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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:
Bookwords · 04/02/2021 18:27

@wishes1111 I think this thread is going to fill up, before it does, I wish you every luck. I hope that you get everything you want in your life, be that with or without your DH.

You've been amazing on this thread, even with all the vile comments, the not reading, the finger pointing.

Well done.

And these are for you ThanksThanksThanks

If you ever feel strong enough, then update us but I understand if you don't.

Smallgoon · 04/02/2021 18:28

@Bookwords

Not according to @Bluntness100 and her ilk. Clearly in their eyes marriage is survival of the fittest. LOL

Some people have a very weird view on marriage! Bizarre!

Yup. Or just miserable marriages... 🤷🏼‍♀️
Bookwords · 04/02/2021 18:28

Yup. Or just miserable marriages...

Most likely! I'm so glad it's not my experience.

LastStarFighter · 04/02/2021 18:57

Another one wishing you well amongst the last few messages OP.

Flowers Flowers Flowers Cake Cake Cake

Emeraldshamrock · 04/02/2021 18:59

Best of luck going forward OP.

YoniAndGuy · 04/02/2021 19:07

Good luck OP

billybagpuss · 04/02/2021 19:18

Hope the weekend goes well, if you feel you need the support of a new thread you might have less upheaval in relationships rather than Aibu 💐

candide47 · 04/02/2021 19:22

I'm really glad for you that you have got to where you've got to on this OP. You've had a lot to deal with here and you have taken the initiative and used you inner strength to make it right. Given the way your communication has gone recently it feels like maybe he was just in a rut, took you a bit for granted and didn't think. Counselling should really help. So positive. I hope 2021 is your best year ever. Good luck OP, you deserve it. x

Smallgoon · 04/02/2021 19:24

@billybagpuss

Hope the weekend goes well, if you feel you need the support of a new thread you might have less upheaval in relationships rather than Aibu 💐
Agree with this 100%. As pp mentioned AIBU truly is Am I bullying Unreasonably... But for every twat that has appeared in this thread, there have been 10-20 posters rallying around to offer support. OP, I do hope it all goes well for you. After everything you've been through, you do DESERVE happiness. Don't settle for less, and do not allow him to use your debt as a stick to beat you with.

Feel free to reach out to me on dm if you want to speak. Good luck!!!

changingmine · 04/02/2021 19:48

Shocked by this thread. Started reading, my heart went out to you but then I had to stop reading because of the volume of mean-spirited posts. Skipped to the end and wow OP that is huge progress, well done.

I could see from your first post that you are someone who is struggling with huge grief and it did not at all surprise me to read that your childhood was very challenging.

I did much worse than you, I lost $100k gambling. I also shopped incessantly in a sort of permanent panic. My husband never complained, he just said well maybe that's what you had to do to get through that patch. We have since separated but I will always remember his compassion wrt my illness. Because that's what it is, mental illness. You have suffered enormously and you need support to recover.

It would be so great if you and your husband could tackle this together. It's a great step forward that you've come up with a plan and I wish you both the very best with that. Keep talking... and maybe look at getting some support for yourself (beyond couple's counselling) You deserve it x

SpudsandGravy · 04/02/2021 20:00

he looks at internet banking and scrutinises me for it. Even for a a pack of tampons and maybe a bottle of water for when I'm at work.

OP, this isn't normal, and definitely not acceptable. I know there's never a good time, but in that situation I'd be looking to leave :-(

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 04/02/2021 20:03

@changingmine

Shocked by this thread. Started reading, my heart went out to you but then I had to stop reading because of the volume of mean-spirited posts. Skipped to the end and wow OP that is huge progress, well done.

I could see from your first post that you are someone who is struggling with huge grief and it did not at all surprise me to read that your childhood was very challenging.

I did much worse than you, I lost $100k gambling. I also shopped incessantly in a sort of permanent panic. My husband never complained, he just said well maybe that's what you had to do to get through that patch. We have since separated but I will always remember his compassion wrt my illness. Because that's what it is, mental illness. You have suffered enormously and you need support to recover.

It would be so great if you and your husband could tackle this together. It's a great step forward that you've come up with a plan and I wish you both the very best with that. Keep talking... and maybe look at getting some support for yourself (beyond couple's counselling) You deserve it x

Before this stops accepting more posts, very well done. I'm so happy for you that you came out the other side, many don't, my dad never did and lost us all. Onwards and upwards and your ex-husband sounds a very compassionate man indeed. Thanks
wishes1111 · 04/02/2021 20:03

Again thank you to all of you lovely human beings who've commented again 💕

I truly in my heart, do not believe my husband is cold or mean, he's certainly behaved that way for the past 2 years but I have to recognise my own faults too and I shut him out during our miscarriages.

I knew he was upset and he cried at every scan when they told us there was no heartbeat, he held my grandads hand whilst he passed away and he rushed from London to get to my Nan in hospital but she died before he made it and was devastated. I have recognised that he's probably not had much in terms of support.

In my own little grief bubble, losing a baby physically is a lot harder than just emotionally, I believe as a woman.

I guess at times he's hid his pain and it's come out as anger instead.

I didn't get married to get divorced, we both will put 100% into turning things around and I really hope counselling works. We've been together a long time and it would be a shame to throw it away however I will leave if it continues to be detrimental to my mental health, I will not allow myself to become suicidal like I was last year.

Yes he did cheat, it's not an excuse but we were teenagers, way before we were engaged or married. I chose to forgive him after putting him through hell myself for the first few months at least. He stuck it out and proved himself. He grew up a lot. He stopped going out with the "lads" as much, we got engaged, moved into our own place.

I am a forgiving person naturally, my Nan and Grandad raised me to forgive but never forget (don't be treated as a fool basically) because they believed forgiveness is for your own peace of mind.

I've forgiven worse than how's he's treated me, I forgave my mum for her drug addiction leaving me to be abused by her dealers because she was so out of it to realise, I've forgiven my Dad for not being there when I needed him and in the last few years have built a healthy relationship with my Dad, although not super close, we talk and arrange meet ups (pre covid), he has settled down with a lovely woman, remarried and gave me 3 sisters and a brother.

The only way I'm going to heal is to forgive, forgive myself for my mistake with the debt, forgive my husband for his behaviour towards me, forgive myself for the miscarriages (I have realised that counselling may help me carry less guilt) although I know deep down none of them were my fault intentionally, it's a hard set of circumstances to go through.

I feel like a massive weight has been lifted and I thank all of you for helping me, in under 48 hours I can see a light at the end of the tunnel thanks to you all. Sending love to every one of you, even the unkind ones, you all need it the most.

OP posts:
LyingWitchInTheWardrobe · 04/02/2021 20:08

All the very best to you, wishes1111, I posted at the start of your thread and I've been reading it and watching you come to the realisation that you deserve and should have so much better. Bloody well done. Thanks

Bookwords · 04/02/2021 20:11

Again @wishes1111 you're remarkable, good luck to you ThanksThanks

changingmine · 04/02/2021 20:13

LyingWitchInTheWardrobe thank you for your lovely message x

It will be a great thing when the norm is to be kind and compassionate rather than to blame and shame.

OP you have a wonderful attitude. Just promise you won't beat yourself up if you slip again, accept that you are human, flawed and have a lot to work through.

wishes1111 · 04/02/2021 20:14

@changingmine sending love to you, mental illness is a tough road xxx

OP posts:
wishes1111 · 04/02/2021 20:16

Also to the lady who mentioned about a period cup.

I did some research and ordered one from BeYou I think it's called. I'm hoping it helps as it's washable and comes with a little carry pouch.

It says tampons can cause worse cramps too so fingers crossed. Thank you for the suggestion x

OP posts:
addicted2spaniels · 04/02/2021 20:22

You should be proud of your actions OP, you've acknowledged the issue and dealt with it on your own. I would in some ways be careful about "letting" him pay some of it off, it could be another stick to beat you with.

I went off the rails spending after our 2nd baby was stillborn - you get a short hit from spending that for 30 seconds makes you feel better. I get it Flowers.

WhoStoleMyCheese · 04/02/2021 20:44

Well done op best of luck

Bookwords · 04/02/2021 20:47

I went off the rails spending after our 2nd baby was stillborn - you get a short hit from spending that for 30 seconds makes you feel better. I get it

Exactly @addicted2spaniels, so sorry you've also suffered Thanks

Such a total lack of empathy on this thread.

OwningAllMyMistakes · 04/02/2021 20:54

Dear OP
I’m with this that your other half has an initial reason to be annoyed but not to keep treating you badly for it.
You didn’t run up debts in his name.
You have taken measures to rectify and deal with the issue and also look at your self and change your habits for the better, your OH is being unreasonable and should be supportive and encouraging you and helping where he can, your not expecting him to pay your debts off but in a partnership it’s about supporting and being kind, it doesn’t mean he can treat you badly and use this as an emotional stick to beat you with.
consider your options & own your mistakes they are there to be learned from .

wishes1111 · 04/02/2021 21:14

I'm so so sorry @addicted2spaniels 🤍

OP posts:
InkyPinkyPonky95 · 04/02/2021 21:36

He needs to accept it is what it is and not take it out on you all the time but at the same time,you need to allow him to express his frustration some of the time because you hid something really important from him! He's not obligated to pay off your debts and though you've said you don't expect him to, you've also said quite flippantly you would do it for him so it kind of sounds like you do expect it of him. I don't think anyone can honestly say how they'd feel and behave if the tables were turned. It's a bit self righteous.

Also, you hid it from him which is really bad of you for reasons I don't need to explain so he's probably gutted! And he is probably resentful because he's busting his butt saving money that will be spent on your future as a married couple whereas you're not contributing to life savings at all. You're just paying off money that you spent on yourself. Albeit your MH was suffering but your actions have impacted his future because now he's shouldering preparing for the future of your family without your help. It's not really fair of you to expect him to not be upset.

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