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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is DH too high-maintenance?

554 replies

anonymousother · 21/02/2017 10:20

I have no idea if IABU given the wider scheme of things.

Basically, DH is an extreme workaholic and I had to accept long ago that there's very little I can do about this because he becomes highly defensive and I feel out of my depth. He runs his own companies and has no concept of any division between work and family time, but again, this has become normal to me. Also I appreciate it facilitates our lifestyle, so can't really complain.

We have DS1 (12), DD1 (11) and DD2 (9).

My main AIBU is about DH's "moods" which can be quite volatile and very much influenced by frustrations at work, etc. At times, it seems like his mood fluctuates in line with the FT Index, it really does! So because he is so highly strung, I feel like I can't criticise him at all really. He doesn't take critcism well at all, unless I'm really careful. I also have had to compensate for his stress levels at home because I'm aware of the impact it could have on the DC. So basically, I do my best to keep him on an even-keel.

I tend to give him info about the DC on a "need to know basis" and choose a time when he is likely to be receptive. In contrast, he will almost daily want to offload about work to me and will expect me to drop everything at any given moment and give him my full attention for the duration. He gets annoyed, for instance, if he feels I'm not looking at him, even if I'm obviously in the middle of doing something else.

When he's stressed he tends to "nit -pick" about ridiculous things and it wears me down. For instance, yesterday he went on an 8 hour bike ride (one of his many hobbies) and as as he was on his way out he said to me, "There is dust in the top of that door frame" Hmm. Or this morning, DD1 was close to tears about going to school because her friend is being mean to her and it was the general bustle of trying to get 3 DC out the door - meanwhile, from him, it's "Where did you put xx shirt" (when it's in the wardrobe in front of his eyes) and "Did you not have time to do the windows?" and other pointless questions which feel like digs and could just wait.

I should add that the house is NOT dirty or a mess. I have a cleaner twice a week and I clean / tidy up in between. I never ask him to take any house related stuff on, but when he's in one of his moods he will find the one thing I forgot to do.

In contrast, I know DH would do anything for me. He's very kind and extremely generous, very affectionate, always tells me he loves me and so on. All my friends think he's fantastic.

AIBU because, on balance, I'm very fortunate. Should I continue to let a lot of things go over my head or should I start to challenge him more?

OP posts:
Parker231 · 22/02/2017 21:10

He doesn't spend much time with your DC's - he works long hours and then out in the evenings and away at the weekends with his hobbies.

Msqueen33 · 22/02/2017 21:17

I've re-read your op. Part of it sounds like because he's the great provider you're meant to be at his beck and call. He wants attention you give it, he wants to go off and do his hobby he does it. Marriage is about being an equal. So if things in the marriage aren't working he should be willing to listen if he loves you. But love isn't all about words it's about how he makes you feel. Even if you suggested slowing life down it sounds like he wouldn't but equally he sounds the type to say he's doing it because you're so accustom to the lifestyle.

AnyFucker · 22/02/2017 21:17

What are you hinting at then when you say you won't elaborate on what "happens" once the kids are in bed ?

anonymousother · 22/02/2017 21:32

Pagenot - when I posted yesterday I was feeling uncomfortable, but it's hard to put into words. Thinking about what prompted me to post, a few things have happened -

  • After they pulled this latest deal off I thought DH would give us more time and "breathe" maybe. But he hasn't changed so I think what was the point of all that.
  • when it was my birthday a few weeks ago he took me out and kind of "re-proposed". He did say thankyou for putting up with him and other things and he had got me this amazing ring. I hadn't seen it coming and it was lovely and it felt like a turning point in a way. But then I realise there's no space for a turning point because he doesn't know how to stop.

Even though he's out a lot it's very intense when he's here. I love him so much but I need him to be more flexible. I know this probably sounds ridiculous. I don't know where he will end up.

OP posts:
anonymousother · 22/02/2017 21:33

AnyF - I just mean it's a bit personal after that.

OP posts:
Christinayangstwistedsista · 22/02/2017 21:35

Where would you like to end up?

Californasoul · 22/02/2017 21:36

By that I assume he expects and gets sex every night?

FarAwayHills · 22/02/2017 21:36

My DH grew up in a situation similar to yours OP. His DF was a very succesful, demanding workaholic. He provided a great life for his wife and DCs but he didn't really engage with family life because he was either at work, socialising with work or doing hobbies with friends.

DH was acutely aware growing up of his Dads lack of involvement with the family. He never had time to spend with them blaming work but he always managed to find time for his hobbies or to see friends. It's something says he felt really sad about growing up. Do not underestimate the impact your DHs behaviour has on your DCs.

Msqueen33 · 22/02/2017 21:37

It sounds in part like the lifestyle and the gestures come at a price and I suppose it's whether you want to accept that. It sounds hard being with someone very intense. Especially if he doesn't get the time to do his hobby or push himself through work you're left with a moody intense man. Have you ever openly told him how you feel? How his moods effect the household?

AnyFucker · 22/02/2017 21:37

When he expects sex you comply

Right ?

anonymousother · 22/02/2017 21:40

I would like to enjoy life with him and not feel like I'm pandering to some kind of addict. But I feel sickened saying that because for the most part my life is great.

OP posts:
Msqueen33 · 22/02/2017 21:42

Is the part of your life that's great include him?

Christinayangstwistedsista · 22/02/2017 21:43

Okay, what are the great parts of your life?

anonymousother · 22/02/2017 21:43

We don't have sex every night no, because he's not here probably 2 nights on average. Often he's away all week, so no pattern. But yes he has a high sex drive, but most men do.

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 22/02/2017 21:45

So the nights you don't have sex are when he is otherwise occupied ?

Are you ever "otherwise occupied" ?

Parker231 · 22/02/2017 21:45

What do you mean - it's very intense when he's here?

Orangetoffee · 22/02/2017 21:45

Do you ever say no to him? Yesterday when you wanted to talk to him but you were both tired and he had other plans, did you feel like you could say no wait, we need to talk first?

AnyFucker · 22/02/2017 21:47

There is lots of stuff op is with holding I reckon

You are quite skilful at keeping us engaged, op

What a pity you don't seem able to employ the same skills on your husband

FarAwayHills · 22/02/2017 21:49

OP - have you considered what life will be like once your DCs are grown up and leave home?

Msqueen33 · 22/02/2017 21:51

Do your sex drives match up? If you were to say no one night would he respect that?

PageStillNotFound404 · 22/02/2017 21:51

Is your life great? Or do you feel your life should be great and if you keep saying it's great, you'll start to believe yourself?

What would happen if you told him a couple of times on the trot that you weren't in the mood for sex?

(Btw I appreciate your honesty and willingness to answer our personal questions, OP.)

anonymousother · 22/02/2017 21:52

Sorry I'm not trying to be annoying really. It's just a lot to think about and it's a completely different perspective on here.

OP posts:
Msqueen33 · 22/02/2017 21:56

The good thing about mns is the vast amounts of opinions and you're able to be open without people actually knowing you.

OhTheRoses · 22/02/2017 21:57

OP, in my experience most men don't. Shortly I'll go to bed and jokingly say "are you up for rampant sex". He'll say always then ask for a hug and he'll be asleep. And vice versa. We have sex about four times a year. We have love all the time. We both knew we could say no in 1989.Blush

Nofunkingworriesmate · 22/02/2017 21:58

Would he go to relate with you?
Could you go by yourself and talk through this stuff with them?
You sound as if your main job is to keep him happy and on an even keel - this is an stressful relationship and not a good example to set your kids,
Would you be happy for your daughter / son to be experiencing a relationship like this ?