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AIBU?

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To feel jealous of the dog

241 replies

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 12:38

DH and I have 3 kids.

We get on fine. No arguments.

But he hardly speaks to me and everything I love/do seems to irritate him. He is just so grumpy.

This morning he was clearly annoyed at me for opening the curtains at 7.30am. I'm an early riser. I go to bed 10pm and read, then try and sleep. I love mornings. DH goes to bed 11.30pm to midnight.

When he then got up 20 mins later, he didn't speak to me at all. He went straight down stairs and was playing with the dog.

He then has a shower, still doesn't speak to me, takes the dog for a walk, then takes DS to footy after shouting at DS (15) to get up. He let DS stay up til midnight then wondered why he wouldn't get up, so I was left to do the wake the teenager bit while DH walked the dog.

On a work day, he comes home then goes straight to the dog. He never asks how my day was. He will then come into the lounge 20 mins later after getting changed and tell me about his work.

I'm a little untidy. He picks up anything of mine and throws it in my office and moans. Ditto for kids stuff. Yet doesn't mind the dog hair everywhere and rolls his eyes if I comment on it.

Every evening he sits with dog on the sofa in his man cave, watching TV whilst on his phone. I sit on my own, or play the piano, or read. He then appears in the lounge about 10.15pm as I am about to go to bed. He hates books, he dislikes music and noise.

I work around 40 hours per week term time, and some work in school holidays. He works 37 hours a week and has flexi time and can WFH half the week. I do all the meal planning, cooking, organising kids stuff (except footy), cleaning, kids evening activities, school stuff.

I'm a lively cheerful person who likes people and has lots of hobbies yet I feel so lonely and dull. He genuinely seems to have no interest in me. Not physically and not mentally. Surely this is not normal for married life? Why doesn't he just divorce me and marry the dog?

I'm not a dog person. But when the last dog died 13 years ago DH was the most miserable git ever, so I had to agree to another dog as it was unbearable. I put rules in place e.g. sleep in utility room, not on furniture unless invited, not upstairs etc... but every single boundary I requested has been ignored.

Even when I do try and have a conversation, he seems to argue the opposite just for the sake of it. A motorbike did a wheelie down our road the other week and I said "what a nob head" and DH muttered "oh FFS just shut up". He likes motorbikes. He spends all weekend in the mancave watching bike racing.

If I'm not being unreasonable, would counselling fix this?

YABU: this is normal. men prefer dogs to people.

YANBU: this is not normal. couples talk and take interest in each others life.

OP posts:
ginasevern · 20/09/2026 16:35

@TwinklyAmberSloth It doesn't sound like a very happy marriage OP. I don't think you two are compatible or perhaps your DH just isn't suited to life as it is. Did he want kids? I'm not making excuses for him because like or not, this is now his life and he either sucks it up or has an honest conversation with you. Or you with him. Just think what your lives will be like when the kids leave home. Sounds like misery to me. You're just basically co-existing.

tillyandmilly · 20/09/2026 16:36

Sorry I cannot understand how you have 3 kids you sound very incompatible! I love dogs and they can go anywhere in my house - so on the side of your husband!

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:40

Passaggressfedup · 20/09/2026 16:26

So do I just have nothing to do with anything football related, let DS sleep in and let DH just deal with it?
Absolutely. He is their dad, he manages it his way. It might not be the best or the way of your choice but he has a right to deal with the situation as he sees fit.

My OH also sees himself as very laid back and not controlling, but he is because he has the inner belief that his way is the right way and that I should therefore align more to how he does things. When I don't, he start acting passive aggressive. I recognise a bit of this behaviour in your posts. I could be totally wrong, but I might not be.

And yes, the way you end up dealing with it is by removing yourself from situations where you feel observed and where there is an unsaid expectation of behaving in a certain way.

20cm or not, already awake or not, the act of opening the curtain is passing the message that you think he needs to get up and that if you think he should, that's what he should do. This is what readers are picking on that you don't seem to recognise.

I do understand the curtain bit and that I shouldn't have opened them. He did go back to sleep 60 seconds later.

I'm not sure I see myself as passive aggressive. I was just trying to keep the calm and avoid shouting. Everything I do is to keep life running smoothly. I will take a step back in future.

DH has done things like spend £7000 on something for himself without so much as mentioning it to me, and didn't see the issue. He won't go abroad as dog can't come (so I take the kids on holiday). And if I take the kids away for a week (I get school holidays so do all the childcare) then he often forgets to contact me all week and it's only me contacting him. He insisted on renovating the bathroom himself (after I wanted to pay to get someone to do it) and a year later we still have no main bathroom.

But I don't think he is doing this out of spite. I think he just thinks it's OK and normal to behave like this. And I don't think it is normal.

OP posts:
Snoken · 20/09/2026 16:43

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:40

I do understand the curtain bit and that I shouldn't have opened them. He did go back to sleep 60 seconds later.

I'm not sure I see myself as passive aggressive. I was just trying to keep the calm and avoid shouting. Everything I do is to keep life running smoothly. I will take a step back in future.

DH has done things like spend £7000 on something for himself without so much as mentioning it to me, and didn't see the issue. He won't go abroad as dog can't come (so I take the kids on holiday). And if I take the kids away for a week (I get school holidays so do all the childcare) then he often forgets to contact me all week and it's only me contacting him. He insisted on renovating the bathroom himself (after I wanted to pay to get someone to do it) and a year later we still have no main bathroom.

But I don't think he is doing this out of spite. I think he just thinks it's OK and normal to behave like this. And I don't think it is normal.

He doesn't forget to contact you all week. He chooses not to because your relationship is non-existent. You have nothing to talk about in the house so there is no point in calling you when you are out of the house.

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 20/09/2026 16:43

I think it’s interesting which comments you’re choosing to engage with. 81% of commenters think YANBU, the overwhelming majority are astonished you’re tolerating any of this, yet you’re mostly responding to people who are wittering on about the curtains.

Yes, you should let them get up in their own time, but that’s not the issue here. Your husband is thoughtless, self absorbed, doesn’t do his share of the domestic labour, cannot even be trusted to feed his own children, shouts at his DS, tells you to shut the fuck up and generally acts like he can’t stand you. Regardless of your assertions on this thread, he is a horrible person. Why are you in this relationship? How can you accept that this is your life?

Passaggressfedup · 20/09/2026 16:44

Yes, your relationship has just become one of cohabitation.

It is okay for some people so it's not a criticism, but it sounds that you need to accept that's what it is.

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 20/09/2026 16:45

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:31

Well he went straight back to sleep after moaning and putting the duvet over his head so it can't have been that bad?!?!

I think counselling could be worth a shot, or at least it might make him understand how checked out he appears to be.

His dad came round the other day and the two of them were chatting away. They said more in an hour than I think he says to me in a month! So I think the penny is sinking in that he actually really doesn't like me particularly and I'm just an irritating person.

I mean I can be super annoying. My hearing is really sensitive so I hear ALL noises (kids, dog, things happening outside, washing machine etc...) so if I watch TV (not often) I put subtitles on so I can actually follow properly. Otherwise I miss quite a lot and it gets boring. He won't watch anything with the subtitles on, nor does he like the volume turned up. So when I've tried to do a film night with popcorn, he either refuses to join us (kids don't mind subtitles) or joins us and sits on his phone (so surely wouldn't even see the subtitles???) but I end up missing lots of what is said. It's really frustrating.

I genuinely don't mean to be such an irritating person, but I guess I just am!

He doesn’t seem to like you, but why have you concluded that the problem is you? Why are you the irritating person, as opposed to him just being an arsehole?

Stormyrose · 20/09/2026 16:46

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 20/09/2026 16:43

I think it’s interesting which comments you’re choosing to engage with. 81% of commenters think YANBU, the overwhelming majority are astonished you’re tolerating any of this, yet you’re mostly responding to people who are wittering on about the curtains.

Yes, you should let them get up in their own time, but that’s not the issue here. Your husband is thoughtless, self absorbed, doesn’t do his share of the domestic labour, cannot even be trusted to feed his own children, shouts at his DS, tells you to shut the fuck up and generally acts like he can’t stand you. Regardless of your assertions on this thread, he is a horrible person. Why are you in this relationship? How can you accept that this is your life?

This is indeed what you’ve told people op as the thread has gone on, you’ve ramped it up and told everyone thid man is basically deeply abusive whilst you care for him, the children, the home and are treated like domestic labour.

and so it begs the question, if this isn’t mutual, you really are a wonderful wife who treats him well , then why are you still married to him.

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:49

ginasevern · 20/09/2026 16:35

@TwinklyAmberSloth It doesn't sound like a very happy marriage OP. I don't think you two are compatible or perhaps your DH just isn't suited to life as it is. Did he want kids? I'm not making excuses for him because like or not, this is now his life and he either sucks it up or has an honest conversation with you. Or you with him. Just think what your lives will be like when the kids leave home. Sounds like misery to me. You're just basically co-existing.

@tillyandmilly

DS1 was a surprise early into the relationship. To be honest we got on fine as friends (and had been friends before getting together) then I realised we had very little in common once we moved in together. But we made a go of it. We then had a second and got a buy one get one free situation. And I guess it was after that things have gone silent. His life isn't so different as it was as a single bloke, and mine got turned upside-down.

Once the kids leave home I cannot see it lasting. It very much is co-existing.

But we cannot afford to have two separate homes.

OP posts:
mumumental · 20/09/2026 16:51

You don’t have to listen to his work stuff if he ignores you the rest of the time. How incredibly rude.

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:53

Duckiewasthefirstniceguy · 20/09/2026 16:43

I think it’s interesting which comments you’re choosing to engage with. 81% of commenters think YANBU, the overwhelming majority are astonished you’re tolerating any of this, yet you’re mostly responding to people who are wittering on about the curtains.

Yes, you should let them get up in their own time, but that’s not the issue here. Your husband is thoughtless, self absorbed, doesn’t do his share of the domestic labour, cannot even be trusted to feed his own children, shouts at his DS, tells you to shut the fuck up and generally acts like he can’t stand you. Regardless of your assertions on this thread, he is a horrible person. Why are you in this relationship? How can you accept that this is your life?

I actually have no idea how I have ended up like this.

My ex was controlling and sucked the life out of me, so I guess at first it was nice to have someone who let me just be me. I had freedom. I could choose my own friends. But then too late I realised it wasn't freedom but more loneliness from him not being bothered at all and the complete opposite extreme.

OP posts:
painthisbathroom · 20/09/2026 16:55

I don't have a problem with the curtains, I'd be grateful if someone woke me up so I had enough time to get ready. I might not want to get up but I wouldn't have a go at person trying to help me. If you want it to stay dark, just keep your eyes shut.

YourWildAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:59

We get on fine. No arguments.

You really don't. Perhaps you've become so use to this cold, shitty behaviour that it's become normalised. I would rather argue tbh.

SadOrWickedFairy · 20/09/2026 17:18

But I don't think he is doing this out of spite. I think he just thinks it's OK and normal to behave like this. And I don't think it is normal.

It isn't normal. In fact I think it is worse than him not liking you, loving you or respecting you he is actually completely indifferent to you, feels no emotion whatsoever towards you. If he hated you there would at least be a level of passion and feeling there, but there isn't.

This is no way to live @TwinklyAmberSloth I know you say you can't afford two homes but can you really afford to live like this for the next however many years? You will be so ground down by the time the children leave home and at what age will that be? Some children are still at home well into their 20's these days.

I would suggest you take legal advice, talk it through with a solicitor and see what you would actually be working with rather than dismissing it as being unable to afford two houses.

OneNewEagle · 20/09/2026 17:18

You don’t get on fine OP. Instead of rows you just get nothing. You would be best off with just you and the kids.

Glitchymn1 · 20/09/2026 17:31

shhblackbag · 20/09/2026 13:27

You don't even seem to like each other. At best, you are completely incompatible.

Basically this.
If you opened the curtains when I was in bed I’d ✨kill you ✨🤣.
Get the dog onside, that’s what I’d do but I love dogs! I also clean up after her constantly, she doesn’t sleep upstairs but a cold, utility room sucks (sorry).

Is there any love or affection?

Bluffinwithmymuffin · 20/09/2026 17:39

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:40

I do understand the curtain bit and that I shouldn't have opened them. He did go back to sleep 60 seconds later.

I'm not sure I see myself as passive aggressive. I was just trying to keep the calm and avoid shouting. Everything I do is to keep life running smoothly. I will take a step back in future.

DH has done things like spend £7000 on something for himself without so much as mentioning it to me, and didn't see the issue. He won't go abroad as dog can't come (so I take the kids on holiday). And if I take the kids away for a week (I get school holidays so do all the childcare) then he often forgets to contact me all week and it's only me contacting him. He insisted on renovating the bathroom himself (after I wanted to pay to get someone to do it) and a year later we still have no main bathroom.

But I don't think he is doing this out of spite. I think he just thinks it's OK and normal to behave like this. And I don't think it is normal.

I don’t think his behaviour is normal either, nor are you coming across as irritating; rather you’ve been trying a number of ways to make some semblance of family life and he’s not reciprocating.

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 17:41

Glitchymn1 · 20/09/2026 17:31

Basically this.
If you opened the curtains when I was in bed I’d ✨kill you ✨🤣.
Get the dog onside, that’s what I’d do but I love dogs! I also clean up after her constantly, she doesn’t sleep upstairs but a cold, utility room sucks (sorry).

Is there any love or affection?

He doesn't initiate any affection. If we have dinner together one evening (my attempt to spend time together) then after I will go and sit next to him but it feels like I'm annoying him.

I really dont think he is deliberately this cold. I think he is just like this. He is currently referring to the neighbours kids as pricks because theyre playing football in their garden.

He is just so negative about everything.

OP posts:
SadOrWickedFairy · 20/09/2026 17:52

Do you think he would actually want 50-50 custody if you split? Is that what is making you rule out splitting up, indicating the need for two houses?

This is a man who can't be bothered to feed his children when they are in his care, do you really think he would want to take on the responsibility of care 50% of the time?

Would your children even want to spend that amount of time with him?

Find out your options and list the pros and cons of remaining as you are and then decide what is best for you and your children in both the short and long term. Don't just resign yourself to this bleak existence for the next however many years.

If you do decide to remain with him work out a better way for you to do so. Accept you are just two people sharing living accommodation but have separate and independent lives and sort out plans and routines to reflect that.

Lmnop22 · 20/09/2026 17:52

What is it that you actually want him to do with you though OP?

In the evenings you play piano with headphones on or you read. Great as you like those things but they aren’t social activities at all so he can’t be involved.

He likes watching tv and you can’t do that because you need volume up or subtitles and those features ruin the enjoyment for him. Both opinions on that fair enough but incompatible.

So, fundamentally if you both just like totally different things and actively can’t join in with what the other likes to do then how do you want to spend more time together?

Just sounds like the relationship has run its course to be honest!

OutOfTheOtherSide · 20/09/2026 18:10

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 17:41

He doesn't initiate any affection. If we have dinner together one evening (my attempt to spend time together) then after I will go and sit next to him but it feels like I'm annoying him.

I really dont think he is deliberately this cold. I think he is just like this. He is currently referring to the neighbours kids as pricks because theyre playing football in their garden.

He is just so negative about everything.

You talk about him being 'cold' yet the way you spoke about his grief was freezing. Have a look at yourself before criticising him. Even the curtain opening suggests a complete lack of basic human thoughtfulness. Just leave him for both of your sakes.

Stormyrose · 20/09/2026 18:11

TwinklyAmberSloth · 20/09/2026 16:49

@tillyandmilly

DS1 was a surprise early into the relationship. To be honest we got on fine as friends (and had been friends before getting together) then I realised we had very little in common once we moved in together. But we made a go of it. We then had a second and got a buy one get one free situation. And I guess it was after that things have gone silent. His life isn't so different as it was as a single bloke, and mine got turned upside-down.

Once the kids leave home I cannot see it lasting. It very much is co-existing.

But we cannot afford to have two separate homes.

Is that what it is, at its core, kids drove you to stay together, and money is keeping you together?

I understand you’re listing all his faults, showing your deep unhappiness, and I’d hazard a guess he’s not feeling the love to you either.

youve both got yourselves into this situation, but if you can’t afford to live seperately to one another, and I’m not sure why you can’t, you both work, then just accept the marriage is done and you house share.

Butsometimesnot · 20/09/2026 18:16

what must life be like for your kids @TwinklyAmberSloth ? This is what they will benchmark relationships against

Butsometimesnot · 20/09/2026 18:17

OutOfTheOtherSide · 20/09/2026 18:10

You talk about him being 'cold' yet the way you spoke about his grief was freezing. Have a look at yourself before criticising him. Even the curtain opening suggests a complete lack of basic human thoughtfulness. Just leave him for both of your sakes.

Exactly
this sounds like one of the most unhappiest toxic family environments I can recall on Mumsnet

SilverTotoro · 20/09/2026 18:17

OP he sounds horrible. Read your posts back he ignores you and his kids and sulks or shouts when you call him out. He has no interest in the same things you do. Tbh the way he cares for his dog is his only redeeming feature in my view.