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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:
Gatehouse77 · 28/06/2018 08:16

Sometimes, there's comfort in "better the devil you know, than the devil you don't" but the word 'devil' is the key. (I'm not suggesting your OH is a devil!)

Deep down you knew you couldn't continue to live that way and that's what you hold on to. You can still remember the good times but they don't outweigh the shit ones. They are what brought you to this point and that's what will drive you forwards.

RandomMess · 28/06/2018 08:44

He may turn and become very nasty as he is not a kind and loving man Thanks

PinkMojito · 28/06/2018 08:55

You're experiencing FUD - Fear, uncertainty, and doubt. Change is scary for a very primal reason. Your survival instinct only cares about the basics of survival - food and shelter. Right now you have those things so by changing things so dramatically, your primal survival system is throwing all kinds of warning signals to go back to status quo. However it doesn't care one jot about your emotional well being, and that's why you just have to push through those worried feelings. What you're feeling is totally normal, and it will pass Thanks

I imagine he is being very calm because he doesn't believe you'll actually leave. Or because maybe deep down he wants it too. If it is the former, then get ready for him to have an emotional shitstorm when he realises you're serious. If possible, I would pack some things and go stay somewhere safe with your LO, just so you don't put yourself through additional trauma. Then you can get your affairs in order.

doingmybest1 · 28/06/2018 08:59

OP, well done. Of course you are going to feel sad and question your decision. I really feel for you.

X

Runlovingmummy81 · 28/06/2018 09:04

My EX husband was like this. I left him 3 years ago and it's the best thing I ever did.

He still tries to control things but I just ignore him unless it's to do with the kids.

OpalIridescence · 28/06/2018 09:20

I am in a rush but just wanted to tell you it is so much better on the other side.
Life is for living not for spending as a scared shadow of yourself.

I am eight months out of a relationship like yours, I have two little children. Honestly, push through and you have the rest of your life to live. If you stay you may as well disappear as he continues to dominant you and enjoy your confusion and hurt.

Be very kind to yourself, as you start to get stronger you will realise how badly you have been treated and it is a shock after being conditioned slowly.

May I recommend Sia Flames as your head soundtrack, it helps!

The very best of luck to you and your children Flowers

OpalIridescence · 28/06/2018 09:20

Oh, yanbu and it is emotional abuse

Cornishclio · 28/06/2018 09:30

I see things have moved on and you have asked him for a divorce since starting your thread. Your Husband sounds awful and obviously gives you no support and is probably a contributor to your feelings of anxiety. For the good of you and your child I don't think anyone would disagree with you leaving him. Yes, financially it is scary and personally I think paid employment would be a better way to go as most SE income is erratic. Find out what benefits you can claim until you get on your feet, agree a child maintenance payment with your STBX or let CMA sort it out. I think in time you will realise you did the only thing you could. I cannot imagine coping with a colicky and reflux baby on your own and to fly off the handle at some innocuous texts shows he has serious anger issues himself. Get rid of him.

callywags · 28/06/2018 09:40

Op
You have had amazing advice and support from the mners
I just wanted to show support to you also, you are making the right decision.
Well done and keep strong x

fieryginger · 28/06/2018 09:45

Op it is abusive and you deserve so much more.

Do you want to spend your one and only life with a husband making you anxious?

I'm nearly 50 and, let me tell you, how fast these years have gone. We really do only live once, don't spend it unhappy.

Colbu24 · 28/06/2018 10:02

I am so sorry you are in this situation but there is hope.
In this world there are predators and pray.
If you are acting like pray he'll attack you at will because you won't fight back.
I'll suggest act like you aren't afraid even if you are deadly afraid.
The more subservient you are the more he'll feel entitled to control you.
It's make or break.
It isn't normal for him to blow his top for what sounds reasonable demands from you.

jay55 · 28/06/2018 10:07

Massive well done for taking that step. It is going to get so much better.

Rozzzzzalmost35 · 28/06/2018 10:21

It's bad the emotional abuse but will only get worse. Leave. Xx

sunnyblueskies · 28/06/2018 11:41

I’ve just got this message. Feel like I’m dying inside.

Please reconsider other options, I’m begging you. You and DC are
my life, all I’ve ever wanted is for us to be a happy and secure family. I’m sorry that’s not happened but surely we have to try and make it work? It’s not like every day has been a nightmare - only a fortnight ago we were celebrating our anniversary. Don’t I deserve an opportunity to make things right, to prevent all this upheaval? It’s as though you have no feelings for me whatsoever and won’t even entertain trying to help me out. I’m your husband, not some nobody who you have no commitment to.

OP posts:
sunnyblueskies · 28/06/2018 11:46

And another...

Why won’t you help me with this? If I had cancer would you turn your back on me as well? Aren’t we meant to be committed to each other? This is literally the most awful thing that can happen to someone and yet you won’t even entertain trying to help me. I don’t deserve this, this is a horrible thing you’re doing to me

OP posts:
MinorRSole · 28/06/2018 11:49

Well that's all about him isn't it, selfish git. You are doing the right thing, if he wanted to change he would have done it already.

sunseasand25 · 28/06/2018 11:53

It's all about him and how he is feeling isn't it?! How much did he give a shit when you were crying all those times because of his abuse towards you. He's conditioned you to think only his needs matter and it will take time for you to feel ok again. You are giving your daughter the gift of a calm home. You are doing the right thing absolutely. I know this bit is tough, I've done it myself but saw the change in my kids almost instantly. They were so much happier and four year on our home is a happy place full of laughter. No one is scared of anyone. No ones stomach lurches when they hear the key in the door. Sending strength vibes to you.

k567 · 28/06/2018 11:54

Does he know this is down to the way he has treated you? Does he take any responsibility for this? Still sounds like he's using abusive tactics

PinkMojito · 28/06/2018 11:55

Stay strong @sunnyblueskies He made his bed! Now he's actually facing the consequences and the shitstorm had begun. And look what he's doing...playing the victim and putting the blame on you, guilt tripping you by essentially saying you're a bad person for leaving him (you aren't), when in reality if he had been a good husband and father this wouldn't be happening.

He's acting like you're just throwing him under the bus, when in reality you've given him years of your life and look how he's treated you. You're leaving despite the uncertainty and strain it puts on you, and he did that, not you. Don't let him guilt trip you into staying Thanks He has taken you for granted all of these years, assuming he could treat you in any way he saw fit because he didn't believe you'd ever leave. That's the reality. Now he's desperate and back peddling, and he'll do/say anything to get you to stay (back under his control).

sunseasand25 · 28/06/2018 11:57

And "make it work" why the fuck does he have to try so hard to be civilised and decent towards his partner and mother of his child?!!? Because he's an abuser and he's wired up incorrectly in the head - his default mode, his basic brain programming is to bully you. I suspect financially you may be better off once he is paying maintenance as well as it sounds as if he contributes very little in any way to your home (apart from shit loads of strife!). Stay strong! You are a decent human that's why you feel churned up. He is not so he's trying to manipulate you into going back for more of his abuse. And if you do go back he'll punish you and try and keep you from every leaving again by clipping your wings further.

Mangoo · 28/06/2018 12:00

OP I've been here with my ex and your DH's messages now you've left sound like the ones I got too. I stuck to my guns and found out later down the line that his next girlfriend left him for the exact same reasons. Ex still sends me messages now years later (even though I'm super happy with new DP and have been for some time) begging forgiveness but there's always that same line... 'but you should have told me you weren't happy and given me the opportunity to change'.

Even his apology hints that it's YOUR fault. People like your DH are just programmed to blame blame blame everyone else except themselves.

How could YOU do this to me.
Don't I DESERVE x y & z
YOU wouldn't leave me if...

It's all a form of control and I promise things will snap back to how they were as soon as he thinks he's got his hold back on you.

I know how it feels to walk on eggshells for the worry that the simplest thing could make him blow up. I could ask him if he wanted a cup of tea and he'd find a way to argue about it. It's an awful way to live and it destroys your confidence.

I also know how relationships are supposed to be now and I'm so much happier - you will be too!!

Good luck Flowers

Thebluedog · 28/06/2018 12:06

It’s all about him, isn’t it. Plus the emotional blackmail of your anniversary, it’s not all been shit blah blah blah.... he’s saying it’s about commitment for him isn’t it, what about his commitment to you when he’s called you a c*?

Ignore OP

GrannyGrissle · 28/06/2018 12:45

Haven't read the full thread but can tell you single Motherhood (with minimum financial worries, chronic health conditions and very limited support) is lovely and compared to living with your arsehole of a H, it is utterly blissful. LTB.

purplerainpitcher · 28/06/2018 13:07

hope you are doing okay OP

KittyVonCatsworth · 28/06/2018 13:45

Oh my love Flowers from one who’s going through it too it’s like a script. Woe is him ‘I’ll change, we’ll change together’ etc etc the next stage is anger when you don’t believe shit that comes out of his mouth and don’t bow down to him. Then it’ll be contempt, then the anger will return. Get out now. Stay safe, we’re all here for you, for each other. Be strong xx

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