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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

OH is being less than useless, IMO

25 replies

lbsjob87 · 30/05/2014 12:46

I seem to have a spate of AIBU issues right now, but here's something I really, really need help with.
I am 37, 35 wks pregnant and have one DD, who's just turned 5. Until last Friday I worked 5 days a week as a TA, am now on maternity leave until January.
My problem is my OH. He has never been the tidiest person on earth, but has always done the bare minimum with nagging, and I get around the rest.
But recently he's become less than useless. He works an odd shift pattern which is very tiring (14 days and nights on, then two off, then a week on and a week off) so I kind of make allowances, but he does nothing when he's been at work, nothing on his days off and nothing in his holidays.
And when I say nothing, I mean nothing. He watches TV. That's it.
I say nothing, he cooks dinner most nights, but never, ever tidies up, and the reason he does it is because he insists on interfering whenever I do it, telling me how I "should" do it, so I quite honestly gave up.
I will give you some examples. I probably just need to vent, tbh, but bear with!
*He never, ever uses the washing machine, or puts any washing out. If I put some out and am at work and it rains, it stays out till I get home and tumble dry it. But he would rather wear dirty work uniform than wash any.
*He never cleans, tidies or hoovers.
*Being pg, I am not supposed to empty the cat tray, but I have had to, as he just "forgets".
*We have had a leak in our kitchen roof for four years. And a different one in the lounge ceiling (it's an old house). My dad has offered to help several times. We got an insurance payout to get it fixed. I arranged for a builder to come round, he sent him away, saying he could do it himself cheaper. He didn't, and now the money has gone on other bills.

  • He earns four times what I do, so he pays the mortgage (which is more than my salary anyway) from his account. But a few months ago, he "forgot". So the money went on other debts that he ran up years ago and isn't interested in consolidating. The only way to pay it that month was by payday loan - we had no other choice. Now, seven months later, we are in the trap that the PL company take their money back on his payday, which doesn't leave enough for the mortgage, so some of his and literally all of mine pays the bills and we end up having to borrow more for food etc. He goes off to work totally oblivious while I try to look after DD and myself surrounded by jobs to do that are just building up. The baby is due in a month. EVERYTHING we need is in the loft, because the spare room is stuffed high with the junk he brought over from his mum's house three years ago when she decided on a lat minute loft clear-out. I have been literally exhausted with this pregnancy, if I manage four hours sleep a night I feel I've achieved and it is only going to get worse soon. Plus, as I said, I've been working too - only started maternity leave this week. I've tried nagging, persuading, arguing, even threatening to leave but nothing works, my mum and dad offer to help (always politely, never judgingly) and he tells them we don't need their help. But we do. Plus now his dad is very ill and his mum is constantly dreaming up reasons for him to drop everything and go and fix her tap or visit his gran, so the pressure is really on, but on the other hand I am at the end of my tether. Any sensible suggestions, please? I've asked if he's depressed, and can I help, he says no. We have had numerous discussions, he really can't see a problem. He promises to be more helpful, then just isn't. I need some ideas and support, please. And not just "put up with it or chuck him out" as that really, really doesn't help.
OP posts:
fairylightsintheloft · 30/05/2014 12:55

Ok, entirely practical suggestions:

  1. Prioritise what is most urgent and least overwhelming - maybe clearing the spare room and getting the baby stuff down. Look at his shift pattern and schedule in a time for him to do it and just say he HAS to. if he says, later, pin him down to an exact day or time so that he has agreed to do it.
  2. The financial stuff - if he is bad with money can you consolidate finances and take over? Set up direct debits so bills can't be forgotten? You can often stagger the payment dates so they go out when it suits you best. Is there anyone you might be able to borrow from (I'm thinking your parents maybe) who could get you out of the current issue with the PayDay Loan thing?
  3. Longer term, with regard to cooking / cleaning etc, again I think a very specific list of chores, with set times for them to be done in a very prominent place (or several copies - tape one to the Tv Smile)

I won't say LTB but he does sound bloody awful and a slob. I hope that once the new baby is here and you get back to normal you might find the energy to think more long term about your future with this guy. Its a pretty crap example for your DD to see you waiting on him hand and foot. I won't give him "points" for cooking - why shouldn't he? Presumably he eats too so its not a favour, just one of the many things in the house that have to happen. Good luck

NiceCupOfTeaAndAPartyRing · 30/05/2014 12:58

Hi Ibsjob,

Firstly - Congratulations on your preganancy!
I'm so sorry to hear you going through all this, preganancy should be a time of collecting yourself, bonding with baby and relaxing, not what sounds like a really stressful situation.
It sounds like you have tried lots of different approaches, so it's quite difficult to suggest any others and literally I think you may have tried everything!
Is there any way he can get any time off work as Holiday? That way perhaps you can bond a bit more for a week or so, get your heads together and really tackle some of these issues. He obviously has the week off, but it sounds to me as he sees that as his 'Me' time, not 'Spending time with my faimly' time.
With regards to your debts, you should know that you are sadly most definitley not alone in this and there is lots of help out there for you. Have you tried calling Citizens Advice or any other debt helplines?
Your parents sound like a real lifeline that I think you should try to utilise if you can, there is no shame in reaching out to people willing and able to help. It would be a big shame if his pride came in the way of a little more financial security for the new baby.
With regards to the spare room, can you speak to his mum about it? Surely she will want some of it back and if not, can he just not get in there and start throwing the obvious stuff out?
You say you have asked him if he's depressed and he said no. This may well be the case, though I would suggest that a lot of the time people have a very misguided view of what depression is and he may think because he is not crying or feeling sad all the time there's no way he can be depressed. Keep an eye on his sleep (Disrupted or sleeping all the time) and eating patterns (Bingeing or forgetting to eat for long periods), this may give you a sneaky look into his head.

Reaching out a hand to hold.

petalsandstars · 30/05/2014 12:59

Give him a deadline of a week to organise it or sort it himself and when he does nothing get your parents in to do it. At least then you can start from a clean slate.

How would he react to having his wage paid into a joint account so you can sort out the financial mess?

Possibly see one of the charities ( stepchange?) About the payday loan cycle?

Inertia · 30/05/2014 13:00

I would take your parents up on their offer to help- don't give your partner the option of refusing. Ask them for help to fix the roof- ideally on a day when your partner would be at home watching TV. Ask them to help you get the stuff down from the loft and clear the spare room.

Sell as much of the spare room junk as possible to raise money for food.

Stop asking him for help and just start doing, with as much help as you can muster from other people. Does he have any brothers or friends who would be willing to come and help you with the heavy lifting, and hopefully shame him into pulling his weight?

Is there anyway of renegotiating with the mortgage company to eg pay interest only for a few months? How are your finances arranged? TBH that sounds like by far the biggest concern.

tak1ngchances · 30/05/2014 13:01

I really feel for you. Here is an unmumsnetty hug, from one pregnant person to another.

I agree it is most unhelpful for people to say "chuck him out" so I am not going to say that.
But I think a couple of things spring to mind when I read your thread:

  • He does sound terribly depressed to me - the lack of motivation and inability to deal with problems as pressing as the mortgage one speak volumes. Tell him that it is extremely clear to you that he's depressed, perhaps he cannot see it, but you are booking a GP appointment for him. And then go with him to the GP and say the things in this note.
  • STOP doing everything. Do what you can ONLY. Please do not put your health at risk any more. If clothes get wet or the litter tray is not emptied, leave them. And please do let your parents come and help you. That at least should shame him into action.

Please prioritise yourself, your daughter and your unborn baby. Everything else can wait.

Fairenuff · 30/05/2014 13:15

OP you have to ask yourself whether you are prepared to live like this forever. This is what you signed up for. You chose to have children with him, knowing he was like this and this is how it is going to be forever.

I'm not surprised your 'threats' don't work, because you don't carry them out. He knows you don't mean it. Even I know you don't mean it just by reading what you've posted.

If you are prepared to live like this, keep doing what you're doing. If not, you will have to make a commitment to change. Whether you like it or not. No more false threats, no more fannying about. You have to have a plan and stick to it. You have to by ready to accept the consquences.

Which is it?

livingatheendofthewall · 30/05/2014 13:16

Agree with the posters above, but the most alarming thing is the cat litter tray - he is putting you and your unborn child's health at serious risk. You've got to insist he takes over with this immediately and daily, it's so important that it's not left. I think you have to lose the plot with him over this point at least.

Good luck with everything and please do accept help from your family, make him see that there's things you just can't do at the moment, like going up the loft.

Minnieisthedevilmouse · 30/05/2014 13:28

Ok practical;

Call CAB for debt advice and use debt help boards here.

Give him a jobs list to complete. Be extremely specific so clean bathroom is clean toilet, bath, sink, floor, shower.

Prepare all documentation for him and plastic bags.

Source locksmith.

Whilst at work change locks and remove all items.

He can pay bills and not live there. You are about to have a baby. You cannot be mothering this individual any longer. You are enabling it. Cease and desist. It will be easier alone than this is together.

Sorry. Good luck with the birth.

HeadfirstForHalos · 30/05/2014 14:26

Get your mum and dad t help. You need help, your h isn't giving it. maybe it will shame him into pulluing his weight, if not, put it aside for a few weeks while you have the baby and settle into a routine, then deal with him.

If he continued like this I would ltb.

Nettynety · 30/05/2014 14:31

And not just "put up with it or chuck him out" as that really, really doesn't help

If your OH won't listen to you then what other advice can be given?

Why have a second baby with this guy?

angeltattoo · 30/05/2014 15:05

He lets you change the cat litter? Really?

Sorry OP, but his actions read as he neither loves you or cares about you or your baby.

We all work. We're all tired. But my DH and I do what needs to be done to make our family hone run. Equally.

That's not be gloating - there's nothing to gloat about, it's normal - the least we should both expect from our partner.

Take the help from your parents. Why does he get to decide the answer is 'no'? What are your thoughts? Can they pay the payday loan company?

Then, in order, clear spare room, baby stuff into it. Then roof. Seek expert advice for finances.

You should be nesting, OP. Looking forward to the birth of your baby. I'm sorry you feel like this. I'm sorry leaving him is not an option. Your threats mean nothing to him, because, well, they mean nothing.

I will say that you, your DD and your baby deserve better. How can he watch TV for a week when he has children? He wear clothes, he lives in your house - how can he not do some washing or clean the kitchen?
You'd be fine without him, you know. You are already doing it alone, you're more than capable.

Flowers for you OP.

angeltattoo · 30/05/2014 15:37

And I bet he fixes his mum's tap when she calls? So he's willing to do for other people, but not his wife and child? Hmm

YouAreMyFavouriteWasteOfTime · 30/05/2014 15:44

he tells them we don't need their help. But we do.

yes. you need to ignore him and get help from your parents. he wont like it but its the best of the choices you have. and you need to get used to doing things he doesn't not like, if he wont pull his weight.

CanaryYellow · 30/05/2014 16:00

I'm not sure what magical solutions you want people here to come up with. It sounds like you've tried everything already. Perhaps if you carried through your threat to leave. But you won't.

I hope you feel a bit better after venting anyway.

hellsbellsmelons · 30/05/2014 16:00

He sounds absolutely awful.
I cannot imagine from your post why on earth you put up with it.
He is showing a complete and utter lack of respect for you.

Ignore him. Stop doing things for him.
When you go to clean the cat litter tray - get him up off of his arse and get him to do it. I just don't understand this at all. Honestly. Are you scared to ask him? Is he a big bully and you aren't giving us the full story?
Get your mum and dad round to help you sort things out.
Can they lend you the money to pay off the payday loan and then pay them back at much more reasonable rate?
Clear out the spare room.
Don't listen to him or what he has to say anymore.
Why would he tell your mum and dad you don't need help.
It's not about him or his stupid pride, it's about making his wife's life easier and happier.

This has made me rage for you.
I know for a fact that I would kick his lazy arse out of my door.

Do not make threats if you aren't going to follow them through.
If you are then make them and then follow them through.

He's got the life of riley right now at home with you doing everything.

STOP ENABLING HIM!

grovel · 30/05/2014 16:03

My DH responds to tears. Every three months.

APlaceInTheWinter · 30/05/2014 16:17

Working on the parameters that you have given ie he says he isn't depressed and you say you don't want to be told to put up with it or chuck him out . . .then the only thing you can do is ask for help from people who are willing to give it.

  • If you have a friendly neighbour, ask them to empty the cat litter tray.
  • Ask you parents to help get the room ready for the baby.
  • If your parents can afford it, ask for a loan from them to get the roof fixed and make the appointment for a day when your dp isn't at home so he can't send the builder away. What would happen if you took those steps? Would your dh step up and suddenly be Disney husband? Or would he let the other people help you Or would he blame you for embarrassing him? His response would be telling.

The other (possibly unwanted) advice I would give is listen to what he is telling you - he is saying he isn't depressed and doesn't see what the problem is. That means he has no motivation to change. If you need him to change then there is an impasse. Couples counselling might help. You're always going to get the same result unless you take active steps to change the dynamic of your relationship.

(and I say all this as someone who was in a similar place regarding repairs, housework,etc)

frogslegs35 · 30/05/2014 17:09

You are enabling him and until you stop doing so then he won't change.
As others have said stop doing anything for him. No washing/ironing/shopping/cleaning/even sex (I wouldn't be able to because his selfishness would turn me off)
You can accept the help offered, you don't need his permission to do so and quite frankly he deserves to be ashamed of himself.

I'd seriously reconsider what kind of an uncaring selfish piece of work he really is - it's one thing to be a bit lazy but only an utter arsehole would risk his unborn childs health by not taking over cat litter duties.
So long as you follow good hand hygiene after cleaning the litter and not allowing the cat access to food prep area's then you should be fine but it's SO not the point.

Inertia · 30/05/2014 23:21

Another idea - sell the telly to pay off the payday loan ( or at least part of it). Two birds, one stone.

Pixel · 31/05/2014 00:14

If it makes you feel any safer re: the cat litter tray, my doctor went to great lengths to explain to me that the risk is very small as long as you are sensible. He even got out a book to show me the statistics Confused. I only asked in passing!

I agree with whoever said talk to his mum about the spare room, after all it's her stuff. You only have to ask what she wants done with it as you need to get the room ready for the baby, surely as a mother herself she will know it will be important to you. She will most probably be horrified that it is all there still after 3 years! If she has other things going on as you say then I expect she will just say get rid, in which case you can sell or charity shop and that will be that.

Maybe if your dh is depressed then getting one of the problems out of the way will help him see that the rest is doable too.

lbsjob87 · 01/06/2014 00:16

Hi guys

Thanks for all your advice and support. We have had a massive talk and we are giving it two weeks to get sorted.
He has always been untidy but I hadn't actually pinpointed when it started getting to this stage.
Taking the roof out of the equation, we have had a very, very tough 6 months for various reasons and basically it's overwhelmed us both. His reaction has been to almost shut off and hope things go away, which he admits isn't helpful.
But today he has made progress on a whole load of jobs (he has emptied the cat tray twice) and even made plans to fix the roof with my dad on
Monday.
We are borrowing money from family to pay the PL people and I am taking over the finances.
And on Monday, I have persuaded him to make a doc's appt, he absolutely denies anything is wrong but because his dad is ill with cancer, I've got him there on a just in case check up basis.

I did seriously consider chucking him out/leaving but

A) That would be incredibly hard to come back from if he wasn't given a chance to prove himself and
B) My 5 yo has had enough disruption recently, and with a baby brother/sister imminent I don't want her thinking the baby has replaced her dad, or led to her having to move home.

Obviously, the next two weeks will show if that becomes the only alternative.

Anyway, thanks again. I feel more settled now, although there's a long way to go.

OP posts:
DraggingDownDownDown · 01/06/2014 07:19

I think you have both made some very positive steps.

Write a list of things that need doing so you can get them "out of your head" and so he can see what needs doing and can take ownership of things too.

thamrin · 01/06/2014 08:00

Hi Op, i think your steps sound great. The more adult and mature you can both be about acknowledging the current situation isn't making either of you happy and doing something about it the more successful you will be.

At the end of the day I always find you need to install the team effort feeling into the relationship... "hi hun, we need to do this, what do you think, i'll do X you do Y?"

the fact your DH promises to be more helpful (and then doesn't) at least shows he realises he isn't pulling his weight, he wants to be a better person. hopefully you can guide him to be better and how lovely you have a supportive family happy to help out.

good luck with things and you sound very sensible I'm sure you'll get it all together xx

wowfudge · 01/06/2014 08:08

Sounds like progress OP. You say your DH works nights - people who work night shifts are more likely to suffer with depression as it messes up your natural rhythm and body clock. The stuff you don't need hoarded in the spare room is another indicator that there is something he needs help with.

Good luck with the plans Flowers

HappyAgainOneDay · 01/06/2014 08:55

I'm glad things are looking up for you, OP.

Your thread made me remember when I was 8 months pregnant and I asked my now X husband to wash the kitchen floor (hands and knees days). He refused. There were so many signs like that but it took me about 27 years before I did anything about it and changed my life so much for the better.

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