my colleagues about his age because I was embarrassed. The fact he’s nearly 50 freaks me out. We argue quite a lot. He has PTSD so has some anger issues and can become really defensive at the most innocent of comments. I’m very sarcastic which he doesn’t get and just sees as criticism or me having a go. I feel like I have to censor myself sometimes and I find this really hard. We have gone from having a nice day one moment then one comment is made by me and it turns into a big argument over literally nothing. I remember the other year on the last day of our holiday I literally just said something about not believing there was no more room in his suitcase with a smile as I had more to pack and he flew off the handle basically saying I was accusing him of lying. He is quite serious and obsessed with the news. We are engaged. My friend once asked if it would be the happiest day of my life because she said she can’t wait to marry her partner. I honestly don’t feel that way. If we got married, it would be transactional (I know how cold that sounds). We own a house together. I couldn’t afford to live here without him. He loves me very much and pays all the bills, has taken life insurance out so we are always cared for, I would be entitled to his pension and he is likely set to inherit a substantial amount of money, enough to clear the mortgage. The relationship is by no means toxic or abusive, our son is happy. I’m just not in love and happy. I’m not unhappy per see, probably a little indifferent. I could stay and play nice. If it was just us, I’d have left I think but we have our son and I have to think about the life we can give him as a couple versus just me. I could move back in with my parents but I love our home and I know me and my son are financially protected. The money etc. shouldn’t be a factor but unfortunately it is. My question is with all of the above, what would you do?

OP posts:
Annalouisa · 27/09/2025 22:52

OP, why are you paying for nursery and half the mortgage when you only work four days a week? He should be footing at least half of the bills, unless he earns less than you.

"Our son goes to nursery four days a week which I pay for myself. I work four days a week and I pay half of the mortgage."

sophiacting · 27/09/2025 22:50

It's your decision to make. I think allot of relationships can end up being out of necessity. I think you just have to look at the future will ulyou still be ok to live that way. I wasn't and I'm a single mum, but I still have a belief that 'true love' is out there. In these types of situations it's like that both need to see a therapist to work through why you are sarcastic and why the other person gets angry by it. I'm very similar and I think it comes from somewhere.

Soontobesingles · 27/09/2025 22:40

If I were you I would stay. No long term relationship is without compromise and you need to consider your son.

Letskeepitrealpeeps · 27/09/2025 22:37

Someone in their 50s isnt old yes older than this woman but not old old by definition....keep up sweetie

MoominMai · 27/09/2025 22:26

@LolNotFunny I’m surprised his age is such an issue for you now though considering when you met you were in your mid 20s and him already 40. You say it worried you then also but you loved him but 7 years later his age is now bothering you to the point it’s ‘freaking’ you out and you even lie about it to colleagues and don’t think marrying him will be the happiest day of your life.

I know it later transpired he has PTSD issues and at times a short fuse but you seem to mention his age as the thing that really troubles you and you even started your post with that issue. I agree with the PP that said I don’t think you really do love him. The evidence is clear from you already being unsure of the wedding. I think you must have been seduced by the fact that you could just crack on with life quickly with a man ready for a family life and together you could afford a home etc. I don’t think you were wrong to want that but unfortunately that ‘love’ seems to have died a premature death and yiu should just cut ties. You’re a fairly young woman still with plenty of earning capability and many years to meet a man closer to your age who you actually like also. Don’t sacrifice your one chance at youth stuck in a loveless marriage. Your DP is not a fool who won’t ever recognise your true feelings eventually and you’re not clever enough to never break your ‘play nicely’ act forever either. It’s not fair on either of you to essentially be living a lie to each others face. I wish you the best.

VaccineSticker · 27/09/2025 22:09

Letskeepitrealpeeps · 27/09/2025 17:51

It's interesting you start your post with how you know this is gonna to make you sound awful , that tells me you are fully aware of your true feelings about this man aren't great and your with him for the wrong reasons.
It screams out that this is all about not fancying him and falling out of love because you suggest hes old at 50yrs! ...please, come on thats not old ...its excuses and unfortunately you are showing your mentally immature for a grown up and a mother.
You dont want to leave because finically you know your on a winner and hes a good provider for you and your child .
The child will pick up on the atmosphere wether you think they do or not they will 100% be aware of tension between the parents, this isn't nice .
You say he doesn't get your sarcastic comments and you play them down , Sadly being sarcastic is passive aggressive behaviour and shows your frustration with him....its time to get real and either move out and start again allowing both of you to find a better life or you both go to relationship counselling and discuss all your options/issues and show the honesty you have here to us all reading and see if your able to rebuild the reason you both got together.
...It's not going to get better only worse.....and more toxic...
You will both end up hating each other.

Erm.., yes a 47 year old is an old person to someone in their early 30s. In the same way a 20 year old would find a 33 year old person old. In the same way a 45 year old would find a 60 year old, old! What are you on about?!

She’s in her golden age FFS! She’s only 33!

@LolNotFunny can you see yourself with this man for the next 20-30 years? If the answer is no then you should just move on and end this relationship.

katzman · 27/09/2025 22:08

Moonlightfrog · 27/09/2025 21:59

How is she fortunate? He sounds abusive, she’s walking on egg shells, she feels she can’t be herself around him incase he reacts, he takes everything far too seriously. OP isn’t fortunate at all. She should leave.

He pays all the bills. She’s kept. She’s bothered because he’s older. She needs to grow up and you can jog on too

Moonlightfrog · 27/09/2025 21:59

katzman · 27/09/2025 21:42

You are so fortunate yet you just cannot see it. If it weren’t for the fact your child will be hurt in the process I’d really like your husband to see what a prissy princess you are and tell you to feck off pronto so he can have a less self centred, entitled little madam gusting him

How is she fortunate? He sounds abusive, she’s walking on egg shells, she feels she can’t be herself around him incase he reacts, he takes everything far too seriously. OP isn’t fortunate at all. She should leave.

Emma6cat · 27/09/2025 21:50

Very obvious you dont love or respect your fiance. You are staying for a lifestyle only. Life is too short, let him find someone who isn't embarrassed by his age. Sarcasm is intolerable to most people.

MC79 · 27/09/2025 21:49

Xmasbaby11 · 27/09/2025 19:43

I have a DH 11 years older and if the age gap is bothering you now, it will only get worse. It wasn't noticeable when we were younger, only recently, and now at 49 and 60, it feels like he is nearing retirement while I am mid career. Of course it can work but you have to love him and be committed, so try to be honest with yourself. If it is too much hard work for either of you, it may be better to split sooner rather than later.

At 49 you are certainly not ‘mid career’, please make no mistake about that. 49 & 60 isn’t a huge gap (unless you make it one)

amyds2104 · 27/09/2025 21:46

Sometimes I read posts on mumsnet that stick with me and this is one of them.

Your husband has MH issues, you make comments you know are going to upset him and he will take as put downs but do it anyway and then when he gets angry you act like the victim? He also financially supports you despite you not being in love with him?!?! Mind blown. Would love to hear the hubbies take on things but wow. Please leave for him and your son so your son doesn’t have to witness you put down his dad on a daily basis.

MC79 · 27/09/2025 21:44

Londonrach1 · 27/09/2025 21:35

His age doesn't matter...his behaviour does..

You mean her behaviour surely

katzman · 27/09/2025 21:42

LolNotFunny · 25/09/2025 20:00

I know this will make me sound awful but I really need some advice because I have no one to talk to in real life. My fiancé is 47, I’m 33 and we have a 3 year old. We have been together for 7 years. He is a good dad. His age has always been a bit of an issue for me but I loved him so much so we carried on. Recently though I have found myself increasingly more bothered by it. I have lied to my colleagues about his age because I was embarrassed. The fact he’s nearly 50 freaks me out. We argue quite a lot. He has PTSD so has some anger issues and can become really defensive at the most innocent of comments. I’m very sarcastic which he doesn’t get and just sees as criticism or me having a go. I feel like I have to censor myself sometimes and I find this really hard. We have gone from having a nice day one moment then one comment is made by me and it turns into a big argument over literally nothing. I remember the other year on the last day of our holiday I literally just said something about not believing there was no more room in his suitcase with a smile as I had more to pack and he flew off the handle basically saying I was accusing him of lying. He is quite serious and obsessed with the news. We are engaged. My friend once asked if it would be the happiest day of my life because she said she can’t wait to marry her partner. I honestly don’t feel that way. If we got married, it would be transactional (I know how cold that sounds). We own a house together. I couldn’t afford to live here without him. He loves me very much and pays all the bills, has taken life insurance out so we are always cared for, I would be entitled to his pension and he is likely set to inherit a substantial amount of money, enough to clear the mortgage. The relationship is by no means toxic or abusive, our son is happy. I’m just not in love and happy. I’m not unhappy per see, probably a little indifferent. I could stay and play nice. If it was just us, I’d have left I think but we have our son and I have to think about the life we can give him as a couple versus just me. I could move back in with my parents but I love our home and I know me and my son are financially protected. The money etc. shouldn’t be a factor but unfortunately it is. My question is with all of the above, what would you do?

You are so fortunate yet you just cannot see it. If it weren’t for the fact your child will be hurt in the process I’d really like your husband to see what a prissy princess you are and tell you to feck off pronto so he can have a less self centred, entitled little madam gusting him

Horsie · 27/09/2025 21:42

OP, I think would be very difficult to get married feeling the way you do about him.

Before doing anything drastic, I'd go to therapy for yourself, to try to figure out whether it's a you or a him issue. You said you once loved him "so much."

I'm not keen on the anger issue of his. FYI that will probably get worse once you're married.

FioFioSILK · 27/09/2025 21:39

Your son will grow up and be with a woman just like you.

Londonrach1 · 27/09/2025 21:35

His age doesn't matter...his behaviour does..

amyds2104 · 27/09/2025 21:27

Yeah I’m voting leave. My husband is over 50 and I’m nearly 40. Im not ashamed of him so don’t feel the need to lie. You do.

Sarcastic comments which you probably deep down mean are landing wrong and this is in front of your son. What example are you setting him? Your husband shouldn’t be getting angry but you sound like you are being horrible to him tbh. You don’t love him and sound like you are settling for financial reasons and that’s horrible for all of you.

Hopefulmuma · 27/09/2025 21:25

As someone who has been here.... leave. You dont know happy and free you will feel right now but the size of the house will not compare to the weight being lifted. Your child will grow up in a happier, less stressed environment too

Papyrophile · 27/09/2025 21:22

I haven't read the whole thread so please be patient if I reiterate previous posts.

I adore my DH, although he's not anything I saw as attractive when I met him. He is kind, and clever, and kind.I can't imagine a world without him, but I do like the idea of a fortnight away from him, on an intensive language course.

Explaining, I want the intellectual challenge without any repercussions. I want to speak, read and understand a language better. It has nothing at all to do with our relationship.

KindMauveCrone · 27/09/2025 21:22

In marriage, sometimes you have to work hard at making the magic, no matter whom you marry. That being said, the age difference is not easy, and very possibly he feels it too. And your child's happiness & stability is important now. Try to become financially independent, emotionally aware, look deep - it's a hard place. Good luck.

LancsMale55 · 27/09/2025 20:58

Hi I've just divorced my wife after 18 years I'm 55 she is 43 the age difference is not the issue it's values and the relationship we don't like or love each other its as simple as that we also have 4 children with Twins at 5 as well

Were on full 50/50 I've never been as happy and our kids are thriving my mental health has improved massively they have two homes of equal to meet their needs I work full time and I pick up bank shifts to make up the loss of a two income house

I do the job lot at home run the house uniforms washing cleaning just like any other mum or dad should do ok my social life is none exhistent but I get the kids on a aeroplane holiday every year as a single dad at 55 and I'm proud as punch cis they won't want to go 1 day for me its not age its time to have those grown up conversations and move on

UniqueWriter · 27/09/2025 20:56

As someone who was in a relationship for 18 years with a much older man and had 3 children with him I think you need to leave him because if you stay things could possibly get worse and eventually your son will pick up on it. I really regret staying in my relationship for as long as I did. It was absolutely the wrong thing to do and I should have ended it years before I did! If you feel like this about him now things probably won't get better and his anger could turn to abuse or violence .Do you really want to spend your life living on eggshells? I tried so hard to keep my relationship together after I realised that the love I had for him had gone because I wanted to provide a stable home life for my children but with the benefit of hindsight it was probably the worst thing to do. A massive mistake for all of us! If you no longer love him then you need to try and keep things as amicable as you can and walk away for your sake, his sake and most importantly of all the sake of your child. I wish I had!

DrSpongey · 27/09/2025 20:54

GoodTimesNoodleSalad · 25/09/2025 20:11

‘I literally just said something about not believing there was no more room in his suitcase with a smile as I had more to pack and he flew off the handle basically saying I was accusing him of lying.’

Well, you were. Why the need for the smile, implying he’s a liar? Why couldn’t you take his word for it?

I’d find it hard to live with your little digs and snide comments too. You know you’re doing it, so why no self-reflection? Why don’t you stop?

Ahem! This in a nutshell! Why no self reflection you ask, well...I can tell you exactly why and hear me out before you end word with "nist"

Yes I will receive abuse for this and proballed labelled a misogynist and Narcissistic etc for generalising and labelling whole gender by making it Men vs Woman thing. But woman hardly ever self reflect as they never tale accountability.

I hate the whole gendered argument more anything as we should collectively come to together to address issues early on by being prepared to face the temproary discomfort of short term pain to avoid long term pain. Thus avoiding any potential damage, trauma etc by sitting down and discussing any kind of feelings or problem in mindful and resepct manner which is mutually beneficial to interests of greater good of both and for sake of pertaining to the long term health of a relationship.

To me she is simply now regretting her choice and is looking for someone to validate her escape but is still wanting to seek all the security and financial benefits of the said relationship which continues to make her miserable. If it was a guy doing it, there would be uproar and outrage and calls for the woman to immediately leave the emotionally abusive manipulative freeloader and bogus of a man that is using her.

In my view and experience, Im always self reflecting on impact of my own words and actions and try to do better and have a growth mindset even in face of adversity and my own mistakes. I hope id be given freedom and chance to be heard. Woman are very emotionally selfish. They think Men dont feel what they feel or as intense.

None of us are infalliable but its how you deal with conflict and your emotions that i say it testament to the strength and desire/commitment to work through and overcome problems in relationship is what matters. Not this throwaway culture. Seek to be fair and reasonable by sitting down and at least talk in sincere honest genuine way about things without letting them quietly simmer to avoid resentment and bitterment fester as thats usually the cataylst to kneel slow death of any relationship. This usually develops in those petty snide sarcastic comments as OP is demonstrating because og an unfilled need or desire is not being met either due to incompatibility or not listening to each other's feelings.

This woman sounds selfish. She knew it didnt feel right but still continued to use him. She sounds emotionally immature and he is too good for her. Theres incompatibility in maturity most in part due to her failure to step out of her own feelings and try to dismiss him as overreacting or whatever when she clearly trying to goade him. Then steps into play the victim mentality whenever he gets angry at her essentially accusing with wrly smile of lieing. This would incense me too if I'm being genuine and my intentions are question which are of a good heart. She should know type of person he is rather than playing with his emotions. She is looking for someone to blame rather than take any accountability for impact of their own words or behaviour. She clearly as other commentators has said and by own admission, instead of having mature conversation about her own unhappiness retorts to petty snide comments that quite clearly are design to undermine and erode at the very fabric of poor blokes confidence becsuse of own frustrations. She is 33 and if she is incapable of being fair and reasonable by expressing herself in away without making silly comments, she should the right thing by them both.

Conflict adversion is never good. She clearly knows what she needs to do otherwise she wouldn't be on her seeking validation, but is actively choosing to reap the financial benefits of relationship and have all comforts rather than deal with discomfort of what the relationship facilitates for her.

I get it, they've child to support and it's understandable she is feeling way she feels but women hardly ever take accountability in relationship for their own unhappiness, they want to play the victim.

She should at least compromise if she wants to stay and self reflect on her own words rather wishfully dismissing it as "I'm just sarcastic" as if that's some inertia for a self defense mechanism or personality trait that can't be toned down. It's attitude of her inability to probably talk about her own frustrations. I get it if hes flippant and overreacts to just a playful tease but this feels more like a pattern of behaviour on her part as her way of dealing with it. They're both guilty and if they really care they should both come to mutual beneficial agreement. Like maybe just don't make the comments that are design to antagonise and likely to cause unnecessary tension. That's not masking who you are or having to modify your behaviour. That's called being a reasonable and decent respectful mindful person of other person feelings by possible having foresight to see how your words could hurt.

If OP is too stubborn to realise this, then she is clearly just out for herself. She states it isn't unhealthy or toxic but I'd disagree, neither party is healthy if they're both acting out like this. They need to come together to make each feel heard and make a decision.

user593 · 27/09/2025 20:53

Let him go, so you can each find happiness. My DP is nearly 20 years older than me and I’ve never felt embarrassed of him, because I love him.

HevenlyMeS · 27/09/2025 20:47

Yes completely concur with you
It's actually also not too much of an age gap either

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