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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Husband resents me for debt

999 replies

wishes1111 · 02/02/2021 14:35

Hello

I'll try and explain as briefly as possible.

I was raised by my grandparents and lost them both within 3 years or each other to cancer (in their 60s). I've also had 6 miscarriages during and since.

I have been on antidepressants since age 14 and have a history of anxiety too.

My coping mechanism was to spend, I took loans out, ordered clothes, things I didn't need and racked up nearly £8000 in debt, exchanging my utter sadness and despair for temporary happiness.

After 2 years of paying the minimum payments, I realised I couldn't hide it anymore, interest was rising and I was struggling to cope and was losing the battle of keeping my head above water.

I earn £24,000 a year, my husband earns £40,000.

I admitted it all during a breakdown, he was angry and sad that I'd done this and especially since I'd hid it from him. I fully understood this and took responsibility for my actions. I entered a payment plan with stepchange and have kept up with payments over the past couple of years and it's slowly but surely reducing. I'm paying this myself, as well as £550 for my half of rent and £30 for my phone. The rest, I use for birthday presents, diesel, car insurance and tax and I'm left with little per month. I've also cleared my overdraft in this time.

I have taken no further loans out since entering my plan with stepchange.

My problem is, my Husband resents me for this. He is a saver, he won't spend unless he has to and he saves what he can (which is a good thing). I've tried my hardest to turn my life around and take responsibility.

He said he will resent me until it's all paid off which will be another couple of years. Some days he is lovely, others it's like he's punishing me for my mistakes. Digs here and there, cold towards me, brings up what I did.

I can't even explain how much I regret doing this but I can't live like this. If I have £10 left for the last week of the month and I need to get something such as tampons or some lunch stuff for work , he tells me to sort it out myself. I understand I'm not his responsibility but this is wearing me down.

He has more than enough in savings to clear my debt. I don't expect him to do that but know in a heartbeat I would do it for him if I knew it was weighing on his shoulders, adding anxiety to his life and and he'd made an effort to change.

I feel I can't go on this way, but when he's in a nice mood I love him so much, when he's in his resentful mood he makes me feel low and like he'll never move past it.

I'm waffling, I don't expect people to think he's in the wrong, I get it.

I guess I'm just hoping for a hand hold whilst suffering my latest miscarriage, dealing with a resentful husband and trying my hardest to not fall back into a deep depression x

OP posts:
heyjude12 · 02/02/2021 20:32

Parveenmistry why are being so very nasty. People don't behave in a rational manner when grieving. If you don't yet have experience be grateful not smug

SarahAndQuack · 02/02/2021 20:33

@Bookwords

You tell me why a CCJ is worse than a debt plan?
Because when we have applied to rent houses (twice) and applied for mortgages in principle (twice), we have been approved with a DMP and have been told in no uncertain terms we would be rejected with a CCJ.

If you are familiar with filling in forms for all sorts of financial arrangements, you will see that they routinely ask you to tick whether you have a CCJ, because it is commonly used as a shibboleth. A DMP is not.

It's very simple.

I am not saying a DMP is wonderful and delightful, but it is a solution to a debt problem.

I honestly have no vested interests here and don't think it's in any way relevant to the OP here - the reason I'm defending Stepchange is that I think they do really good work and it's very important people know there is a charity out there that could help.

Suzi888 · 02/02/2021 20:35

After reading the updates (and I didn’t see the amount of debt that had been accrued Confuseddon’t know how I missed that). I presumed it was an extortionate amount....

I don’t like debt of any kind, even the mortgage! But I’ve changed my mind, he’s in the wrong and should pay off the debt.

Is he ever going to let it go.... that’s what I’d be worried about.

SarahAndQuack · 02/02/2021 20:35

[quote Bookwords]@SarahAndQuack you've twice stated, then denied that "step change" don't charge interest, then advised that a ccj is worse than a debt plan. Please explain why? [/quote]
No, I really haven't - come on, be fair and read my posts.

Bookwords · 02/02/2021 20:35

@SarahAndQuack but they don't stop creditors charging interest, you told us that twice a few posts ago...... WRONG!

How can your advice be even considered, the OP clearly stated that she was being charged interest.

tiredybear · 02/02/2021 20:38

OP. I am so sorry for your losses. You made a mistake, due to grief, finally owned up and have taken full responsibility. Well done. Your partner doesn't seem to have been able to move on from the initial feelings he had when he found out. I can't imagine still punishing my partner for a mistake years after the fact. It is also absolutely unthinkable that you should be having to worry about BASIC NECESSITIES like sanitary products. Your partner is being cruel. I am so sorry. You really need to sit down and have a proper talk to him. xx

SarahAndQuack · 02/02/2021 20:38

[quote Bookwords]@SarahAndQuack but they don't stop creditors charging interest, you told us that twice a few posts ago...... WRONG!

How can your advice be even considered, the OP clearly stated that she was being charged interest. [/quote]
No, they usually do. That's included in the link you quoted yourself!

I have already apologised for not seeing the OP's post saying she is still being charged interest on some of her debts. My point stands that, without stepchange, she'd be being charged interest on all of them (or worse).

Please can we just leave this? I'm not clear why you keep on about it when I've been very clear I am not interested in guesstimating the OP's finances and only want to make the point that this is a good charity she's using.

GalaKC · 02/02/2021 20:40

I am sorry you are going through such a tough time OP and you have all my sympathy.
Whilst I understand your husband being shocked and upset, he is not being very supportive. Telling you " he will resent you until x" sounds very much like a deliberate punishment and you are not a child. You have taken responsibility and steps to change and he as your partner shoud stand by you and help you overcome the sadness that put you in this positon- not add to it.

Shelby2010 · 02/02/2021 20:41

So he’s been behaving this way for 2 YEARS?!

Sorry OP, but I think your marriage is over. Would you be able to manage financially if you split up?

I would give him the ultimatum that either he stops punishing you or you leave him. Also, you mentioned that he cheated on you in the past - is there a chance that he’s cheating again? I can’t imagine staying angry at someone I love for that long, especially given everything you’ve said.

MaMaD1990 · 02/02/2021 20:42

@Confusedlady246 Reported. You've taken your opinions way too far now and you need to take a step back. If you've got nothing nice to say, don't any anything.

wishes1111 · 02/02/2021 20:42

@Confusedlady246 I do not have hundreds of disposable cash a month, please see my comment that states I have roughly/less than £100 a month including budgeting for birthday gifts, etc.

OP posts:
Bookwords · 02/02/2021 20:42

CCJ and DMP can have equal problems when applying for a mortgage! It depends on amount, when they occurred and various other factors @SarahAndQuack.

Now, I'm not answering you again, I'm not engaging with someone who can see that they've written they don't twice and then change it to unlikely, when proved wrong.

But you then start being the SPAG police as a lash out.

You don't know the full information, don't give advice.

Smallgoon · 02/02/2021 20:43

[quote OhCaptain]@wishes1111 it's nobody's fucking business what your outgoings are down to the penny.

They don't want to know because they want to help, they're trying to use it as a stick to beat you with and you've enough of that in real life.

Please, please stop putting up with this from him.[/quote]
Exactly this OP. Ignore the trolls

Confusedlady246 · 02/02/2021 20:43

[quote MaMaD1990]@Confusedlady246 Reported. You've taken your opinions way too far now and you need to take a step back. If you've got nothing nice to say, don't any anything.[/quote]
I'm really not sure which part was an opinion. I relayed exactly what the OP has told us in this post.

So tired of the man hating on mumsnet

wishes1111 · 02/02/2021 20:43

For the record, stepchange have been great and helpful and supportive and I'd 100% recommend them. I'm paying off probably more than I can afford to get this over quicker so that I can hopefully get my marriage back on track, if we ever can:

OP posts:
SandyY2K · 02/02/2021 20:45

The man I married isn't the kind, loving man he was, maybe that is my fault and I'm sorry for that.

It's not your fault and I agree with pp that even after the debtbus cleared, he'll still go on about it.

He'll never let you forget it.
He'll have ab affair and blame it on your debt.
Every future problem will be as a result of your debt.

You will not be allowed to forget it till the the relationship ends ie until the end of time, whichever comes first.

If he won't go for marriage counselling, can I suggest you go for individual counselling.

I know money is an issue, but if you're interested, PM me and I can give details for acounselling service that in your situation would not cost. They're currently operating remotely.

I'm worried for your future with him and having a child with him....mum...it's worrying.

wishes1111 · 02/02/2021 20:45

I do not believe I have a spending addiction or I'd still be doing it now.

I acted out of desperation and grief.

@Confusedlady246

OP posts:
MaMaD1990 · 02/02/2021 20:45

@wishes1111 I'd urge you not to engage with Confusedlady246. You're handing them the stick to beat you with.

Confusedlady246 · 02/02/2021 20:45

[quote wishes1111]@Confusedlady246 I do not have hundreds of disposable cash a month, please see my comment that states I have roughly/less than £100 a month including budgeting for birthday gifts, etc. [/quote]
You said you have £950 to pay council tax (171) food, petrol, presents and debt? Some people have £950 after tax at the end of the month in total. How can that not be manageable?

wishes1111 · 02/02/2021 20:46

I'm not TTC, I'm having the coil fitted next month.

I explained a condom split, we didn't realise until I had a positive pregnancy test. I lost the baby again.

OP posts:
LifeExperience · 02/02/2021 20:48

Oh, sweetie, I'm so sorry about the miscarriages. Please don't let something that you have absolutely no control over affect your self esteem. You are NOT to blame.

You handled your grief badly, but you've owned up to your mistakes and are making restitution. No one can ask for more.

Your husband is using this as a weapon against you. That is unconscionable. He can clearly see that you're sorry and that you're taking difficult steps to make it right, yet he piles on more hurt. That is not what a normal, loving husband does.

Bibidy · 02/02/2021 20:48

OP, what does your husband think will happen financially when you have a baby together? Has he said he will pick up expenses for you while you're off work?

Just wondering how he's expecting to you to be able to cope when you still have these debt repayments to make and you're not earning your full wage?

MathsRocksMathsRocks · 02/02/2021 20:48

Being in debt and it having detrimental implications on your life and marriage but still insisting on buying family and friends and their children presents every month is a problem

@Confusedlady246 I don't think she said she bought presents 'every month', just that she bought presents at the times when they were needed. (And also that she no longer 'overspent' on them - I'm paraphrasing that last bit before you jump down my throat, as you have to so many other, let alone the OP)

Putting your own spin on things isn't helpful. There does seem to be a bit of 'projecting' going on with this thread.

@SarahAndQuack - picking holes in people's spelling/grammar isn't in the spirit of mumsnet. You know very well that doesn't detract from what the poster was saying - it's just putting the boot in for the sake of it. (And I'm married to an English teacher, so I'm used to the hyper-vigilance on English skills, and when it matters and when it doesn't.

For the record, I got myself into a financial mess before we got married. Nothing like the amounts of the OP, but that's not the point. The point is, it takes immense courage to admit it to oneself, let alone the person you're married to/love.

The difference is, my DH bent over backwards to help me and support me. Back then, I earned more than him, but he still helped me. Now, he earns much more than me (post children) but he never, ever brings up that time, nor does he hold it against me.

OP, I'm loathe to say this because it's too easy on here, but for once I'm thinking you ought to think seriously about whether your H has your back. Nothing you've said implies that. Please, please don't have a child with him at this stage. YOU might want a child very badly, but he isn't the man to have one with. You're too tied up with being with him since your teenage years. You deserve someone who will support you through the bad times, as well as the good, without judgement (regardless what the angelic posters who can't conceive of doing anything wrong, making any mistakes, or concealing anything through fear or grief may say).

OP, please be kind to yourself. Your DH isn't being, and he never will be. As another poster said, he won't just 'forget' this once your debt is cleared. He will use this as a stick to beat you with forever. As the saying goes, when someone shows you who they really are, believe them.

He has. Please believe him. Please find a better life with someone who won't judge you for your mistakes.

wishes1111 · 02/02/2021 20:48

I'm sorry, I never meant to cause rows on here.

Thank you to everyone who's offered advice and been kind. I appreciate you all.

OP posts:
pallisers · 02/02/2021 20:48

You got married. You would've likely said vows that stayed you'd be truthful to each other. And you weren't.

gosh is that a thing now in the UK? The wedding vows have abandoned "for richer for poorer" for "I'll be truthful to you always". How is that working out for you all? the divorce rate must be soaring.

OP, there are always people who loving getting a dig in at someone in a hard position. As well as the ones on here you are, unfortunately, married to one - 2 years to bear a grudge, plan another 2 years of resentment, and leave your wife struggling - not nice, not kind. Yeah he could have left you but he didn't. Instead he is having a lovely time punishing you for 2 years for getting into debt - debt that you are paying back yourself while still contributing to the household expenses. I honestly think you need to start thinking about his behaviour, not as in "what can I do to make him forgive me?" but "do I want to live like this? Do I deserve better?"