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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to lock the bathroom door despite my husband's objection?

462 replies

gimmeshelta · 05/09/2026 15:18

DH is currently screaming at me because I went back on my word that I wouldn’t lock the bathroom door.

I’ve been under a lot of stress recently and have a diagnosis of ptsd. I need to find safe spaces when I’m triggered by something. It used to be in my car but I’ve sold it because we’re struggling financially. I broke down to my DH on Wednesday evening and said I was really struggling. DH hasn’t been the most supportive and has said my mental health issues are due to me not being proactive enough - despite the fact I hold down a household, a full time job and exercise to help myself.

Anyway, he’s always had an issue with me locking the bathroom door. He said married couples don’t need privacy when showering or on the toilet and has been suspicious of what I’m doing in there. I mentioned that I find it a safe space to cry and regulate myself (usually after a shower).

After a lengthy conversation he made me promise not to lock the bathroom door. There are no safety concerns about me locking the door - I don’t and have never self harmed, I’m not suicidal etc. I just like privacy. He told me he’d be angry if I locked the door again. So I just agreed not to.

Today I got a shower and forgot about the not locking the door rule. He was out but came back when I was getting out.

He screamed at me, said I’m not a “man of my word” and that I lied to him. I told him it was an automatic action and I’d just forgot. I asked why it was so important it was unlocked - was he worried about me etc? He said no, I asked you to do something, you agreed and then didn’t do it. I said I didn’t want to shower with an open door and he said this was weird

I’ve asked why it’s so important to him but he keeps screaming “you’re not even sorry”

Aibu?

OP posts:
GCAcademic · 06/09/2026 14:27

He may not have been physically violent to you yet but it is only a matter of time. The man is unregulated, aggressive and abusive. You need to make plans to leave, but be very, very careful. If he gets this angry at you locking the bathroom door, any hint that you might leave could be very dangerous for you.

ThisSparklyHelper · 06/09/2026 15:51

gimmeshelta · 06/09/2026 09:09

PTSD due to an assault (not by DH). Diagnosed by a psychiatrist, and have ongoing emdr with a psychologist.

Hes not been violent to me, but he’s violent and aggressively generally. He will throw things and they break during arguments. He’s thrown a pan through the window before and the window smashed. That was some time ago and he agreed to get help for his anger problems.

I know this annoys posters but writing it down helps me, I keep reading it back, so other things he’s done include telling me I can’t lie in/what time to get up, not to start antidepressants, limiting time I can see my friends (if I see them Saturday why am I seeing them Sunday?), awful when I’m unwell (denying me rest, saying I’m faking it, calling me weak, expecting sex).

when it’s all written down it’s honestly awful. It doesn’t feel bad 100% of the time

Have you spoken to the psychologist about the issues with your husband?

thetinsoldier · 06/09/2026 15:56

gimmeshelta · 06/09/2026 09:09

PTSD due to an assault (not by DH). Diagnosed by a psychiatrist, and have ongoing emdr with a psychologist.

Hes not been violent to me, but he’s violent and aggressively generally. He will throw things and they break during arguments. He’s thrown a pan through the window before and the window smashed. That was some time ago and he agreed to get help for his anger problems.

I know this annoys posters but writing it down helps me, I keep reading it back, so other things he’s done include telling me I can’t lie in/what time to get up, not to start antidepressants, limiting time I can see my friends (if I see them Saturday why am I seeing them Sunday?), awful when I’m unwell (denying me rest, saying I’m faking it, calling me weak, expecting sex).

when it’s all written down it’s honestly awful. It doesn’t feel bad 100% of the time

It is awful. And he acts like this even knowing you have PTSD.

He’s scum.

Can you make plans to leave?

Balloonhearts · 06/09/2026 16:00

Why does he get to tell you what to do? Fuck that, if I didn't leave a man like that, I'd end up a widow.

SerafinasGoose · 08/09/2026 10:49

OP, I'm sorry. Really sorry.

This thread will be a hard read for you. Some of the repeated comments to LTB may feel overwhelming, or even like haranguing at this point. But having RTFT I think these comments come from a genuinely good place and a desire to help you see that what you're experiencing really is abuse.

When people are in those situations for some time, the abuse starts to feel 'normal'. The clear eyes of dispassionate bystanders might be able to see what you, whilst mired in the current relationship, might not. But it's a hard thing to look at your own life and recognise yourself as a victim. That 'scales falling from the eyes' moment is one of the most painful there is. To then go from this to 'LTB' immediately is an enormous undertaking, and one, I think, that some people underestimate.

You've already done the brave thing by posting here. Try to start by talking to people: Women's Aid are already recommended but they can be difficult to contact, so persevere, and know that people are on your side with this. There are always some who will be frustrated at those who don't respond by taking the advice to 'LTB' immediately. Some of us know it isn't that simple. But MN is wonderful at helping women to recognise their own abuse, and to begin to work to extract themselves from it.

Process this in your own time. You don't owe MN an explanation - and this is true even though people have taken time out of their day to help you. They have volunteered that time - and people shouldn't volunteer what they expect to get back. You don't owe us anything in return.

In the meantime, please do take care. And if writing down the whole picture helps you to see it more clearly, please do it, and ignore the dictatorial comments telling you not to. That is what this site is for - to help people.

You've been dealt some awful cards here: please take care of yourself. 💐

MyMilchick · 08/09/2026 12:26

wtf? Why does he think he can dictate things like this to you. I don't care how long I've been married I don't want an audience when I'm taking a shit 😳

Tell fuck off

PissedOffAutistic · 08/09/2026 12:58

Oh mate! I can 100% guarantee you that your PTSD would be a whole lot better if you left this controlling abusive arsehole. More red flags than a communist parade

EvieBB · 08/09/2026 15:47

SerafinasGoose · 08/09/2026 10:49

OP, I'm sorry. Really sorry.

This thread will be a hard read for you. Some of the repeated comments to LTB may feel overwhelming, or even like haranguing at this point. But having RTFT I think these comments come from a genuinely good place and a desire to help you see that what you're experiencing really is abuse.

When people are in those situations for some time, the abuse starts to feel 'normal'. The clear eyes of dispassionate bystanders might be able to see what you, whilst mired in the current relationship, might not. But it's a hard thing to look at your own life and recognise yourself as a victim. That 'scales falling from the eyes' moment is one of the most painful there is. To then go from this to 'LTB' immediately is an enormous undertaking, and one, I think, that some people underestimate.

You've already done the brave thing by posting here. Try to start by talking to people: Women's Aid are already recommended but they can be difficult to contact, so persevere, and know that people are on your side with this. There are always some who will be frustrated at those who don't respond by taking the advice to 'LTB' immediately. Some of us know it isn't that simple. But MN is wonderful at helping women to recognise their own abuse, and to begin to work to extract themselves from it.

Process this in your own time. You don't owe MN an explanation - and this is true even though people have taken time out of their day to help you. They have volunteered that time - and people shouldn't volunteer what they expect to get back. You don't owe us anything in return.

In the meantime, please do take care. And if writing down the whole picture helps you to see it more clearly, please do it, and ignore the dictatorial comments telling you not to. That is what this site is for - to help people.

You've been dealt some awful cards here: please take care of yourself. 💐

What a lovely, kind and wise post

scaryhairy100 · 08/09/2026 18:30

.

Motuihe · 08/09/2026 19:09

LTB He is a control freak and an abuser. Stay safe

AnonAnonmystery · 08/09/2026 19:29

Your last post was heartbreaking. Yoir husbands abuse has been normalised for you. I hope you can find the strength to leave on day x

Shouldbedoing · 09/09/2026 08:03

Withholding medication or in his case trying to persuade you not to take it is also an act of Domestic Abuse. He wants you broken and vulnerable. Please speak to Women's Aid

arethereanyleftatall · 09/09/2026 08:59

SerafinasGoose · 08/09/2026 10:49

OP, I'm sorry. Really sorry.

This thread will be a hard read for you. Some of the repeated comments to LTB may feel overwhelming, or even like haranguing at this point. But having RTFT I think these comments come from a genuinely good place and a desire to help you see that what you're experiencing really is abuse.

When people are in those situations for some time, the abuse starts to feel 'normal'. The clear eyes of dispassionate bystanders might be able to see what you, whilst mired in the current relationship, might not. But it's a hard thing to look at your own life and recognise yourself as a victim. That 'scales falling from the eyes' moment is one of the most painful there is. To then go from this to 'LTB' immediately is an enormous undertaking, and one, I think, that some people underestimate.

You've already done the brave thing by posting here. Try to start by talking to people: Women's Aid are already recommended but they can be difficult to contact, so persevere, and know that people are on your side with this. There are always some who will be frustrated at those who don't respond by taking the advice to 'LTB' immediately. Some of us know it isn't that simple. But MN is wonderful at helping women to recognise their own abuse, and to begin to work to extract themselves from it.

Process this in your own time. You don't owe MN an explanation - and this is true even though people have taken time out of their day to help you. They have volunteered that time - and people shouldn't volunteer what they expect to get back. You don't owe us anything in return.

In the meantime, please do take care. And if writing down the whole picture helps you to see it more clearly, please do it, and ignore the dictatorial comments telling you not to. That is what this site is for - to help people.

You've been dealt some awful cards here: please take care of yourself. 💐

Lovely post, worthy of another repost x

gimmeshelta · 09/09/2026 14:57

Trying to change my phone contract to a new phone and he’s found me on the phone, was shouting at me that he could get me a better deal whilst the woman was speaking to me. I couldn’t hear her so had to walk away and he screamed “don’t you walk away from me”. The woman on the phone asked me if she could speak to him. He tried to put the contract under his name. He failed the credit check so couldn’t.

I told him after that I found the behaviour embarrassing and that the woman could hear - he said I shouldn’t have walked off, I’m his wife, and that I should have asked the woman to stop speaking as he was talking to me.

I don’t want to be here anymore, I really don’t

OP posts:
BMW58 · 09/09/2026 15:00

Please, please leave the house, go to a friend or relative and contact Women's Aid to help you get away from this abuse.

Or go to the Police Station as coercive control is a criminal offence.

Anendlessseriesofunfortunateevents · 09/09/2026 15:04

It sounds like its time to make a change OP.

Please stay safe.

Do you work?
Have friends or family nearby?
Do you have access to money?

nozbottheblue · 09/09/2026 15:04

gimmeshelta · 09/09/2026 14:57

Trying to change my phone contract to a new phone and he’s found me on the phone, was shouting at me that he could get me a better deal whilst the woman was speaking to me. I couldn’t hear her so had to walk away and he screamed “don’t you walk away from me”. The woman on the phone asked me if she could speak to him. He tried to put the contract under his name. He failed the credit check so couldn’t.

I told him after that I found the behaviour embarrassing and that the woman could hear - he said I shouldn’t have walked off, I’m his wife, and that I should have asked the woman to stop speaking as he was talking to me.

I don’t want to be here anymore, I really don’t

You NEED to be not there any more, OP.
What are you thinking of doing?
Have you gathered all your important documents together?
We are rooting for you.Flowers

PotatoLove · 09/09/2026 15:13

You need to leave, OP.

He is vile and abusive.

Rosesandthorns66 · 09/09/2026 15:13

gimmeshelta · 09/09/2026 14:57

Trying to change my phone contract to a new phone and he’s found me on the phone, was shouting at me that he could get me a better deal whilst the woman was speaking to me. I couldn’t hear her so had to walk away and he screamed “don’t you walk away from me”. The woman on the phone asked me if she could speak to him. He tried to put the contract under his name. He failed the credit check so couldn’t.

I told him after that I found the behaviour embarrassing and that the woman could hear - he said I shouldn’t have walked off, I’m his wife, and that I should have asked the woman to stop speaking as he was talking to me.

I don’t want to be here anymore, I really don’t

No one deserves this kind of behaviour.
Please, please reach out to womens aid. With their support you can leave this man.
It won't be easy, but you don't have it easy now either. You are putting up with abuse.
STOP and think what are the good points of staying with this man?

Are there any good enough reasons, that are worth the abuse from him?
The mind does play tricks, and makes you think you are better off staying.
Trust me this is not a healthy relationship.
Please leave and look forward to a peaceful future. NOT a future full of abuse.

doodleZ1 · 09/09/2026 15:15

You can get a pay as you go phone in your lunchtime. Please open a new bank account, arrange for your wages to be paid into it and in the meantime see what savings you have and how easy it would be move half of it into your new bank account at the last minute. You work full time, if it’s a large firm ask for support they will have seen this before. Take screenshots to show you only took half of what was there at that time. Set a deadline to leave. Get time off in the working day to see a lawyer and women’s aid. Make sure your work tells him nothing remotely suspicious if he decides to phone them. Make sure there is no “find my phone” enabled on your mobile or if there is don’t get rid of it but leave the phone at your workplace when you speak to a lawyer etc.

Get passport, birth certificate, pension info for him etc gathered in your workplace.

Thinking about you OP, you’ve got this.

doodleZ1 · 09/09/2026 15:17

She said she works full time

Dracolina · 09/09/2026 15:20

gimmeshelta · 05/09/2026 15:18

DH is currently screaming at me because I went back on my word that I wouldn’t lock the bathroom door.

I’ve been under a lot of stress recently and have a diagnosis of ptsd. I need to find safe spaces when I’m triggered by something. It used to be in my car but I’ve sold it because we’re struggling financially. I broke down to my DH on Wednesday evening and said I was really struggling. DH hasn’t been the most supportive and has said my mental health issues are due to me not being proactive enough - despite the fact I hold down a household, a full time job and exercise to help myself.

Anyway, he’s always had an issue with me locking the bathroom door. He said married couples don’t need privacy when showering or on the toilet and has been suspicious of what I’m doing in there. I mentioned that I find it a safe space to cry and regulate myself (usually after a shower).

After a lengthy conversation he made me promise not to lock the bathroom door. There are no safety concerns about me locking the door - I don’t and have never self harmed, I’m not suicidal etc. I just like privacy. He told me he’d be angry if I locked the door again. So I just agreed not to.

Today I got a shower and forgot about the not locking the door rule. He was out but came back when I was getting out.

He screamed at me, said I’m not a “man of my word” and that I lied to him. I told him it was an automatic action and I’d just forgot. I asked why it was so important it was unlocked - was he worried about me etc? He said no, I asked you to do something, you agreed and then didn’t do it. I said I didn’t want to shower with an open door and he said this was weird

I’ve asked why it’s so important to him but he keeps screaming “you’re not even sorry”

Aibu?

This is some of the weirdest marital behaviour I've ever heard of. Aside from the fact that your husband is abusive and controlling, he also sounds like a grade A creep and pervert. Why does he want to walk in on you taking a shit, and gets angry about not being allowed to do this?

MyDpsanarse · 09/09/2026 15:48

Now you've faced how controlling and nasty his behaviour is you'll notice it more and more Op. Get help and get out as soon as you can, if he starts to notice a change in you he'll get worse to try and lock you down.

dh280125 · 09/09/2026 15:48

WTF. We don't have locks, but I'd NEVER just barge in and I have no desire to see anyone using the toilet. That said, more concerning is the level of control and aggression. Not healthy!

AnonAnonmystery · 09/09/2026 16:09

if you are scared about leaving because if money, TSB have a fund for women fleeing domestic abuse and here is the link below. Please check in later as worried for you ( if you can)

www.tsb.co.uk/help-and-support/supporting-you-domestic-or-financial-abuse.html