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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH's dinner lesson

506 replies

SuckingDownDarjeeling · 28/07/2020 22:47

Semi-lighthearted -

TL;DR, was I being mean to let DH cook for himself after work?

Today DH worked a late shift, coming home well after 9pm. This is the first time this has come about since having DC, but it'll be the first of many late shifts to come.

In the run up to him starting these shifts, I (being the anxious nag that I am) regularly asked him 'what would you like to do about dinner when you're working lates?' However, every time I asked, I got eye rolls and essentially a 'let's cross that bridge when we get there' response.

So tonight he came home and told me how starving he was. After asking me if I had made anything, and looking sufficiently forlorn, he started toying with the idea of ordering a takeaway. I urged him not to, as money isn't exactly flowing and we have things in the fridge that take about 25 mins to cook. He said he was too tired to go and put something in the oven.

In the end my pleas worked and he opted to go and put something in the over for himself. But he did so grudgingly, telling me how hungry and tired he was.

So let me be clear, I could have cobbled something together after DC went to sleep. It crossed my mind, but I thought to myself it would be better to leave it, because I would really like him to realise it's best to plan these things with me beforehand instead of expecting me to come through with solutions unprompted, and also I was tired and wanted to watch YouTube in bed.

What's the general opinion here? Was I too harsh? Should I have made something and said to him 'next time please tell me what you want before your night shift'? Or was I right to let him 'learn this lesson'? There's a fine line between being cruel, and being cruel to be kind!

OP posts:
Capr1 · 31/07/2020 14:40

I don’t think you should have to point out to him that you should both have equal access to money though, OP. It’s blatantly obvious. Most men would never have you in that position in the first place.

It’s not even about what you buy or don’t buy. It’s basic respect for you as his wife. If you can’t work because you have 2 year-old twins, what are you supposed to do?

You are a family. Yet all the financial disadvantage has fallen to you (and indirectly to your children).

I’m sorry, but you do not have to ask him for anything, it’s already yours, Legally, rightfully and morally. It’s not optional for him.

cannockcandy · 31/07/2020 14:57

@SuckingDownDarjeeling
Yeah pretty much lol, generally I plate him up what we have had but sometimes all he wants is a pack of pasties chucked in the microwave with a pile of brown sauce lol.
I can see Gordon Ramsey having beans on toast actually, though its probably sourdough bread with special beans in homemade sauce with parsley sprinkled on top lol.
Whereas my other half has his toast slathered in butter and cut into squares and loves his beans covered in cheese lol xx

LannieDuck · 31/07/2020 15:05

When DC are older and we are eligible for childcare, I plan to get a job and get some financial freedom back.

This is the crux of the problem as regards to money - both you and your husband have had children. But only you've been impacted.

Is he waiting for the children to go to nursery to get his financial freedom back?

No? So how is it fair that you've lost yours completely?

Capr1 · 31/07/2020 16:06

“When DC are older and we are eligible for childcare, I plan to get a job and get some financial freedom back.”

This is so sad OP. The point t is, you should never have lost your financial freedom in the first place! You are married. Why would you expect anything less?

timeisnotaline · 31/07/2020 16:14

Wow op you definitely have bigger problems. I’d walk out without a second thought if dh didn’t think we should have shared money. As for doling it out to you and saying we don’t have enough, what makes you believe him? You really need to talk. And you need to ask for access. I’m sorry you had an abusive relationship but it’s really important you don’t let this one be abusive in a different way.

iklboo · 31/07/2020 17:10
  • Personally I think YABU. If he was home you'd cook for him so why is it any different? Cook as though be is there, plate up his food and he can reheat it when he finishes work. If he was out with the lads or something then I'd understand, but he is going to work! My partner is a chef and there have been occasions when he had come home at midnight! I still reheat the food for him or do something simple like beans on toast or tuna sandwiches for him. It's not hard!*

Maybe read the whole thread? Or at least filter by the OP's posts. She's the least unreasonable one in this scenario.

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