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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

AIBU or is this really emotional abuse?

226 replies

sunnyblueskies · 22/05/2018 21:26

Hi MNers,

I don't know where to start. So I will waffle my way through probably missing huge chunks.

Been with DH for 8 years married for 4.5. We have our beautiful preschooler who is 3.5 years.

There has been times in the past I have thought about leaving and almost nearly have but then wonder if I am just being a drama queen princess.

During our non married years it was fun with an element of seriousness from him. Almost talking to me like a child and telling me off if I had done something wrong (and not in a kinky way!)

After our LO was born it was horrendous, she was super poorly with severe reflux and allergies. Never slept. He was shocking used to moan about her crying and screaming and never helped. I had to foot all the private medical bills etc (NHS wouldnt do anything to help).
Resentment grew. I was like a single parent.

A few years go by, I just feel he never has anything good to say. Hes had outbursts in the past calling me a C word in front of our daughter because he thought I was changing. Infact I had lost a lot of weight and was starting to get my confidence back so I was feeling really good. He moans when I go to the gym, moans when I don't go. I don't know what he wants of me?
Every weekend he lays in to me over something trivial and blows it all out of proportion.
Example; a few months ago I had forgot to get a pint of milk. He was on the train home so I messaged him asking if he could get a pint of milk on his walk back from the train station (LO was in bed). I got a barrage of abuse saying how lazy I was and how unorganised and forgetful I am . Pulling up all kinds of random shite that was coming from no where. Cue tears.
A couple of weeks ago it was Friday, he was on the train on the way back from work, I text him suggesting what we could do at the weekend as the weather was meant to be glorious. Again when he got home I got it in the neck again. Saying that im hassling him and its not a relaxing plan (it was a picnic with our LO) im trying to organise his down time bla bla. Went on all evening, Cue tears. Now I am banned from messaging him on his way home.

Everything has a negative caveat to it. If I suggest something its always hit with a no or a negative response.

Tonight he came home. Went immediately upstairs to change and came back down to immediately say "oh i see the carpet is trashed" LO had knocked over a cup of coffee which I couldn't for the life of me get out. So now he has a face on and will bring it up at some point either later tonight or tomorrow.

I have recently been on a course to do with work and my mum and MIL and him, rallied around to help as it was for a week long so they all took it in turns to look after LO. He constantly throws it in my face that "everyone" rallied round to help me and why should they etc.

Yesterday I had a late client meeting, so I asked him if it was possible that he could leave work on the dot so I could make the meeting. He was fine with this. Then decided when I got home that he would throw it in my face that he had loads to do at work and came home especially on time so I could make my meeting.

All this is not doing my anxiety any good. Everytime he has an episode of moaning or grumpiness it gives me the shakes.

I would like to add, I am recently self employed. I work all the hours my LO is at preschool and the evenings too. I keep the house clean, dinners on the table every night and do the bedtime routine every night. I also get my gym in 3/4 times a week. So I am bloody shattered and like most of us, its a juggling act. He pays me a small amount every month for this. It covers my bills.

I feel like my wings are clipped. We talk all the time after every single "episode". It changes for a few days or a week and then reverts.

The above is scratching the surface and so minor. I have a list as long as my street as to all the various episodes and things he throws in my face. I just constantly feel like I am not an equal and that hes the teacher and I am beneath him. Hes constantly grumpy and short patience with LO. Even my LO calls him grumpy (not prompted by me!) I feel like I walk on eggshells and am constantly asking if hes ok and if I ask more than once he gets real shitty

I am trapped. I rely on him financially and just don't know how I could do it on my own.

AIBU or is this just normal grumpy husband behaviour?
Apologies for any typos. I am typing super quick so I can get downstairs on time!!

Thank you

OP posts:
MrsBobDylan · 22/05/2018 22:00

I don't think anyone would suggest you stay with this utter, utter bag of shite for a man.

You sound so accomplished and lovely and your love for your child shines through your post. Do it for her - leave him so you can both be happy.

bluemascara · 22/05/2018 22:03

Run like fuck
For sure he is emotionally abusing you
He's an absolute bastard
Walk out with your head held high
No amount of counselling/ therapy will change what he is. Do it for your dd if nothing else

PeppermintPasty · 22/05/2018 22:05

God he sounds awful, and you sound resigned to it. Listen, you deserve to be treated with love, consideration, and kindness. You are worth way more than this horror story. Please go and see a solicitor, it's not normal.

I speak from experience, I got rid of a negative, abusive man. Five years ago, and I've had five beautiful years of peace and no walking on eggshells.

Please get some help. Tell people in real life.

CocoaGin · 22/05/2018 22:07

You haven't described one good quality in your post. In fact, he sounds utterly charmless. You can't spend your life walking on eggshells.

You know the answer. Don't be afraid, give your LO the life they deserve and yourself. Pack a bag, go to your mums and when you're strong enough, go to a solicitor. He has to help you support your LO Flowers

kashleesi · 22/05/2018 22:07

Just wanted to add another post to say please leave him. You deserve better Flowers

biscuitmillionaire · 22/05/2018 22:07

Just this bit:
I messaged him asking if he could get a pint of milk on his walk back from the train station (LO was in bed). I got a barrage of abuse saying how lazy I was and how unorganised and forgetful I am .
... is enough really. Any normal spouse would reply, 'OK, semi-skimmed or whole?'. You deserve to be happy, and this fucker would make anyone depressed and anxious. Please end it.

positivity123 · 22/05/2018 22:09

Please don't waste any more of your life with this dreadful man.

This post has made me really sad as you sound so totally alone. You shouldn't have to walk on eggshells and you have the right to be happy.

What kind of a person kicks off about buying a pint of milk? He is horrible and you should leave him.

GabsAlot · 22/05/2018 22:12

hes banned u from texting him-al over a pint of milk?

he wont spend time with you and his child -your dd who is 3 and a half calls him grumpy so its already affecting her

get out

SabineUndine · 22/05/2018 22:16

You’re banned from messaging him on the way home? What sort of relationship is that? None of his behaviour is normal. Make plans to leave.

NameChangedForThisQ · 22/05/2018 22:20

Read why does he do that by Lundy Bancroft. Your husband does not love you, he pretends to so he can control you and own you.

GunpowderAndLead · 22/05/2018 22:22

Honestly what's the point of him? He's a bloody drain. Life would our be infinitely better if you were a single Mum

Cindie943811A · 22/05/2018 22:23

Speaking from experience, you will feel like a great weight has lifted from your back when you leave him. These things arrest certain:-
He will never let you win an argument
He will hold you responsible for his happiness yet never be satisfied with anything you do
Somehow when you try to explain how you feel he will twist your words.
When he rrreduces you to tears that will be held against you you. Yet his feelings are paramount .
After almost killing yourself caring for him, your dc and the house he will tell you you never do anything.
This type of character basically hates women. The light dawned for me when I read a book called Men who hate women and the women who love them. I’m sorry but they cannot be changed.
Leave before your beautiful child is affected and learns to treat you with the same disrespect your husband does.
Good luck

DailyMailClickbait · 22/05/2018 22:25

He sounds utterly vile. Leave.

AskAuntLydia · 22/05/2018 22:26

I only got half way through your post and already I'm at LTB stage

Henrysmycat · 22/05/2018 22:28

I only have a question. What would you say if your daughter was in your position?
Do the same.

BewareOfDragons · 22/05/2018 22:31

You will be so much happier and better off without him.

Make plans to go.

wowfudge · 22/05/2018 22:35

DP actually texts me and asks is there anything we need and he'll pick it up on his way home. This man resents you and is taking out his frustrations on you. Did he want children? He doesn't sound as though he wants you and that's not right.

papaver · 22/05/2018 22:35

It is emotional abuse and sadly it is unlikely to get any better. I made the mistake of staying way too long putting up with this kind of behaviour and kept excepting and making excuses for my OHs behaviour. I am only now in the process of escaping and wish I had done so years ago. Although I still have a rough road ahead re divorce etc already not having to deal with his erratic behaviour and treading on eggshells all the time is liberating. What is the point of having a relationship with a partner who is incapable of treating you as an equal partner?

namechange123779 · 22/05/2018 22:43

I'm so sorry he treats you like this 💐 ask yourself what you are actually getting from the relationship, if it's nothing please leave you deserve happiness xxx

blackteasplease · 22/05/2018 22:44

I have been very much where you are myself.

I'm nearly nearly out. Had financial settlement order in the divorce. Decree absolute application is in. Chold arrangements sorted. I just have to get my property purchase through and it's all
over (and at least ex has moved out now).

It has been a long slog but I feel already so much better.

You can too. You know this is not right. You should not be walking on eggshells. You dont have to lvie with someone who bans normal contact from you. Thank goodness you are married and will get a financial settlement to allow you to live you life securely.

category12 · 22/05/2018 22:45

You're married so you have a claim on the marital assets if any: savings/house/vehicles/pensions etc. Get some legal advice.
You have your mum around to help you, potentially.
You are already doing the vast majority of childcare, housework etc and working.
You may be entitled to tax credits etc if you were on your own.

You're in quite a strong position, if you only knew it. You're competent and strong and worth 1000 of him. You need to get out from under his crushing emotional abuse.

CaledonianQueen · 22/05/2018 22:52

Op he is an abusive monster! He is berating you to the point you are so terrified you are shaking! This man is awful and dangerous, your innocent little daughter is being taught that this is how men behave, do you want your little girl to be treated the way you are being treated by her Father?

Please contact Woman’s Aid op, be careful though, the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when she is leaving the abuser or has just left. Please get together everything you need, clothes for you and your dd and toys for your dd, birth and marriage certificates, mortgage info, pay slips of your dh’s/ dp’s for proof for CSA. Confide in a friend or family member and ask for help in doing this (they could keep your important documents at their house for you.). Get a free consultation with a solicitor for advice on your home and access arrangements with your little girl.

SaltyPeanut · 22/05/2018 22:58

You have my first LTB.

He is a horrendously abusive cunt.

CalF123 · 22/05/2018 23:03

Get out

Fuckwithnosensesauce · 22/05/2018 23:09

Get out before the damages your child any more than he already has. Leave carefully. There is no way anyone should have to live in these circumstances.