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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Marriage has fallen apart

27 replies

G121 · 18/02/2020 08:36

I have been with my husband since we were 18. Got married after 10years together and have got two great boys, aged 10 and 14. Communication has never been easy as he doesn’t like to talk about feelings and problems. If we ever have a row, he will be happy to stop talking to me weeks on end, rather than talk about what caused the issue and over the years I have ended up apologising for arguments that are not even my fault to diffuse the tension. He has not had a good childhood either and his parents have lied and hidden things from him which has affected him.
Anyway he went away with his friends three months ago. One of his friends is having an affair with a girl abroad and she bought a group of friends to a club they were at and my husband got friendly with her. I found this out while he was drunk and talking loudly to his friends while I was upstairs.

He is in constant contact with her by phone and has said that talking to someone who doesn’t know him takes him away from the issues he has in his head. She’s abroad and he thinks I’m unreasonable to think he can’t have a female friend. He says there’s nothing going on but I do think it’s natural to become connected to someone without having sex with them. Anyway I have tried to get our marriage back on track, but feel he has made no effort at all. I told him yesterday that I’m going to be moving out on the weekend to give us some space to decide if we want to make it work or walk away. We live in a six bedroom home with my in laws and I will be moving to my mums sofa, so for now I have said I will leave my boys here as this is going to cause them a lot of stress to live out of a suitcase. I will not be moving far and will continue to pick then up from school and bring them back here, but just won’t be here when my husband is around. He’s saying I should stay here as a friend and move into the spare bedroom. I don’t want him to have his cake and eat it. Am I wrong or is he? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Janaih · 18/02/2020 08:39

Poor you Flowers I think you should leave permanently. Go to your mums. Then find a good solicitor.

drinkygin · 18/02/2020 08:39

He is wrong. I’m so sorry OP. I think it’s likely that something more that friendly happened with this woman on his trip. I would try and get yourself sorted ASAP and find a home so you can have your boys with you. I wouldn’t stay in the house either. Take care of yourself Flowers

MummyToBe89 · 18/02/2020 11:07

I'm so sorry this is happening to you OP. I would make it clear you're not comfortable with his new friendship and you are asking him to consider your feelings and end all contact. If he says no then he's putting her above you and you are well within your right to leave. If you truly think you have fought as hard as you can then go to your Mum's house and get the ball rolling to find a new place to live. Maybe discussing what days you'll each have the kids/financial arrangements etc will shock him in to getting his arse in to gear and fixing your marriage. Good Luck and I'll be sending you all my best thoughts.

Damntheman · 18/02/2020 11:29

I think it's perfectly possible to have a friend of the opposite sex. However, it's not okay for him to open up and talk to her when he won't talk to OP.

Him not appearing particularly bothered about OP leaving is also a stark sign. I'm so sorry OP. You need your own space or he'll be eating his cake and having it too (as you say). I hope you can find somewhere good for you and your children.

ShesGotBetteDavisEyes · 18/02/2020 11:34

God he’s wrong, you’ve done nothing wrong! What a horrible situation for you. He sounds very disrespectful - and I don’t believe for a minute there’s nothing going on with his female “friend”.
There’s nothing you can do but move out and get divorced - it doesn’t sound like he wants to try and work it out anyway. What a loser - his actions are shameful. I hope you manage to get away with your boys.

Porcupineinwaiting · 18/02/2020 11:35

Please talk to a good divorce solicitor before you move to your mum's. I'm not saying don't go, or that you should definitely divorce, but your situation (living w inlaws) sounds precarious and best to take some advice before doing anything. Flowers

And no, YANBU.

MsVestibule · 18/02/2020 11:41

I really wouldn't leave before taking legal advice. My concern is that, given that it's not your house, its very unlikely you'd be allowed back in if you needed to. More importantly, how would it look if there were custody issues? Do you envisage a 50:50 'spilt'? Can you afford to support you and your boys with your wage/benefits?

It sounds as though your marriage is over but please don't make any decisions about moving out before you speak to a good family solicitor.

maddening · 18/02/2020 11:45

Who owns the house?

maddening · 18/02/2020 11:46

And yes if you are not in any danger then fuck it, detach from the marriage and take time to plan.

fuckoffImcounting · 18/02/2020 12:17

I would not leave the children as it may go against you if you want custody. You could to into the spare room for now and stop doing anything at all for your husband, then he would not be having and eating cake. Then take time to plan your move and see a solicitor.

Forgivenandsetfree · 18/02/2020 12:21

The fact that he so easily has let you go without fighting tells me something went on abroad, I'm really sorry OP :(

billy1966 · 18/02/2020 12:39

I agree, spare room until you get legal advice and can see what sort of housing you will be able to source.

Stop doing anything for him and focus on protecting yourself.

SVRT19674 · 18/02/2020 12:58

I am afraid he is having an affair in your face... or so he thinks, don't put up with it as it will eat you up inside.

GabriellaMontez · 18/02/2020 13:01

Hes a twat.

Dont move out yet. See a lawyer first.

Have the spare room. Do nothing for him.

Elbeagle · 18/02/2020 13:04

Don’t move out yet. Move into the spare room while you speak to a solicitor.

abigailsnan · 18/02/2020 13:14

Personally I would move into the spare bedroom and stay close to your boys,if your mum lives nearby you can visit her during the day if you don't go to work.
Get all your finances in order and save as much as you can for a deposit on a property this guy is taking you for a right fool and thinks he can get away with it.

Janaih · 18/02/2020 13:23

On reflection I agree with others. If you can stand it, move into spare room until you've taken legal advice

Christmaspug · 18/02/2020 13:28

Don’t move out
Youve lost the kids then
Only move out when you have somewhere stable for you and your kids

letsdolunch321 · 18/02/2020 13:37

Stay at the house with the kids, when his mother asks why are you in the spare room tell her why.

He is clearly living in cloud cuckoo land thinking he has done no wrong.
MEN !!!

G121 · 18/02/2020 13:54

Thank you for your replies.
The house is in his name. Not mine. Unfortunately I don’t work either as his job is quite demanding so we made a decision that I would stay home and look after the house and children

OP posts:
champagneandfromage50 · 18/02/2020 14:04

You need to register an interest in the house. Not working and being a SAHM doesn't mean your entitled to nothing. However if you leave the marital home and your DC he will become the resident parent.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 18/02/2020 14:40

Don't move out...!!

Not until you've had proper legal advice...

Do NOT leave the kids there... I can see your reasons for this... But just don't... That could go against you.

IamtheDevilsAvocado · 18/02/2020 14:41

As others have said....

Move into spare room.... Do nothing for him... No cooking /cleaning /housekeeping... Just look after you and your sons

Hooferdoofer37 · 18/02/2020 14:45

You're married so the house does belong to you in part.

Please seek legal advice ASAP.

maddening · 18/02/2020 19:47

What is the score with his parents? Do they have any money in the house?