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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think husband is out of order?

65 replies

itsmonday · 12/09/2019 09:17

We've had a rough few years. I personally think he's had a hard time adjusting to fatherhood. He would disagree. He's a great dad but I think its a shock to him that he is expected to be considerate of his time now. Previously he done what he liked and didn't consider me in his plans so this is a big change for him. Anyway he has been bad tempered, moody, tried to gaslight me, always having wee digs and just generally been unsupportive since the baby was born 2 years ago. Iv tried to discuss it with him but I didn't actually realise what the problem was until a few months ago. I was oblivious to their being bigger issues and just thought we were having normal fights, he isn't very good at vocalising his issues and never wants to chat about anything. Things would be ok for a while then drastically take a turn. I arranged a few date days for us (we struggle for a babysitter so this was a big deal) he turned me down in favour of going out with a friend. He left me at Christmas and said he didn't want this anymore, leaving me at my mums where we spent Xmas and he went home on his own. I put him out the house last year for a week but he complained he had nowhere to go (doesn't speak to his family) and when he returned he had a go at me as he had no money. We have separate bank accounts. He has had issues with me bringing in a bigger wage as I worked so much overtime then didn't share it with him - the money was put aside as spending money for a holiday he booked and also paid for Xmas/birthdays. He never pays for presents for anyone or buys the toddler anything. He pays half the bills and puts petrol in the car. The rest is on me. He has accused me of prioritising work over family but encourages me to work OT as we need the money. He says I moan and nag all the time but admits he doesn't do very much cleaning or to a decent standard when he does. Iv asked him countless times to come and sit and talk when things have been really bad and he has refused. He once did talk by wouldn't sit down and stood instead with his arms folded and a scowl on his face. I feel like he's a teenager while I'm trying to have a nice marriage and the two don't go. Iv always been the one to initiate a conversation to get us back on track and when I can see he's making a slight effort I soften and let him brush things aside instead of talking about them. His favourite thing to do.

A few months ago I literally begged him to tell me why he was in a mood and the look in his eyes was of hate. I got on the first flight to my mums with the toddler and stayed there for over a week. He barely contacted me. He came over to visit the toddler and when I done the drop off he asked me to come out for the day as well, said no you spend the day but he didn't have a car so asked if I could drive them. He made small talk and it ended with us being 'back together' but he made no apology, no promises and whilst I wasn't looking for any dramatics, he didn't really have his tail between his leg or seem that bothered. Things just carries on as normal.

He accused me of needing counselling when the baby was months old, I was horrified and realise now this was him gaslighting me along with other things he has done. I have since agreed we both need marriage counselling and he admitted that he needs it more as he knows he has issues. I have tried to book it for us several times but he's cancelled and promised things will be great. Well they aren't.

A few weeks ago I could feel things changing again and his attitude, patience and demeanour were off. We had a silly argument about something which ended in him screaming at me that he was so fucking bored of me, you bore the fuck out of me stop talking I can't stand you. This is his go to line when he's ending the marriage altho he's never had the balls to say that. He thinks we should just live in the same house but Iv not to tell him what to do (tidy up his own mess is all I ever ask of him!) so I stopped talking to him. Childish yes but it feels like my only option. I'm refusing to cave and be the one who sorts this mess out again. If he wants to chat I am more than willing. Iv not cooked, shopped or washed his clothes for him. I'm carrying on as normal for the toddler but we're in separate rooms.

So AIBU to not speak? He's not spoken to me either for the record. If he asks to chat I'm fully up for it but I don't want to be the one sorting this mess again coz every time I do it never works and he acts like a stroppy teenager who has been given another chance but doesn't appreciate it. He's quite entitled in all aspects of his life and very stubborn although all these attributes he will try to pin on me, he constantly tries to bring me down and has told me my family think the same of me for years. I gathered the courage to discuss this with my family and they were horrified. My sister said this is mental/emotional abuse and I was so grateful for her confirmation that I'm not this monster he has made me think I am for years. He doesn't speak to his own family for pretty much the same reasons as he isn't speaking to me at the minute. Too much effort and he thinks he's right all the time.

So now he seems to be getting his back up more and more that I'm not communicating. But he is doing more cleaning and looking after the toddler than ever. This won't continue tho, he always does this when we fall out.

What happens from here. Do I keep ignoring him until he wants to have a proper chat? Do I let my marriage fizzle out because of this? Do I have any right to put him out the house? If I could move back with family I would but it's another country, I'd lose my job and want to secure work there first before making that move - which will be a whole new world of pain when he tries to fight me on it.

Sorry for how long this is. I suppose I just wanted it all down. Iv posted lots lately as I'm seriously lonely, confused, Fed up, pissed off, hurt... thanks for reading if you did.

OP posts:
Sparklfairy · 12/09/2019 10:47

if I've read it correctly

BarbedBloom · 12/09/2019 10:55

Get legal advice first. It sounds like he will try and make things as difficult as possible and you could end up having to pay for all travelling back and forth on a regular basis. He may also be a problem when it comes to selling the house and you will be jointly liable for paying the mortgage.

Lemoneeza · 12/09/2019 11:03

almost certainly you can move freely within the UK with no issues. but yes, legal advice is your next step. good luck. one year from now your life could be brilliant.

Piglet89 · 12/09/2019 11:10

@itsmonday re abduction questions, this might help. From the following link:

childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/abduction/

I’m so sorry you’re going through this. It sounds awful.

To think husband is out of order?
itsmonday · 12/09/2019 13:29

Thanks again all. You've given me a lot to think about things have been pretty shit today, I just feel down and Iv no one to chat to.

I don't want to live my life like this and I have a son who I don't want growing up thinking this behaviour is acceptable towards a partner. It's hard to make such a big change to his life though but the plan is to get a job and go from there. If I have some security I feel like I could do this even if met with some resistance from the manchild

OP posts:
itsmonday · 13/09/2019 04:57

My blood is boiling. Since we have not been speaking the toddlers behaviour has gotten worse. It generally does when he spends more time with his dad as he gives in to him for everything and doesn't discipline him. I let toddler sleep in with me tonight as a bit of a treat and he's just woke up having a strop deciding he wants my pillows. Tried to work around it and he was having a good moan when husband appears standing over us saying are you ok to the toddler. My son sees him and of course squeals bloody murder for his dad. I'm so sick of this. I haven't interfered once in the last two weeks and Iv let him parent without stepping in or trying to take over. Why am I not afforded the same opportunity?! My son will often prefer him over me and it's starting to really upset me now. He's always fed him up on chocolate then let him run riot and his behaviour is so bad when with his dad. Family have even commented how calm he is when I take him there without his dad. I'm so pissed off he done that

OP posts:
TiggerOfThigh · 13/09/2019 05:11

From someone who is 2.5 years into this mindfuck of living with a man who doesn’t want a marriage, just a housekeeper, please take yourself and DC out if this situation.
My ‘D’H finally got bored and things became violent recently.
Show DC that men shouldn’t treat women that way.

He may be a Disney dad but you are protecting your child, his future relationships, and your sanity.

Monty27 · 13/09/2019 05:26

Go back to where your happiest and supported. Manchild will scream and shout but he's had his chances.

Stephminx · 13/09/2019 05:30

Your marriage is over and from the way you phrased some parts of your OP, I'd be worried about escalation of your DH behaviour.

Make a list of what you want (e.g. Divorce, primary residence of your DS, move home etc) and the speak to a solicitor about how you get there.

You may end up paying him off with some of the equity from the house, which isn't fair, but think of it as buying a future for you and you child (and what price can you put in that really).

You say you have a decent job and can get another, so you can always earn more money. You and your DS have only one life !

user764329056 · 13/09/2019 05:33

Get away from this situation as soon as you can, it’s unhealthy for you and your son, he sounds a complete waste of space, good luck with everything, hope you escape him soon

SherbetSaucer · 13/09/2019 05:44

I don't want to be the one sorting this mess again

There is no sorting it. It’s over! Time to walk away!

Durgasarrow · 13/09/2019 05:55

Find out what the legalities are.
Be methodical.
Keep your eye on the prize.

YouJustDoYou · 13/09/2019 05:58

Speak to a solicitor, asap.

Justtryingtobehelpful · 13/09/2019 06:22

My heart goes out to you.
Read this book, you'll see he is a classic emotionally and verbally abusive husband. Get your sister and mum to read or. That's great they are on your side.

docdro.id/py03

It sounds like he needs to get counselling to deal with his issues. Not you.

You would need to separate with him completely while he deals with his issues. Then, decide if you want to contribute the relationship.

You've been great. He sounds horrid to live with!

Pringlesfortea · 13/09/2019 06:40

I’m sorry
You need to leave ,it’s very hard to leave when the children are older .much easier when toddlers
House on market ,solicitor,job hunt near your folks.divorce
Don’t even bother discussing it ,just do it

Beautiful3 · 13/09/2019 07:01

This is a miserable life for you and your child. Dont let your child grow up in this hostile environment. Move back to mums with your child and look for a job there. Good luck.

leafyskyline · 13/09/2019 07:16

I'd also make the move. You and your dc need family support if it'spossible. Especially if you're starting over and adjusting to life after an abusive relationship.

Speak to women's aid for advice on how to go about it so a court would support you. Stop considering your DH, your concern is now about you and your DC.

AmIThough · 13/09/2019 07:29

Neither of you are happy. Just tell him you want a divorce and you need to sit down and sort out how things will work.
If he won't do it with you, go through a solicitor.

If he can't afford to live alone that's his problem - he'll have to move into a shared house.

Myriade · 13/09/2019 07:47

You need to speak to a sollicitor.
Both to see where you stand financially but also to see if you could move back home.
Unfortunately the reality is that you have a job here, your home is here and just moving back ‘home’ could be considered abduction if his father doesn’t agree with it.

So don’t move wo proper legal advice!

As for him not moving out, I suppose that the house is both names? Because otherwise, he doesn’t have a leg to stand on.

AlwaysCheddar · 13/09/2019 07:50

Get rid of him!!!

Icantthinkofanynewnames · 13/09/2019 07:51

Omg WHY are you with this person? I can’t see one single positive thing about this relationship and don’t understand why you’d even consider continuing it. Honestly if your child is a toddler he’s going to start to pick up on this horrible tension and ridiculousness between you two and it will start to affect him. The whole thing sounds absolutely awful and i don’t know why you’re not leaving him as we speak!

Bluebelldaisy · 13/09/2019 08:16

Can you honestly see this man child going for custody? He would have to grow up then. He may threaten it but when it came to it would he really want sole responsibility for looking after his child!!! Na he won’t even be able to take on 50% when it comes down to it

itsmonday · 13/09/2019 08:22

Thanks everyone. I get it I really do but I genuinely can't just get rid of him - he won't leave the household. I don't feel I can move back to my mums until I have a job. He won't agree to me going back with my son anyway so I need to have total security before I start this fight (probably through court) I know what you're all saying but lacking a bag and leaving today won't get me very far. Iv no money, if I don't pay the mortgage I'm not entitled to any equity when we sell. I'm trying to do this the right way.

He is not a nice person but has made me feel that it's me that's the horrible one with issues. I have found these last 2 weeks of silence quite liberating but I'm still terrified and so unsure of myself to be making big decisions for my son without having a proper future plan in place for him. I feel like I'm staring down a big black hole and can't see any light. I need to secure a job and I feel that will give me the light I need to see a way out of this mess.

I'm sad to leave my house that Iv made in to a home and spent so much money on. I love my job and have spent 14 years with the same company working my up. I have spent all my adult life with this man. I'm moving back home to my old room and feel like everything I've built is coming crashing down around me. I feel like I'm grieving for a life that Iv wasted and I need to have something good on the other side before I can let it go.

OP posts:
ControversialFerret · 13/09/2019 08:24

He's not a good dad. He's lazy, selfish and rude.

A good dad respects the mother of his child, even if he no longer has a romantic relationship with her.

A good dad parents his child appropriately - which includes guidance and discipline, rather than letting them run wild and have free rein with sweets and chocolate.

A good dad understands that parenting is a partnership, and that you don't undermine the mother of your child when she is trying to enforce reasonable boundaries and behaviour.

See a solicitor and get legal advice about moving from one part of the UK to the other. Apply for jobs in your Mum's area. If he wants to fight over access then let him. Make sure you are prepared to facilitate travel so that your son can see his Dad and show the court that you've done this.

In the meantime, keep grey rocking him and get a cheap door wedge, which you can slip under your bedroom door at night, to stop him coming in.

AnyFucker · 13/09/2019 08:25

he's a great dad

NO HE FUCKING IS NOT A GREAT DAD

How many fucking times does this need pointing out ?

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