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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to think DP ows me one for this

82 replies

hearthattack · 13/07/2015 09:32

Background: DP works hard in a physical job and is knackered during the week. We moved to this part of the country from a long way away about 3 months ago when I was three months pregnant and I've not been able to find any work, though I am looking. I don't know that many people here. Money is tight. My week days involve driving DP to and from work (he's learning to drive), sorting our new house out, cooking dinner, trying to pursue hobbies that don't cost anything and doing a fair amount of sitting about on my own being a bit bored.

At the weekend DP and I went to a small music festival run by some family friends on their land. It's always a lairy affair after dark, some people with kids just go for the afternoon, most people camp overnight and get wasted.
At 6 months pregnant I had reservations about going. Standing up in a field for hours, having to walk miles up very steep hills to reach the site, no proper loo facilities, everyone else drinking hard. DP really wanted to go and, although there were other people going we know, hadn't arranged to be part of their group so wanted the company. I agreed to go but asked that we leave together before it got too late, 9 or 10 ish. I didn't fancy another weekend night in the house on my own. I feel like it's becoming a bit of a habit.

He's been out on the lash three out of the last four weekends (since we moved into our new house after staying with his parents for a bit). Lack of transport late at night means he's slept over at a friends house on these occasions. The weekend he didn't go out we had five of his family members to stay, so it wasn't exactly a weekend to ourselves and took quite a lot of work.

At 7pm, DP announced he wanted to stay at the festival after all, in a friends tent. I got a bit upset at being ditched again, but he'd paid for a ticket, it's a once a year event, he works hard etc, so we said goodbye and I left him to it. He was going to get a lift home in the morning.

At 9am Sunday I got a call asking me to collect him. I drove the half hour to pick him up and found him by the side of the road, looking terrible. We had to stop three times on the way home and he still managed to vomit out of the moving car with inevitable gross consequences. When we got home he went to bed. I bought his usual hang over cures at the shops, woke him after lunch in time to go to a family visit we'd arranged (his family), cooked an early dinner and we went to bed at 9pm.

I know he's not pregnant, that he works hard, that it's not his fault I don't have much of a social life here etc. I'm just a bit fed up with all of his weekends getting taken up by drinking and subsequent hang overs when I spend all week on my own as it is. He says he appreciates what I do but I don't see him to do anything to show this. I wouldn't mind a weekend together doing stuff he knows I'll enjoy, or the odd treat for both of us like dinner out or the cinema that costs no more than a night on the tiles with his mates.

Am I being an unreasonable, naggy, boring wifey, curtailing his freedom because I have no life? Or is it reasonable of me to expect a little solidarity while I'm carrying his child, and a few weekends of us enjoying time together before we become a family and have no time for such things anyway? If the latter, how do I make him see this? I've tried telling him how I feel, suggesting things we could do together, and nothing ever comes of it.

Sorry for the essay!

OP posts:
hearthattack · 13/07/2015 19:49

And it's funny that the marriage thing has come up so often on here. I never really cared about it before. Thought of it as a frilly nice-to-have. DPs always been quite clear that he doesn't give a hoot for marriage (for various reasons, mostly related to his parents I think) but that he's no less committed because of it. I accepted that.

Since I've been pregnant I've thought quite differently about it. Suddenly realise how vulnerable I am and how much he is asking of me. I've said as much and he knows I'd like to get married.

Whenever I mention it he looks pained.

OP posts:
Crosbybeach · 13/07/2015 19:52

It's not doomed! It's just going to change a lot when you have a baby!! You must love each other to be committing in the way you are...it's just it sounds like the baby is going to be a wee bit of a shock to his system...

AnyFucker · 13/07/2015 19:59

he is not the one taking all the risks though is he ?

the physical risks of pregnancy, of delivery, of becoming financially dependent on someone who hasn't exactly made himself look like he has your best interests at heart, of being socially isolated with a tiny baby, the hit to your earning potential, the fact that he can simply fuck off on a whim and you will be left up Shit Creek without a paddle

you are being very, very naive to cross your fingers and hope he will turn into Father and Partner of The Year on very little evidence so far

Saltedcaramel2014 · 13/07/2015 20:05

When the baby arrives you'll need to work as a team - all the time. Socially, practically, emotionally, financially. I can understand the wish for a last hurrah but this sounds like it's heading into dodging responsibility. You are pregnant which is really the time to start building yourselves up as a team, spending nice time together, yes - but also just that support and solidarity of someone being with you when you're tired/sober/sick/bored. You are not asking for much and you definitely deserve it - I would be expecting a lot more. I think you need to raise this and let him know how you're feeling now - the whole picture - so that you two can get things on track ahead of the birth and newborn stage. Also - could you do nct/ante-natal group? Maybe both of you? Either way do invest time in making pregnant friends if you can. If you think you're bored and isolated now... Well. Mum friends are a blooming lifesaver and if you need money to get out and meet them now, he needs to support you in that and give you some.

Pastaeater · 13/07/2015 20:05

OP, please don't take the comments on here too much to heart. You know your DP and you are obviously an intelligent person, so I doubt if he is going to turn into an totally obnoxious idiot as soon as the baby is born (if he isn't one already!)
Having said that, don't underestimate the awfulness of being isolated and without a good group of friends when you are at home with a small baby. I was living abroad when I had my first DS, and I really struggled without my friends and family around me. Do something about this, if nothing else.
Good luck!

Saltedcaramel2014 · 13/07/2015 20:08

Sorry op missed seeing your last post as cross posted. Great that you are doing nct. It's not doomed! But it does really sound like he needs to get his head around fatherhood and step up to support you. I felt just the same about marriage. Pregnancy can make you feel very vulnerable.

BrowersBlues · 13/07/2015 20:12

Your relationship is not doomed. You have a new baby on the way and it is an exciting time. Just tell him your worries and discuss everything honestly with him. Give him a chance to reassure you and for him to step up to the mark.

He isn't a mind reader and unless you tell him your concerns he will assume that you don't have any. Tell him you feel lonely and want the two of you to spend time together at the weekends. Sort out the NCT meet up if it is up and running.

Would it be such a hardship to drive him to work? A lot of couples start off with just one car and then you would have the car for the day. He can probably sort out a lift home. Things will improve once you settle down into your routine.

You don't need to get married tomorrow but do tell him that you would like to. Is your relationship good? Does he treat your well and put your first?

BadgersNadgers · 13/07/2015 20:15

For what it's worth I think he'll be amazing when the baby is born

I think the evidence would suggest not. I'm with Doreen and AF; commitment to a baby starts long before the baby is born.

olivesnutsandcheese · 13/07/2015 20:20

two things : tell him the baby is having your surname unless you are married
(might stir him into action)

Secondly, please,please please go to the weekly nct thing. And look up any bumps to babies groups that your local sure start centre may run. It's really important for your mental health to see people and make new friends. When you are obviously pregnant it's a real conversation starter (as well as having a tiny baby) make use of it as it won't always be as easy.

FanOfHermione · 13/07/2015 20:20

To be really honest, I would review how 'secure' you are atm and have a VERY serious word with your DP.
Atm, you have NO protection at all, no job, you live somewhere with no support what so ever.
You don't even have a joint bank account!
If things were going down hill, for whatever reason, you would be left with NOTHING.

On the top of it, he is acting as if he was still single or at the very least as if you weren't pg.
You need to pull him up on that. Stop doing everything for him, do not accept that he will get the car to go to work before the birth. So not only you will be isolated because you know no one but you won't even be able to go and meet people. Great....
He really needs to realise that he is going to be father and being a father will mean that
1- you are not at his disposal to help him when ever he wants (eg to bring him back home still sick with alcohol)
2- he has responsibilities and these start NOW. It's the baby stuff, the joint account (just go and open one with another bank fgs! It's going to be even harder to get to the bank when the baby will be here). It' taking YOUR needs into account as well as his (If he can't take you into account in his plans, how is he going to cope with taking the needs of a baby into account??).
3- It's about starting to talk about legalities re having a child and not being married. What about a will, what would happen if you separate, is the car at your name etc etc. If you are not planning to get married, then you need to plan for the worst hoping you will never need it. That's what being a good dad is about - protecting your child should the worst happen!

WixingMords · 13/07/2015 20:25

Listen to BrowsersBlues, otherwise I predict he's going to 'wet the babies head' a LOT and for a long time.

WixingMords · 13/07/2015 20:25

*baby's not babies

Unless you're having twins of course

FanOfHermione · 13/07/2015 20:28

Also I would like to point out that you are currently ticking most the boxes for someone suceptible with PND (isolation, no support network etc etc).
I would really be thinking about it too.
What will YOU need when the baby is here?
Have you talked about who will be getting up during the night?
Who will be giving the baby a bath in the evening?
Who will be looking after the baby at weekend?
Will you be able to take it turns to have a lie in?
Is that still OK for him to go out like this, every weekend, when he is a dad? What about him having a weekend off = you having a weekend off? (and he is looking after the baby on his own)

Serioulsy, you need to start planning forward and put some rules in the ground now. Otherwise you will fall into the

  • but he is so tired after a day at work, he can't do the evening routine
  • he has a physical job so he can't get up at night
  • he needs to relax so he has to go out with friends and who am I to stop him?
  • I can't go away becaus he doesn't know how to look after the baby (because of points above)
In effect, he will keep his life like it is whilst you are doing all the sacrifices/changes. (which is EXACTELY what is happening at the monent, in your own words)
hearthattack · 13/07/2015 20:55

I'm aware of the PND risks. I've discussed these with my MW and consultant and we've taken what mitigating steps we can (I'm meeting my health visitor before the baby's born so we can get to know each other a bit better, for example).

The plan is currently for DP to reduce his hours in the Autumn (his job is partly seasonal) so he can spend more time parenting and being with our family. His dad was pretty absent during his childhood and he wants the opposite for his own children.

He's a kind, gentle, thoughtful, calm, consistent, conscientious person in every other respect. He seems to have a barrier of some sought with this family stuff. He was raised single handed by a terrifyingly capable mother who came out when he was two. He's not lazy, but he does bawk at convention (sometimes for the sake of it) and this means that the merits of everything have to be dissected and explained. Nothing is taken as a given. It can be very rewarding and very hard work. He's also insanely proud, which is a bug bear!

I've tried to have some practical 'if the worst should happen' conversations with him, and suggested we get life insurance and wills sorted if we're not going to get married. These things get dismissed as me planning for the worst. My mum died very suddenly five years ago with no insurance and no will leaving my dad in a right pickle. DP assumes I'm affected by that, rather than just being pragmatic.

I'm going for a bath and a bit of a cry. This is lowsy.

OP posts:
BrowersBlues · 13/07/2015 21:14

Don't cry its not lousy, you have a lot going for you. Focus on all his good points and don't worry about things that haven't happened yet. Get some sleep and you will feel better tomorrow.

Inertia · 13/07/2015 21:31

See, you're saying thoughtful and conscientious, but from what you've written I see LaLaLa I can't hear you no I don't want to get married so we won't no I don't want to plan for the baby no I don't want to grow up so I refuse to make any plans to protect you or the baby financially no I don't want to spend time with you so I am just going out on the lash.

I don't think you realise how vulnerable your position is. You have no income, none of the financial or legal protection offered by marriage, and a partner who not only refuses to get married he also refuses to consider any alternative provision which offers you and your baby any kind of legal or financial protection.

hearthattack · 13/07/2015 21:42

I've just re-read my original post. I should point out for the sake of being pedantic that when he called home Sunday morning he asked me if I could give him the number for a taxi, not directly if I could pick him up. It was pretty apparent he was in a state, and a taxi would have been £20, so I asked if he'd rather I collect him. Sorry if I've been disingenuous. I realise this maybe makes me more of an idiot than he is.

OP posts:
Inkspellme · 13/07/2015 21:43

Don't know whether anyone has said this but it strikes me that you are looking for really cheap or free stuff to do and he's spending plenty on drink.

I was a sahm for 10 years. never once did my dh deny me access to funds. there were times we didn't have a lot of spare money but then neither of us did - not just one of us.

I would be concerned that after learning to drive he will take the car and leave you home alone with baby and with him having access to money and you not. not a good long or short term situation for you.

BrowersBlues · 13/07/2015 22:35

Give him a chance to make good. He is maybe a bit excited about being home and out on the lash with his old friends. You know him better than us obviously and you seem to like him a lot. He is being a dickhead now and you need let him know that. Sit him down and tell him exactly what you told us and if he is a decent man he will make changes.

You don't need rush into marriage but tell him you want to sort out finances so that you are protected. Give the man a chance to man up.

Can you pop back and see friends and family just to perk you up? You have so much to look forward to. You just need to get him on board. Don't play cool girlfriend. Sit him down and tell him how you want it to be and set a deadline for when things will be done.

Tell him that this weekend you are spending the weekend together, no negotiation. Let us know how it goes.

Crosbybeach · 13/07/2015 22:40

browers talks a lot of sense there. You don't have to end up in some terribly conventional dull life together.

Just talk to each other, remember why you like each other and look forward to this really exciting thing that is about to happen to you both.

Which is also a reSlly tough thing, and you'll need to work together.

Szeli · 13/07/2015 23:40

DH and I stopped drinking and smoking together on my pregnancy. I was shocked to find it doesnt seem to be the norm. This is such rude and disrespectful behaviour from your dp

Duckdeamon · 13/07/2015 23:41

No life insurance or wills with a baby on the way is really not good, and for him to make out that you are unreasonable and over emotional about it because of the tragedy in your family is manipulative and horrible. You can sort that one out quickly by organising the life insurance using his credit card!

I don't think it's realistic or sensible (for you) for you to be driving him to and from work when the baby arrives: hopefully he'll pass his test, and it sounds like the public transport could work OK for you for social stuff.

Alibabsandthe40Musketeers · 13/07/2015 23:51

No will or life insurance and he's protesting about doing it? The poster above is right, it is horribly manipulative to use your mother's death against you in that way.

OP you are so vulnerable here, so vulnerable. He isn't kind, or conscientious. If he was then he would be concerned for your emotional well being, your security, your baby's security.
But he is more concerned with going out and getting pissed with his mates. Is this area you've moved to somewhere where he used to live?

Do you have any back up if he doesn't shape up? Any other family that you could go to?

PreemptiveSalvageEngineer · 14/07/2015 04:33

Beware the man who protesteth too much about not turning into his father. Esp if his actions do not match his words.

Bovnydazzler · 14/07/2015 06:50

I agree that this is a wholly unbalanced relationship at the moment and he doesn't seem to be looking after you as much as he is looking after himself.

How much has he spent on boozy nights out the last month? Whilst you've had to get more isolated not able to pay for even booking cinema tickets?

Joint account is absolute priority, along with discussion of exactly how much 'fun' money each person can have with how much goes into savings/bills/baby stuff (by the way baby stuff and baby groups should not come out of your fun money).

Life insurance and wills - absolutely essential especially as youre not married. You know that. We got our wills done for free, I'd just tell him the appointment is booked. If he says no, I'd be questioning this whole move whih has so far isolated you.

He should be looking after you better! Whilst it sounds like you recognise his good points too, most DPs/DHs wouldn't leave their isolated Pregnant DPs on their own every weekend if they knew they were not happy with it.

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