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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is my DH manipulating or should I give him the money?

370 replies

mcrlover · 16/07/2026 21:43

Sorry for the long post, don't want to dripfeed.

My partner (not married) and I have been together 4 years and have a DD (1 year old). When we met, I was in quite a hippie mindset - we were travelling a lot. Partner was working freelance, before we met he had a thriving business and saved a lot of income. His business ended because the sector was becoming redundant. Since we met, he has still barely earned. At the start of the relationship he had motivation to try and make a new business work, but without a business partner he struggled. He was always the "doer" and relied on a business partner to handle the client acquisition etc - he is very shy and introverted. Also, we suspect, on the autistic spectrum.

Throughout the relationship I worked full time. We always kept finances separate and split costs 50:50. When I got pregnant the plan was for me to take maternity pay, then take unpaid maternity leave and live off my savings (my savings would have run out by the end). He has 10's of K in savings still, despite earning less than his outgoings for the 4 years (he had a lot saved to start with).

Luckily during my maternity leave I landed a very high paid job, and now earn a lot of income. My partner thinks I should give him half my salary each month, and I'm not sure if that's unfair, or if I'm being stingy saying no.

Since I earned more, I have been contributing proportionally more for shared costs and baby costs, which I think is fair. But I'm on a freelance contract, which is going well, but there's a chance it won't be renewed at the end of the year.

He said he can't find a job as he has burnout from all the travelling and logistics around it. So I agreed we settle in his home country near his family (although I would prefer settling near mine). He is also demanding half my income, despite having 10s of k in savings. He said he doesn't like spending his savings (but I want to save for pension and baby!! Neither of us have a pension)

And I'm worried that if I pay him so much he would lose any last push to find a job. I asked him what he would do if I split the income with him - he said he would let go of his already very very part-time income stream. I said he could either be a stay at home dad and we split my income, or he pays his way (while I still contribute more to shared costs).

FYI its not like he does more home chores - I do all the cleaning, cooking, baby food prep, childcare organisation, babys clothes, packing and unpacking her stuff, and pay for most of the full time childcare. He leads travel logistics/subletting the apartment.

I can't tell if he is genuinely burned out and I should help him get back on his feet by easing the financial stress. Or if he is taking me for a ride and I'm being manipulated.

AIBU: he has burnout, we co-parent, I earn more than him and it's fair I split my income with him?
Or AINBU: Paying him would amount to enabling, and I need to focus on saving responsibly?

OP posts:
GrumpyPanda · 17/07/2026 02:14

How much was he paying YOU when you first went on maternity leave? You say you fid all rhe childcare and still paid 50:50 using your savings. What's good fir the goose...

Also, if it's nit to late, you shouldn't agree to move to his country. The relationship with this bum will fall apart, but you'll be stuck there.

grinandslothit · 17/07/2026 01:02

This guy is a cocklodger

What on earth does he do all day? He certainly is not working

Tell him to piss off back to his own country

ClairDeLaLune · 17/07/2026 00:47

Cocklodger. Do not give him half or indeed any of your money. Do not move to his home country. Do not ever think about marrying him. Do: ditch him.

Onthemaintrunkline · 17/07/2026 00:41

OP you’ve asked for opinions here, many have given them, and the overwhelming response is - leave. All those replying are not wrong.

Get out before he manipulates you further. This man is a very real threat to you psychologically, financially and emotionally.

HollywoodTease · 17/07/2026 00:36

You split your income when he splits his savings.

He's a deadbeat.

outerspacepotato · 17/07/2026 00:34

ShetlandishMum · 16/07/2026 22:00

I would stay in my well paid job. Not relocate with a man not having a clue about taking care of a family.

This

What if you split, could he keep your child there?

Do not move to his country.

Meteorite87 · 17/07/2026 00:34

mcrlover · 16/07/2026 21:52

My gut is saying IANBU but I think I have such a complex about stinginess that I'm doubting myself, especially given how certain he is that splitting the income is the fair thing to do and he's saying I'm being unsympathetic to his burnout, not understanding his point of view, etc

Flip it:
He is "stingy" in how little he does for you and your DC and what he expects in return.

If he wants indefinite time off, he can pay using HIS savings. He has no right to half your salary!

What an arseho1e he is to think that is acceptable.

Glidinglikeaswan · 17/07/2026 00:32

So you share your salary 50/50 but he keeps his savings for himself?

icingonmycupcake · 17/07/2026 00:31

mcrlover · 16/07/2026 21:58

Not moved to his home country yet - we recently agreed to do that after months of disagreement because he said the stability and familiarity would help him recover from the burnout and start again with his career, though it does feel like a very intangible promise and I am worried about that too after seeing some horrible situations on MN of mums stuck in their ex-DH's country after divorce.

I think I caved after months of arguments, him saying every day how unhappy he is away from home, and desperation to keep the family together

Do NOT move to his home country!! Under any circumstances.

You've hitched your wagon to a grifter. Time to 'consciously uncouple'. You've got to know you deserve better than this. Surely?

Therescathairinmybath · 17/07/2026 00:29

Do NOT move to his country or give him half your salary. I know someone who had to leave her child abroad when her ex became increasingly abusive once she was trapped in his country. You’re already know he’s lazy, manipulative, selfish and argumentative.

Anonyanonay · 17/07/2026 00:28

So you should spend all your savings on childcare but he gets to hoard his? Or have I misunderstood?

BibbityBobbity2 · 17/07/2026 00:22

You used all your own savings for maternity leave to care for a child that is both of yours. He can use his own savings now. Extra money from your job should be put into shared savings. What does he want the money for if you’re paying for most things anyway?

Snugglemonkey · 17/07/2026 00:18

mcrlover · 16/07/2026 21:58

Not moved to his home country yet - we recently agreed to do that after months of disagreement because he said the stability and familiarity would help him recover from the burnout and start again with his career, though it does feel like a very intangible promise and I am worried about that too after seeing some horrible situations on MN of mums stuck in their ex-DH's country after divorce.

I think I caved after months of arguments, him saying every day how unhappy he is away from home, and desperation to keep the family together

No, no no!
Do not even consider moving!

Frugalgal · 17/07/2026 00:18

mcrlover · 16/07/2026 21:43

Sorry for the long post, don't want to dripfeed.

My partner (not married) and I have been together 4 years and have a DD (1 year old). When we met, I was in quite a hippie mindset - we were travelling a lot. Partner was working freelance, before we met he had a thriving business and saved a lot of income. His business ended because the sector was becoming redundant. Since we met, he has still barely earned. At the start of the relationship he had motivation to try and make a new business work, but without a business partner he struggled. He was always the "doer" and relied on a business partner to handle the client acquisition etc - he is very shy and introverted. Also, we suspect, on the autistic spectrum.

Throughout the relationship I worked full time. We always kept finances separate and split costs 50:50. When I got pregnant the plan was for me to take maternity pay, then take unpaid maternity leave and live off my savings (my savings would have run out by the end). He has 10's of K in savings still, despite earning less than his outgoings for the 4 years (he had a lot saved to start with).

Luckily during my maternity leave I landed a very high paid job, and now earn a lot of income. My partner thinks I should give him half my salary each month, and I'm not sure if that's unfair, or if I'm being stingy saying no.

Since I earned more, I have been contributing proportionally more for shared costs and baby costs, which I think is fair. But I'm on a freelance contract, which is going well, but there's a chance it won't be renewed at the end of the year.

He said he can't find a job as he has burnout from all the travelling and logistics around it. So I agreed we settle in his home country near his family (although I would prefer settling near mine). He is also demanding half my income, despite having 10s of k in savings. He said he doesn't like spending his savings (but I want to save for pension and baby!! Neither of us have a pension)

And I'm worried that if I pay him so much he would lose any last push to find a job. I asked him what he would do if I split the income with him - he said he would let go of his already very very part-time income stream. I said he could either be a stay at home dad and we split my income, or he pays his way (while I still contribute more to shared costs).

FYI its not like he does more home chores - I do all the cleaning, cooking, baby food prep, childcare organisation, babys clothes, packing and unpacking her stuff, and pay for most of the full time childcare. He leads travel logistics/subletting the apartment.

I can't tell if he is genuinely burned out and I should help him get back on his feet by easing the financial stress. Or if he is taking me for a ride and I'm being manipulated.

AIBU: he has burnout, we co-parent, I earn more than him and it's fair I split my income with him?
Or AINBU: Paying him would amount to enabling, and I need to focus on saving responsibly?

Jesus woman, how can you not see? This useless parasite is good for nothing. Get away from him before he sucks you dry.

Demanding half your salary, I've heard it all now!

Happyjoe · 17/07/2026 00:15

Apart from being from planet zog, demanding half your salary, burned out from travelling and wanting to go home, I think he has eroded some of your confidence because you had a wobble over this and you've already accepted less than what is fair and expected from a partner, esp a partner who you have a child with. Please don't let him erode any more of it, he sounds a little manipulative.
Glad you've seen some sense. Hope all goes well.

Nearly50omg · 17/07/2026 00:11

RUN!!!!!!

ForNoisyCat · 17/07/2026 00:10

mcrlover · 16/07/2026 21:43

Sorry for the long post, don't want to dripfeed.

My partner (not married) and I have been together 4 years and have a DD (1 year old). When we met, I was in quite a hippie mindset - we were travelling a lot. Partner was working freelance, before we met he had a thriving business and saved a lot of income. His business ended because the sector was becoming redundant. Since we met, he has still barely earned. At the start of the relationship he had motivation to try and make a new business work, but without a business partner he struggled. He was always the "doer" and relied on a business partner to handle the client acquisition etc - he is very shy and introverted. Also, we suspect, on the autistic spectrum.

Throughout the relationship I worked full time. We always kept finances separate and split costs 50:50. When I got pregnant the plan was for me to take maternity pay, then take unpaid maternity leave and live off my savings (my savings would have run out by the end). He has 10's of K in savings still, despite earning less than his outgoings for the 4 years (he had a lot saved to start with).

Luckily during my maternity leave I landed a very high paid job, and now earn a lot of income. My partner thinks I should give him half my salary each month, and I'm not sure if that's unfair, or if I'm being stingy saying no.

Since I earned more, I have been contributing proportionally more for shared costs and baby costs, which I think is fair. But I'm on a freelance contract, which is going well, but there's a chance it won't be renewed at the end of the year.

He said he can't find a job as he has burnout from all the travelling and logistics around it. So I agreed we settle in his home country near his family (although I would prefer settling near mine). He is also demanding half my income, despite having 10s of k in savings. He said he doesn't like spending his savings (but I want to save for pension and baby!! Neither of us have a pension)

And I'm worried that if I pay him so much he would lose any last push to find a job. I asked him what he would do if I split the income with him - he said he would let go of his already very very part-time income stream. I said he could either be a stay at home dad and we split my income, or he pays his way (while I still contribute more to shared costs).

FYI its not like he does more home chores - I do all the cleaning, cooking, baby food prep, childcare organisation, babys clothes, packing and unpacking her stuff, and pay for most of the full time childcare. He leads travel logistics/subletting the apartment.

I can't tell if he is genuinely burned out and I should help him get back on his feet by easing the financial stress. Or if he is taking me for a ride and I'm being manipulated.

AIBU: he has burnout, we co-parent, I earn more than him and it's fair I split my income with him?
Or AINBU: Paying him would amount to enabling, and I need to focus on saving responsibly?

He’s a piss-taking bastard

KoalaKoKo · 17/07/2026 00:10

Where ever your child has established roots will be their legal home. I know people who haven't been able to move after splitting up with a partner because the child has friends and relatives in the area. Unless your happy to stay in your partners home country for 18 years, don't move.

Also as others have pointed out - he wished for you to pay from your savings when you were on maternity leave, but now that you are earning more he wants you to hand over half your income because he doesn't want to spend his savings? You have to provide financially, but also do the childcare, the cooking and the cleaning as HE is burned out!!! I think you need to lose him or you will have serious burnout yourself and be trapped in a country until your child is an adult.

SharingMyOpinion · 17/07/2026 00:08

One rule for he, another for thee.

He would have an argument if he’d been overpaying for years and had split his assets with you - on the basis you have shared finances.

But he’s hoarding his savings and wants to live off your money. That’s not love or respect, that’s called having your cake and eating it.

I do not know why people have children with people they won’t marry or don’t trust to share finances with. Co-parenting is for life and an innocent child bears the brunt.

Do not move to his country. People don’t coerce others to move to a country where they don’t have work. That’s not love.

If you want to consider keeping the relationship then go to counselling at a minimum.

hellospring26 · 17/07/2026 00:06

I clicked YABU because quite frankly you are to even consider doing this.

Cornishclio · 16/07/2026 23:55

No most definitely not. If you had to finance your maternity leave with no help from him then he can finance his unemployment stretch.

AggroPotato · 16/07/2026 23:54

I'm actually horrified that you need to ask, it's worrying because it is clear he's done a number on you.

One more voice to the chorus, no no no. He has a huge safety net of savings. He could earn but doesn't. He's claiming to be burnt out from - travelling - give me strength. He doesn't pull his weight.

You really need to cut him out of your life and fast. This man literally thinks you are stupid, and is so monumentally entitled that he isn't even trying to hide it. Literally nobody in their right mind would agree to this setup.

Tell him to go and stay with family to recover from his "burn out" and stay exactly where you are.

Bristolandlazy · 16/07/2026 23:47

Burnout, ha ha ha, give me strength. I think most working parents are knackered. He should sort himself out after a month off. Don't give him money. Surely he can work part time in an easy job at very least. You're going to look back and regret this relationship one day. He's taking the piss.

NoodleHorses · 16/07/2026 23:38

Stand up straight and look at yourself in a mirror. As yourself the following question.
”Do I look like a cash point machine?”
If you don’t look exactly like one, you have your answer.

In all honesty, I was stunned that he has 10s of thousands in the bank but you had to live off savings to fund maternity leave for a bit longer. I am on the spectrum and I work, I am not social, I am a get on with it and do things kind of woman. I also knew we are all different, but even so.
I am in the same camp as most others, don’t marry him and do not relinquish half your nett income to anyone. I take it all the bills would be yours to pay out of your remaining half. Know your worth, and it’s more than he gives you.

LejlaKapovic · 16/07/2026 23:37

mcrlover · 16/07/2026 21:43

Sorry for the long post, don't want to dripfeed.

My partner (not married) and I have been together 4 years and have a DD (1 year old). When we met, I was in quite a hippie mindset - we were travelling a lot. Partner was working freelance, before we met he had a thriving business and saved a lot of income. His business ended because the sector was becoming redundant. Since we met, he has still barely earned. At the start of the relationship he had motivation to try and make a new business work, but without a business partner he struggled. He was always the "doer" and relied on a business partner to handle the client acquisition etc - he is very shy and introverted. Also, we suspect, on the autistic spectrum.

Throughout the relationship I worked full time. We always kept finances separate and split costs 50:50. When I got pregnant the plan was for me to take maternity pay, then take unpaid maternity leave and live off my savings (my savings would have run out by the end). He has 10's of K in savings still, despite earning less than his outgoings for the 4 years (he had a lot saved to start with).

Luckily during my maternity leave I landed a very high paid job, and now earn a lot of income. My partner thinks I should give him half my salary each month, and I'm not sure if that's unfair, or if I'm being stingy saying no.

Since I earned more, I have been contributing proportionally more for shared costs and baby costs, which I think is fair. But I'm on a freelance contract, which is going well, but there's a chance it won't be renewed at the end of the year.

He said he can't find a job as he has burnout from all the travelling and logistics around it. So I agreed we settle in his home country near his family (although I would prefer settling near mine). He is also demanding half my income, despite having 10s of k in savings. He said he doesn't like spending his savings (but I want to save for pension and baby!! Neither of us have a pension)

And I'm worried that if I pay him so much he would lose any last push to find a job. I asked him what he would do if I split the income with him - he said he would let go of his already very very part-time income stream. I said he could either be a stay at home dad and we split my income, or he pays his way (while I still contribute more to shared costs).

FYI its not like he does more home chores - I do all the cleaning, cooking, baby food prep, childcare organisation, babys clothes, packing and unpacking her stuff, and pay for most of the full time childcare. He leads travel logistics/subletting the apartment.

I can't tell if he is genuinely burned out and I should help him get back on his feet by easing the financial stress. Or if he is taking me for a ride and I'm being manipulated.

AIBU: he has burnout, we co-parent, I earn more than him and it's fair I split my income with him?
Or AINBU: Paying him would amount to enabling, and I need to focus on saving responsibly?

Yuck, what a turn off. A "man" who's grabby and manipulative, and thinks it's honourable and manly to take half of a woman's salary. Disgusting.

Absolutely do not give him a penny. In fact, what are you doing with this loser? He sounds useless, draining, precious as well as horrible. Most women wouldn't touch this "man" with a bargepole.