Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Do you think Im being selfish?

204 replies

Zenab12 · 09/01/2021 13:10

Hi so, I'm in a pretty bad place at the moment and I would just like to know if people think I'm being selfish or over reacting?
I've always suffered with mental health problems( aniexty and depression) but it was triggered quite badly after I became a mum I think. I just suffer quite badly with a low mood.
I'm married with 2 kids (5 and 3) my husband is Pakistani and I'm British. A year ago my brother in law announced he was coming over from Pakistan to go to university here ( which my husband has payed for his entire education up until now as he is the oldest son and my sister in law doesn't give anything to my mil and fil) it's only my husband and his sister here, who is married with 3 kids ( there is cousins etc but they are very jealous and don't speak to both brothers) it was decided he would work part time with my husband when he came in between uni as my husband owns his own business,there for he would live with us. So last January he came, I tried my best to welcome him, we gave him the spare. Room and made him a bedroom, my husband never specially asked me to do anything for him I just tried to look after him because. He had no one else here and I wanted him to settle in and adjust ( he's 24 now BTW) it was fine at first he would clean his own bedroom etc, take his dishes out etc. After a few months. Though he starred making me do everything for him, he stopped. Cleaning his bedroom and doing his washing, he would let me bring his food to. Him on the table and let me take his dirty plate away when he ran upstairs to his bedroom leaving all his dirty plates. On the table. He kept going into my bedroom without asking, I caught him going through my husbands draw for socks and me and my husband share a draw for underwear so he was essentially going through my underwear, I was so embarrassed as I am a Muslim woman. He starred leaving his dirty socks in my dining room for me to pick up, just put a full washing basket of dirty clothes I front of me telling me to do it all there and then. I spoke to my husband about this as I. Didn't think it was fair I was the only one doing anything, I also. Didn't appreciate. The fact that he was working and never offered a penny towards rent, bills or the food shop considering food is flying out. Of the house at the moment because he doesn't stop eating and snacking, we've never asked him for money but he hasn't even offered. Let alone contribute in other. Ways. My husband has spoke to him 3 times and he won't listen, he just keeps saying he's too comfortable now. He gets me to make all 3 of his meals every day, I'm not just talking about cereal for breakfast either, a full cooked breakfast is expected every morning and I end up not eating properly because I'm tired after making 4 other breakfasts. My husband leaves him in the house alone with. Me when he doesn't want to work and I've. Said. To. Him so many times that I'm so uncomftable being left alone with him as I feel like so much. Of my privacy has already been stripped away from me by him just being here, I feel like he's taking over the house. It's got. To the point now my husband is just siding with him and telling me to put up with it and deal with it. This morning I didn't. Make him breakfast and instead. Of getting rhe hint that I didn't want to do it for him he went upstairs to bed and waited for me to cook his breakfast and call him down. I just don't get what is so wrong with telling someone to do their own things, hes not a child he's. 24 and I'm fed up of being a slave, fed up now of sharing my house. Me and my husbands relationship is suffering because I don't feel comfortable being intimate with my husband because his brother is in the next room and keeps his door wide open at night,its like he's almost doing it. On purpose to come between us. I'm. Not allowed. To say anything because I'll be classed as a trouble maker. In the. Family because of their. Culture, but my husband. Is to scared. To say anything too and just. Keeps saying what can ido tell him to leave. I've told him unless he talks to his brother and sorts him out. Then I want him to tell his brother to go and live with. His sister,do you think Im being selfish? I'm just so exhausted I have my own 2.small kids and husband to look after and I just don't like it anymore.

OP posts:
CharlotteCollinsneeLucas · 12/01/2021 13:51

It must be so tempting to keep life as normal as possible right now. And the way you asked him to take you to get your hands checked shows that. The subconscious thinking is that if he takes care of you then it's easier to forget he was the one who hurt you.

In a good marriage, partners don't hurt each other. And you know that, which is why you say you've had enough.

So now it's the time to be strong and get that hand checked out. And tell somebody how it happened. Doctor or police, or both. Telling someone makes it real - that's scary. But it is also taking one small step forward, to a stronger you.

But don't underestimate the danger you're in. You need good quality advice now from people who understand. Muslim-based help sounds perfect for you. Good luck.

Hercules12 · 12/01/2021 22:24

Oh op, so sad to read your update. Please read and reread all these messages to you even if you can't to anything now please come back to this thread in future

AlwaysCheddar · 14/01/2021 08:03

You need to get an X-ray and leave your dh, taking the kids. Things are just going to get worse. Don’t do anything for dh or bil.

Whose house is it?

CuntyMcBollocks · 14/01/2021 09:54

He doesn't MAKE you do it all, you're just doing it all for him. You don't have to be treated that way at all. Chuck him out. You deserve much more respect

CuntyMcBollocks · 14/01/2021 09:57

Sorry OP, I posted before I was fully up to date. Please get yourself some help and get away from your husband. You really deserve so much more and shouldn't be living in fear Flowers

Notjustanymum · 14/01/2021 11:30

“BIL, you’re no longer a guest in this house; you are in a house-share with us by the grace of the good nature of myself and DH.
I am not a housemaid; I am mother to my two children, and wife to DH, and as such I expect you to cook any individual meals you require, clear up after yourself or take it in turns when we eat a communal dinner, take over some of the household chores and do your own washing.
You are also not allowed to roam around all areas of the house. This is our house, and our room is private territory so you will not enter it again.
You will also keep your bedroom door closed at night to afford us privacy when attending to our children.
If these rules seem too harsh, you are free to find somewhere else to live.”

Notjustanymum · 14/01/2021 11:34

💐 too...

Somethingkindaoooo · 14/01/2021 11:40

Op
Please go to the hospital, and make sure they know your husband hit you.
He has assaulted you.

You NEED to get your injuries recorded somewhere. If ever you separate, and he tries to take your children, you need evidence that he was abusive.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 14/01/2021 13:25

It's noticeable that OP hasn't been back since early on Tuesday ... anyone else hoping to god she's okay and that her OH hasn't somehow found her posts?

warmandtoasty2day · 14/01/2021 13:54

read updates, what bastards somemen are, hope you are okay op, get back to us if you can Flowers

SharonasCorona · 14/01/2021 14:06

@Puzzledandpissedoff

I hope she's ok too. I'm worried she's decided to live with this or the husband has panicked and told her his brother will leave so she won't call the police about assaulting her.

OP, I'm reminded me of white colleague, who left her Muslim husband. She didn't convert to marry him but she did say that if her husband had been a better Muslim, then their marriage might have survived.

OP, here is a video that I found useful (as a Muslim woman). It 's a video by a Muslim saying what women should not tolerate in their marriage.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 14/01/2021 14:44

I'm worried she's decided to live with this

Yes, I agree that's a concern too - after all it's what plenty do Sad

HyacynthBucket · 14/01/2021 19:59

Please contact Refuge, OP. They are women who will help you, not just with accommodation but with help for your injury and depression. You and your children need to get away from this abusive situation. It will only get worse if you stay, and you will lose yourself altogether. That cannot be what you want for your children or yourself. Take care of yourself.
www. refuge.org.uk Their helpline is 0808 2000 247 (24hours).

winterchills · 14/01/2021 20:50

Get your self and them children out of there and also notify the police. It's happened this once and it will now happen again

Dogladyxo · 14/01/2021 21:14

I too thought the OP was in her 40-50's.

This thread is very sad to read :(

BlueSuffragette · 19/01/2021 17:55

@Zenab12
Hope you are ok and that you have managed to get some support IRL.

Whynothaveathird · 19/01/2021 23:56

Oh op I hope
You’re ok

Zenab12 · 21/01/2021 12:48

I do have an update,
My brother in law announced yestedsay that he will move into his sisters house, he insists their is no problem but obviously I know it's because of me. I'm now being ignored by my in laws, my mother in law lives in Pakistan and I tried to video call because my kids are asking to see her and I am just being ignored. Apparently I am selfish for not being able to tolerate one extra person.
I kind of had a feeling a few days ago that he would end up saying he was going, but now I am the one who is getting it and getting made like its my fault and I pushed him out. I just don't know what to say really

OP posts:
Hotzenplotz · 21/01/2021 13:12

Oh love. I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Did you get your hand seen to?

Puzzledandpissedoff · 21/01/2021 14:16

I'm extremely sorry, OP; on the face of things it's good news if he leaves, but of course there are bigger issues around the family's attitude and especially your DH's violence towards you

Have you been able to reach out to any of the support organisations some of us mentioned?

Zenab12 · 21/01/2021 15:35

I haven't got it seen to yet, I just assumed their wasn't a big problem with it but it's been over a week and I am still getting sharp pains during certain movements or clenching my fist, if it is still hurting next week I'm going to get it seen too, the bruising and swelling has gone down but certain movements are still very painful xxx

OP posts:
Zenab12 · 21/01/2021 15:36

Maybe it sounds bad but I do feel quite relived if I am honest, I just wish it didn't come with the comments from family, but I've realised today they will get over it, and 5his has happened for a reason. Ive realised I need to learn not just to gain peoples acceptance, rather focus on the good things in my life like my children, who really do care about me and need me very much and that is my main focus on getting better mentally, for the sake of them x

OP posts:
Zerrin13 · 21/01/2021 16:46

Great news that you are going to have him out of your house. You are right, they will get over it. You and your children must be your first priority. Dont let them make you feel guilty.

katy1213 · 21/01/2021 16:59

Just stop. No washing - no cooking - let him expect all he likes but he's not getting anything. Might be his culture to be waited on hand and foot - but it's not yours. And if your husband won't back you up, then he can have the same treatment.
You will find it immensely liberating not to give a shit what anyone else thinks of you! In-laws in Pakistan don't like it ... well, that's no skin of your nose! Better luck with the next daughter-in-law!

katy1213 · 21/01/2021 17:13

That's great news that you've got rid of him! Just make sure he doesn't come back!
But you weren't born into this culture - and I can't help thinking that you would be happier taking a step away from it.
Did you suffer from anxiety and depression before you converted or has it got worse since? You're so young - you shouldn't be skivvying for men. Is this what you'd want for your daughter?

Swipe left for the next trending thread