Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel sad about DP spending Xmas at his exes

998 replies

Tumbleweeds24 · 24/12/2017 12:00

I'm 36 weeks pregnant and it's the first Christmas that me and DP have lived together. Money is really tight this year so we're not 'doing christmas' here per say. We've had alot to fork out for, bills rent and baby stuff which has fallen at a time where there isn't any disposable. I'm fine with that, we agreed between us we would make up for it when baby arrives in late jan. No biggie.

We discussed what we'd be doing on the day (christmas) and as i knew he would want to see his children I said I would go to my aunt's so he doesn't feel bad about leaving me on my own. We don't drive so I would have to spend the night there as I'm reliant on the bus service.

He's planning to go to his exes on Christmas morning to see the kids and stay there for about 6 hours he says. He says he's not having christmas dinner there but he probably will, that's ok I guess. I think he's downplaying their plans for the day to spare my feelings. If I'm not going to be home he has no reason to rush back does he?

I just feel a bit sad deep down. I would have been happy staying here and just not bothering with the festivities, cuddling up watching a movie with him or something would suffice - but because he knows he's going to be out the house all of Christmas day he's keen for me to go to my aunt's so he doesn't feel guilty himself for me being alone. I would rather not if I'm honest.

I'm happy for him being able to see his kids at Christmas I really am. I would never come between that, it's just the idea of them playing happy families that's making me feel a bit sad. He can't bring them to our place because their mum doesn't want him having them around the new woman, so to spend Xmas with them means spending it with her at her place.

Aibu to feel a bit down about this? I haven't said anything and won't, I don't want to ruin Christmas for him or his kids

OP posts:
Tumbleweeds24 · 03/01/2018 00:16

Thank you sweetie :-)

Happy new year to you too. All has been well this end. Back ache has lessened a little but has been replaced with alot of what I believe to be known as 'lightening crotch!' Which is getting stronger every time I walk.. ouch!

I've compartmentalized things in terms of urgency am focusing on bumps impending arrival, the ex factor has been rightly put on the back burner for now. Enough of my pregnancy has been marred with me worrying about his side of things :) x

OP posts:
Mxyzptlk · 03/01/2018 01:05

Very sensible, Tumbleweeds.
You and bump have plenty to think about. Flowers

Tistheseason17 · 03/01/2018 10:29

V. Sensible x enjoy it, it's supposed to be special x

Taylor22 · 06/01/2018 11:15

How are you OP?

Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 15:50

I'm ok thank you (other than being rather inpatient to meet bump, I keep waking up every hour in the night lately so I'm shattered)

His dad came round to see us on new years eve which was an unexpected nice surprise. He was excited about meeting baby soon.

His ex is back from her trip with the kids now, he went there the other day for a few hours in the evening. He promised his phone was on loud and if I needed him he'd be right back. (We've heard that before though, remember Xmas day)

Before he left to go there I said "you do realise you need to sort things out now, we're 2 weeks maximum away from having the baby and this can't continue" he said he knows, he will talk to her about a formal contact arrangement where the children come here and get to know me properly, with their new sibling. Hes on to it he says. Didn't do it that day though did he. Sigh.

I still have no faith if I'm honest, no longer looking at it through rose tinted glasses, but bit my tongue and said ok if you say so. Didn't have the energy to argue about it and am sick of going around in circles that only ever end with him telling me what I want to hear to placate me at the time.

My mother asked him how his older children feel about having a new brother, he said the younger one doesn't really understand yet and the older one has been so excited about school they haven't really shown much of an interest. It's all about school right now he says. We asked suspiciously is he absolutely certain they've been spoken to about it properly, he claims they have.

He got back from his exes at about 9.00pm, his phone was buzzing by 10.30. It was her I presume. Nobody else every really texts him. He ignored the text and didn't type back, at least not whilst I was still awake.

She was also texting again last night late in the evening. No idea what she was saying due to his fort knocks phone lock you can't see the text messages, but you can see the name of the person who has sent some.

I think I would feel alot more secure about the situation, and our relationship, if he was more open with me. I'm not the sort to pry (at least not without damn good reason) but the fact he never talks to me about their conversations, arrangements etc does make me wonder more than I should. Only because of how messy things are. If everything was rosy I need never worry. I would appreciate more transparency and have said that all along, but with it never coming.. where do I draw the line so I don't come off as jealous and insecure? I've been tempted a few times to ask him what she needs at 10.30pm at night, but then I risk falling into the category of being nosy

"She always used to ask me who I'm texting" he moaned when we met. "I really hated that'

As a result? I never ask. Funny that isn't it. It's almost as if (like someone pointed out) I was being conditioned to turn the other cheek so I don't end up being "that" woman.

Who knows. Maybe he's just absolutely useless at enforcing boundaries and is trying to keep everybody sweet with as least drama as possible. Then again, maybe he's telling her everything she wants to hear.. Just like he is me!

OP posts:
Cambionome · 06/01/2018 15:56

I think you have it there with your last paragraph, op. Sad

Have the baby, insist that he does his fair share of looking after, and when you feel stronger start to think seriously about whether you want to stay with such an unreliable and secretive man.

But the baby is your priority. FlowersBear

MotherofaSurvivor · 06/01/2018 15:57

Forget what he said at beginning you're not asking WHO he's texting, you're asking WHAT she needs that late at night!

You need to put some boundaries in place!

You are in this relationship too! Currently he is putting her before you!

FizzyGreenWater · 06/01/2018 16:08

The only thing I would advise is to damn well give your baby your surname. I don't think there's a hope in hell of you being together in three years' time.

I think you will get sick of being lied to and will dump him. And for what it's worth, I think from what you've posted about the dynamic, it's far more likely that SHE got rid of him - not the other way around, as you have been told.

I think that all of these posts point to a consummate liar and fence-sitter who probably ballsed up his marriage by being a computer-gaming manchild, got thrown out, then spun a story to the next woman (you) to make himself not look like such a lousy catch.

I could be totally wrong. But I have quite literally NEVER heard of the lazy-manchild-gaming-keeping-people-sweet-while-he-dithers-and-fucks-about-type deciding off his own bat, with NO other woman involved, that 'things aren't working' and 'we've grown apart' and then going to the trouble of leaving his comfy home and bed to set up elsewhere and then start taking on the back-and-fro of absent parenting while having to shell out for his own accommodation and make his own dinner. Never. 'Got comfortable'? Yep, and lazy fucker men just stay comfortable. They don't leave. Not unless they cheat.

I have however heard of countless similar men who've been given the boot by partners who have absolutely had enough of them taking the piss. Such partners tend to be as fairly easy-going re communication and contact as the 'ex' in this story is. They aren't bitter. They haven't been dumped. They've got rid, and they are happy after that to buy trousers and host the puppy-dog-eyes ex for Christmas dinner. Women who've been walked out on, leaving them with two young children? Generally not so keen to share Christmas dinner.

Every single action from him seems designed to keep you apart from his other family - and it's him doing it. Excuses, lies. Really super whopping lies where all these Christmas shenanigans were concerned. Whichever way you look at it, he's a dishonest person and you have NO idea what is going on in your own life. Not what you need as a partner. Not what she needed either.

The ONLY bit of evidence for her being controlling/angry/ whatever is her response to you early on, with texts etc. I'[m not sure what you actually know of the context for that though - because, if it's what he's told you - you have no idea where that response came from either. Maybe pick that one apart a bit more?

I don't know. But - men like this - aaaargh. Just fucking bad news all round.

He's got ten years on you and I've got more than ten years on him. And I can tell a duplicitous twat at fifty paces.

Give your baby your surname, you will be everlastingly glad you did!!!

Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 16:08

That's my plan. Welcome the little one into the world, observe very closely for a few weeks and if nothing changes then it's time to move on. I have neither the patience or the inclination to let this ridiculous arrangement continue for much longer.

I also agree he puts her before me, though I don't think he sees it that way at all. In his eyes it's me he is with, whom he lives with, and she only gets a small portion of his time. He can't fathom (or refuses to acknowledge) how his pandering to her 'supposed' demands regarding heavily restricted contact is putting me secondary.

A part of me worries if I start asking too many questions it will push him into her arms (that's if I have anything to worry about where unresolved feelings are concerned). She's probably being her best self at the moment if she wants him back, the gifts, the texts, running around after him on Christmas day. The fact they didn't work out and the reasons why are probably fading from memory now quite some time has passed.

I run the risk of being the "insecure girlfriend" the "nag" and the "interfering one" if I start saying too much and I'm nervous about him seeing me like that. Then again why should I care how I come across if I'm being disrespected? I should be able to enforce boundaries that I'm well within my rights to demand as his partner and also a mother of his child.

Yeah I don't see this lasting. It's all far too much hard work that I don't need

OP posts:
Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 16:11

Baby is having my surname yes x

OP posts:
FlippingFoal · 06/01/2018 16:21

About the messages - asking "What does she need so late at night that can't wait until tomorrow?" really does work. The idiot men become so accustomed to it they never question it. By phrasing it like that it plants a seed and you don't sound the one being unreasonable...

Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 16:25

You're right he can't argue with that, though he might then question why I'm pressing the home button on his phone and looking at the screen to see who has text him when he's asleep or out of the room. Lol

I feel a bit silly doing it if I'm honest. It's never been who I am before I met him. It drives me nuts

OP posts:
confusedwife84 · 06/01/2018 16:34

Tumble I had a similar-ish experience with my now DH, his ex wife used to text him at all hours and expect him to do whatever she needed. In the end I didn't care how I came across and told him it needed to stop if we were to continue, and it did. You do you have to accept this behaviour, you don't deserve it.
Your partner is being a massive coward and his ex wife knows it. She will get a kick out of knowing he is just her puppet!

Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 16:39

Hi confused

How did your DH take it when you put your foot down and what did you say to him?

My bloke is so used to me being placid, passive and just taking it on the chin barring the rare occasion when I get pissed off and have a short rant, before returning to passive mode again.

I really am a mug to myself

OP posts:
confusedwife84 · 06/01/2018 16:45

He wanted to stand up to her and change their dynamic but was afraid of confrontation. I vividly remember just sitting on the sofa with him and saying if he didn't put boundaries in place and not cater to her every whim that I would be out of there. I was serious and was prepared to leave.

He went to a solicitor and got an agreement drawn up between her and him for the contact arrangements for their child and stuck to it. Therefore there wasn't much need for extra contact, texts etc. The ex eventually met someone else which helped too honestly. I feel for you, you'll need support when your baby comes.

Don't be passive - this is your life, you are in control. Think of your baby, be a good role model for them.

FlippingFoal · 06/01/2018 16:51

I've been there and my (ex) DP soon learned that I was the one in his life and I was the one who would cook his tea (or not...) therefore I was the one I had to pacify, not her... Never did I say to limit contact, just to put in boundaries with regards to reasonable contact hours. I think he had so many years of trying to pacify her in the relationship, and so many years pacifying her with regard the kids that it became ingrained.

R2G · 06/01/2018 16:56

Tumbleweed - you don't need to understand why her feelings were hurt coz the children said you were a nice person. Would she prefer you to be a NOT nice person around her kids?? It would have been better for your partner to go and watch them open presents then leave, or for her to have invited you for part of the day too.

Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 16:58

It's good to hear that others have faced similar situations and had a positive outcome once they asserted themselves firmly. A part of the problem has been my reluctance to assert myself and mean it.

I mean there's been times where I've said "I'm not putting up with this" and such like, usually after things bubbled away for long enough and I reached peak annoyance, but clearly I didn't come across serious enough as after a brief half arsed reassurance from him I go back to passive mode again

OP posts:
Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 16:59

U agree with you there @R2G

OP posts:
hollie11 · 06/01/2018 16:59

Good luck with the baby op

Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 17:03

Thank you @hollie11 x

OP posts:
Tistheseason17 · 06/01/2018 18:27

I know you're worried about pushing him back to her, but... If your relationship is that fragile and he won't share her texts with you then I'd let him go to her. Would you fight over a steaming turd? I think not!
He's not a keeper but I think you know that already. Don't let him bully you into having his surname. And if he tries, then this is your indication he does have a backbone but just not in favour of you. Sorry x
My DH had an ex GF and for ages I had to stay quiet when she called. I was really upset by this but he explained he wanted to keep her happy until debt cleared. He showed me all of her texts. When we moved in together she found out and would call the house. But he was always open and then she slithered off after being told she could not have cash of ours! She tried to friend on FB so he declined. We've been together 15 yrs and no trust issues.
What I am saying is, a decent man who wants you to feel secure will be happy to share their messages x

Tumbleweeds24 · 06/01/2018 18:46

All very true what you've said @tistheseason17

I feel he is somebody who is easily swayed to go along with whatever causes less hassle for him in the short term. If i was to kick him out I've little doubt he would end up back at her house, if she would have him. Perhaps it wouldn't be so big a loss in the long term, it's just a little saddening to think it could be that easy for him, my hormones probably play a part in my emotions at the minute and had I not been about to have his baby I doubt I would give two hoots what he does. Everything is very much assumption on my part at the minute as there is no clarity at all given how he doesn't communicate with me about her.

What I do know is I won't let this mess affect my ability to be the best mum I can, with or without him

OP posts:
Tistheseason17 · 06/01/2018 19:07

@Tumbleweeds24 don't underestimate how you'll feel once bubba arrives. Although you feel vulnerable now you may feel like a lioness once bubba in your arms. You'll literally die for your baby and it changes us. Bless you hun x

Mxyzptlk · 06/01/2018 20:59

his pandering to her 'supposed' demands regarding heavily restricted contact

You don't know if he is pandering to her demands, or if she is having trouble fitting in with his flakiness.

Some people send texts at all hours, not because it's anything urgent but because they treat it like email - they expect the recipient to read it when it suits them.

My point is, all you know about this man's ex is what he has chosen to let you know.

You're right to be pushing all that aside and focusing on your baby. Flowers