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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Partner only notices how much I do when I stop doing it

299 replies

WorkingStepMum90 · 20/04/2021 15:26

Hi All,

I've just had a blazing row with my SO around (surprise surprise!) housework. We went out for a walk and I made a comment about how I feel proud that I'm finally getting myself back into a routine. Like many others, I found the second lock-down extremely difficult. I had taken on my first management level role, signed up to an 18 month apprenticeship and had to juggle this with looking after my two step children. I also lost my Nan very recently who was a huge part of my life. It was just a lot and admittedly, my once regimented cleaning routine took a bit of a backseat.

When I mentioned how I thought this was going well, his response was "Yes, it's amazing how if you don't stay on top of the housework everything else seems to fall apart too." (meaning cooking, working out, shopping etc.) I'm not sure if I'm being overly sensitive here, but I was expecting something a little more supportive so my feelings were quite hurt. Firstly because I wouldn't have said things have 'fell apart' as such, I just had to make housework less of a priority with everything else we have going on. Secondly, it's as if these two months of taking a step back somehow discredits the fact that in the 5 years we have been together I have always worked my socks off to have an immaculate home, a fresh meal on the table every night as well as having a career of my own.

Admittedly, I did get my back up a bit and said that if it's fallen apart since I've taken a step back then maybe this shows that I'm not the problem, as if everyone else was pulling their weight there wouldn't be this stark difference. I immediately regretted biting because he then proceeded to make the conversation about how he cleans the bathroom every week. Firstly, he doesn't- but we won't go into that haha. But even if he did, that is barely the tip of the iceberg in a 5 bedroom house that two kids live in. However, the thing that really annoyed me about this was that he tried to turn the conversation around so that he was the victim and it was me that never thanked him for helping with the chores.

Am I being completely unreasonable here in thinking that he is not 'helping' me with the chores so doesn't deserve praise for it anymore than I do? This is his house too and we all live here so why should I have to praise him every time he changes a bin liner or wipes a surface over? I don't want to go as far in saying he is sexist, because I don't necessarily believe he is like this because I'm female. I just think he's grown very accustomed to me doing everything and interprets my recent behaviour as laziness.

How can I explain to my SO that I'm not a robot that runs at 100% every day. I am a human being who has had an extremely challenging couple of months and he needs to either accept that the housework is not a priority at the moment, step up and do it himself or hire a cleaner.

I know this is such a cliche argument and realise what a crap feminist I am, but I honestly have no idea how I can resolve this without apologising for something that I don't think I should be apologising for.

OP posts:
frazzledasarock · 21/04/2021 15:46

Why the hell would you walk away with nothing after having poured a substantial amount of money into this home?

You do not walk away with nothing. You walk away with half.

Oneeyeopen · 21/04/2021 15:50

I would be running away with half.
You’re a housekeeper, open purse and second mother who provides sex.
The best thing I can say is when you’re being mugged it’s done with a velvet glove!

MrsTerryPratchett · 21/04/2021 15:53

Honestly, I am really not materialistic and wouldn't want the money. I've walked away from a relationship before with nothing to my name and I'd do it again if that's what I wanted.

At this point you're painting the target on your own back.

Graphista · 21/04/2021 16:04

My SO has never so much as raised his voice at me

There's more than one kind of abuse and many kinds of abusers

I suggested they learned to change their own beds as they are 9 and 12 now, but even my therapist said it's unreasonable to expect children to change a bed

Utter bollocks! The 9 year old might need some help making up the bed m (from their FATHER) but a 12 year old is absolutely capable and it's absolutely appropriate they should! My dd was certainly doing this from around 9 onwards with some help making up initially. I'm betting the therapists has no kids of their own? Or else has a nanny?

Why are you seeing a therapist? Is it because of the prior abusive relationship? How did you find them? Because unfortunately therapist isn't a protected occupation any numpty can set up shop in that business in this country with zero qualifications or training

Your therapist needs sacked, too yep! A good therapist would have spotted you were being used and abused here.

Far as I can tell there is AT LEAST financial abuse, practical abuse (you're doing the vast vast majority of the housework) and mental abuse (gaslighting, convincing you this set up is acceptable...)

However the thing that really annoyed me about this was that he tried to turn the conversation around so that he was the victim

DARVO - a common tactic employed by abusers. Have you had any good quality specific therapy relating to the past abuse?

It's threads like this that make me seriously wonder why people express sympathy when I say I'm single.

Amen to that! Single in terms of haven't lived with another adult (aside from dd briefly after she turned 18) and soooo glad given the shit some women put up with apparently merely to not have the bullshit pity from others at DARING to be single.

It was me, but I was furloughed and he wasn't.

Then at the very least he should have been doing all the rest of the housework and mental load at this time to keep things fair - bet he wasn't! Did their mother do any?!

DO NOT show him the thread, men like this do have the possibility of becoming violent/aggressive that may not be safe

Get legal/financial advice on the house

Leave him

Leave the therapist and get a reputable one trained and experienced in recovery from abuse inc mental

DO NOT get pregnant by this loser!

If you think things are bad now they will be infinitely worse when you're recovering from birth, sleep deprived, touched out etc

when we first met I felt safe with him because he was the opposite to my ex- calm, laid back, never shouted etc...

No he's just a more CLEVER abuser!

I am the child of DA inc DV but my mum (the main victim) and I totally agree that the worst and hardest to deal with abuse is the mental - and that's coming from a woman who's had broken bones, busted up face, choke marks etc

Stay single for a while and focus on your career and apprenticeship. definitely - years rather than months because you need your mind and heart to have time to reset after at least 2 abusive relationships

I would say "if you were my daughter..." but actually my dd I hope I have raised not to put up with crappy men, she's only 20 but so far it mostly appears to be working. She dumped one for sloppy eating habits! She certainly won't put up with disrespectful treatment.

I think pp meant they'd be weeping FOR their daughter to be in such an awful relationship not that they'd be disappointed in the daughter.

Your self respect/esteem clearly does need working on as does your sisters. I too am wondering about your childhood. My response to mine was to be absolutely determined no man was EVER going to treat me as my father did my mother. My sister basically became my father and that's why her relationships have failed, again I think she was trying to avoid being like our mother and went too far the other way. My brother in trying to not be like our father, can be too passive in his relationships.

It's extremely unlikely you'll see a permanent change, a short term one perhaps if he senses he is likely to lose his maid/nanny/free sex but lazy, entitled chauvinists never really change.

Make sure your contraception is sewn up tight!

Nope. All of the utility bills & food is split 50:50

And you're only responsible for maybe 1/3! He and HIS TWO dc are responsible for the rest you are being conned.

I'm betting when you buy jeans or whatever for HIS kids he doesn't repay you?

The kids mother absolutely cannot come after you for ANYTHING so don't give her even the chance to go at you

I'll create a skills matrix of everything that needs to be learned but get him to teach them. that is still you taking responsibility for the mental load of this - their parents should be doing this

He actually took on the majority of the responsibilities for the kids/house and went part time at work as she had her own start-up business according to whom was this the case? Him?

I think a great exercise for you would be to calculate
the extra morgage payment.
Extra utilities
Extra food
All extra costs for the house like insurance, council tax
The costs that are specifically child related.

I dare you to calculate the thousands and thousands that you have subbed these two chancers for.

Totally agree - I reckon it runs to £10,000's easily

At this point you're painting the target on your own back.

Agreed

Stop being a martyr

You earned that money it's yours by rights.

Please leave ASAP

Grumblesigh · 21/04/2021 16:29

OP, this has all been a lot for you to take in, I'm sure, but the incredible lengths you are going to to blame yourself for this situation... it's so desperately sad to hear.

This man has been gaslighting you, stealing your money, using you as a maid and a nanny and making you pay for the privilege.

InSpaceNooneCanHearYouScream · 21/04/2021 16:38

[quote WorkingStepMum90]@BlackMarauder It is a very thankless job. Lots of responsibility and sacrifices with none of the 'i love yous', cuddles or handmade cards at school. To be honest, if we were to split up I don't think I'd ever want to be involved with someone who has children again. I know I'd be hard pushed to find someone my age who hasn't, but I think you're right, I'd rather be alone haha. It's not even the children bit that's the problem. The children are great kids - it's everything that comes with it.[/quote]
You don't even get cuddles from the kids? Or lifts from your partner?
Fuck.
It all sounds quite a lot more grim than I thought. Sad

TiltTopTable · 21/04/2021 16:49

OP you sound so lovely but very lacking in self esteem, and I agree with you that you have largely created this situation. You've bent over backwards to impress this man and prove to him that you are Superwoman, and that has now come back to bite you on the bum.

I imagine your childhood is a significant factor in you being such a people pleaser. Did you by any chance grow up with a large dose of FOG (fear, obligation and guilt)? You should read up on FOG, I think you will see yourself reflected quite clearly.

If your partner had shown a grain of gratitude for your Superwoman efforts, no doubt you would continue to run yourself ragged to please him, but It's your sense of fairness that's now rising to the surface. His lack of gratitude has made you take stock of the situation, but the situation was always massively unfair.

I understand you want to instigate some changes and give this relationship a chance, but be prepared for a lot of sulking and heal dragging. Self entitled sorts can be very resentful, and they are never grateful.

Good luck. Oh and find a different therapist!

Landofthefree · 21/04/2021 16:54

@WorkingStepMum90 I agree with pp that you are in another abusive relationship. Sorry to be blunt but your SO is scum. Nothing you have said about him makes him sound like a decent partner towards you.

billy1966 · 21/04/2021 17:00

I would weep to have my precious daughter's so used by this pair of chancers.

How did they ever divorce?
So well matched.
Mean,
Nasty
Selfish
Tight.

They clearly decided to recruit two mugs.

Young
Financially successful
Vulnerable
Easily guilted
And decided to sell them their bullshit line anout teamwork and responsibility 🙄

Bingo!

Bananalanacake · 21/04/2021 17:12

Think about it, if you were to walk out tonight leaving a note saying you are gone for good, what would his first thought be,,
'oh no, Stepmum has left, I will miss her smile and lovely personality'
Or 'Oh shit, who's going to look after the kids when ex doesn't have them now'.

Shelby2010 · 21/04/2021 17:16

Why is he paying child support if you have the children 50:50?

Comtesse · 21/04/2021 17:42

Cannot believe the ex wife is guilting you about not paying for their children. Bloody hell I would hit the roof. You did not make those children - why should you have a formal financial responsibility? Outrageous!

DrSbaitso · 21/04/2021 17:47

OP, you say there's not much chance of finding a man without children at your age. You're about 30, there absolutely is. I didn't have kids at 30. There isn't much chance at HIS age, but once again, you've been duped into thinking you are at the same stages and therefore his shit is your shit. It isn't!

I know that there are lots of successful relationships with age gaps this big and larger, but in your particular case, why do you think he didn't go for a woman his own age, or one with kids herself?

thenewduchessofhastings · 21/04/2021 18:04

@WorkingStepMum90

You need to ask yourself

What am I getting out of this relationship?

What is SO getting out of this relationship?

Honestly;ditch him;sell the house and move on.

Find someone nearer your own age who doesn't come with a shit ton of baggage and actually wants a family with you.

Devlesko · 21/04/2021 18:26

[quote WorkingStepMum90]@ForeverAintEnough12 Honestly, I am really not materialistic and wouldn't want the money. I've walked away from a relationship before with nothing to my name and I'd do it again if that's what I wanted.

I know the resounding feedback is to end the relationship, but considering I've done all this and never complained, I need to take ownership of that. I've had very strong words about what needs to change, and if they don't then he can't say he was never told.[/quote]
My love, he isn't going to change.
He'll make the odd attempt, but it won't last long.
Please listen to the folks on here, it's sound advice, you really have no time to waste in leaving.
At 30 you have your life in front of you.
I had my first child at 25 and my last at 37. I met so many first time mums in their forties, that gives you another 10 years.
Get out now and live your life.
He is abusive and both him and his ex have fleeced you, maybe in it together, you never know. Flowers

KatharinaRosalie · 21/04/2021 18:39

Does he agree (in principle) that you should both be doing 50% of the chores and childcare?

They are not OP's children. He should be doing 50% of childcare, and the mother of the children the other 50%. Meaning of course that he should do all of it while the children are with him.

Oh and as for the disposable income - OP, set up a savings account in the same amount that he pays for car and children. This money of course does not count as disposable income. Let's see how he likes that.

osbertthesyrianhamster · 21/04/2021 19:00

@DrSbaitso

OP, you say there's not much chance of finding a man without children at your age. You're about 30, there absolutely is. I didn't have kids at 30. There isn't much chance at HIS age, but once again, you've been duped into thinking you are at the same stages and therefore his shit is your shit. It isn't!

I know that there are lots of successful relationships with age gaps this big and larger, but in your particular case, why do you think he didn't go for a woman his own age, or one with kids herself?

Exactly! I divorced at 30 because he, only 4 years older, told me unequivocally that he never wanted children. We owned a house together, too. I have 3 children. What you will get by wasting your time with this abusive man: zero.
osbertthesyrianhamster · 21/04/2021 19:01

@billy1966

I would weep to have my precious daughter's so used by this pair of chancers.

How did they ever divorce?
So well matched.
Mean,
Nasty
Selfish
Tight.

They clearly decided to recruit two mugs.

Young
Financially successful
Vulnerable
Easily guilted
And decided to sell them their bullshit line anout teamwork and responsibility 🙄

Bingo!

100% this! 100%. I'd feel I failed both my children, a boy and a girl, if they got with people like this.
osbertthesyrianhamster · 21/04/2021 19:06

Please look up the Fallacy of Sunken Costs. Also FOG = fear, obligation, guilt.

From your posts it appears you and your sister are firmly in a cycle of abuse. Abuse takes many forms and is now recognised in law for the crime that it is, coercive abuse or grooming, financial and emotional abuse are just as much abuse as someone striking you physically.

I just hope you get there before it's too late for you to rebuild the life that you deserve, because billy has it in one: you are worth TEN of him, a hundred even.

Lolapusht · 21/04/2021 19:21

@WorkingStepMum90 you sound absolutely lovey and if I were to split from my DH I would definitely wasn’t someone like you in my DC’s lives!

Your SO and his ex, however, are a complete pair of baggages and as a PP said, why on Earth did they split because they sound perfect for each other. Hell mend the pair of them!

How much do you and your SO earn? The only way it would be fair to split everything 50:50 is if you earn the same. His children are a cost that he should be baring before you decide how much spending money you each get. You sound like you want to create a happy family so would see paying for things as part of that, but it really isn’t! Your SO and ex have basically found 2 extra adults to share the costs of having children...awesome! It’s not up to you to pay for children that aren’t yours, it’s one of the benefits of not having children...you get to have more money! SO Ex has taken CFery to stratospheric new levels and you seem to have bought in to their narrative of “OMG! How could you do something so hideous as not pay for not your children?! How could you?”. Yes chip in for days out when they’re with you but any other expense is their dad’s responsibility.

How often do they stay with you and how much maintenance is your SO paying? The ExSO can also buy clothes (unless you’ve got a clothes at yours/clothes at ExSO’s system in place). Again, it’s not your job. At their ages they can definitely do chores but PLEASE do not do the matrix to teach them how to do everything! Stop doing everything for them and get them to clear the table, take washing down, put the bins out etc. As your SO was so good at doing all the wife work previously, he’ll already know what is involved in these tasks so can teach his own children how to be responsible members of a household. Out of interest, are you “allowed” to tell the DC off or how to behave? Your given all the shit mum stuff to do so I assume you get to do full parenting?

Re the house, when did the conversation regarding you paying more of the mortgage take place. Before you bought? You’re paying more than he is for a house that is bigger and more expensive than you wanted to buy. His children are the reason you are paying more for a house and utilities. How much more mortgage are you paying and is that reflected in your “50:50then equal spending money”? Where did his deposit come from, how much was it and how long did it take him to save? What you’ve been told about being co-owners isn’t quite right. Neither owner has more claim to the shares. The deposit is ring-fenced then you each get a %age (50:50, 75:25 etc). So, eg, when you sold, the lender would get their share, SO would get his deposit and then each of you would get your %age. The benefit to this means that each share can be left in a will. To protect the surviving spouse all you do is make provision in your will for a life interest (similar to your relative). All very normal and simple to do. Being joint owners means that his share automatically passes to you on his death so he can’t bequeath it to his children.

You mention you may be changing your mind about not having children. Does he want any more? What’s the betting he doesn’t and that it’s not the right time/it will be to disrupting for his children/you can’t afford it? I would out money in ExSO having something to say about it too! She will, obviously, be happy to look after your baby when requested and will also be financially contributing to the baby as it’s ok to pay for and look after not your children. If she wouldn’t be willing to do for you all that you have done for her then that should show you what is “normal” (I don’t think for a second she’s normal btw!).

Maybe work out how much you’re paying each month to accommodate his children (increased mortgage compared to the 4 bed you wanted, additional utilities, food, trainers etc (WTAF!) then have a think about if you are happy to keep doing this for the rest of your life.

Oh, and please stop the daily hoovering of the sofa!

DeeCeeCherry · 21/04/2021 19:26

in the 5 years we have been together I have always worked my socks off to have an immaculate home, a fresh meal on the table every night as well as having a career of my own

More fool you.

DeeCeeCherry · 21/04/2021 19:30

Get rid, or get a cleaner that he pays for. For the level of enabling you've done it's rare that you'd get appreciation or a thank you anyway for being a Housework Hero. You're just taken for granted

Feedingthebirds1 · 21/04/2021 19:46

[quote WorkingStepMum90]@frazzledasarock this list actually exists and he sees it. His view is that once we've paid everything out we should have the same amount of disposable income... which is all fair and good but he pays child support and for his car (I don't drive) so despite him earning more money than me, his outgoings are significantly higher so to make us have the same amount at the end of the month it's me that coughs up.[/quote]
Why am I absolutely convinced that if the financial set up was different, that despite his extra outgoings he still had more disposable income than you, his tune would be very different.

Parsley1234 · 21/04/2021 19:48

God run away and get a better therapist pm
Me if you want a kick ass one
You deserve so much more

billy1966 · 21/04/2021 20:07

@Parsley1234

God run away and get a better therapist pm Me if you want a kick ass one You deserve so much more
Yes

That bloody therapist sounds dreadful.