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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To have cancelled break

35 replies

HelpIveLostMyMarbles · 25/07/2021 08:58

Hi all, I am genuinely 50/50 as to whether IABU. I can't think straight. My DH is overall a good man, good dad, kind, calm, hard worker, generous and so on. However. He is, I think, extremely avoidant. He would never talk about how he really feels about something - a real closed book. Over a week ago I said I was fed up because I am very much the 'driver' in the relationship. In our 15 years together I have instigated everything from decorating to holidays. He has zero interest in our home so would never do any diy for example. If it weren't for me we would never do anything or have anything! He does all the school runs (WFH, quite long drive) and shopping. He's not a cocklodger Smile
The crux of it is that when I said I wish he would step up more in this regard he was v defensive, said I was whinging, and walked off. I was v calm, I'd never shout, and said it's a shame we can never talk about things that bother us. He hasn't spoken to me since. I will say "Good morning" and he replies but that's it. This is not rare, it's his default.
I had booked a night away for us for his birthday that we were supposed to go to this weekend and I cancelled it. I couldn't risk losing the money if he wasn't going to come/wasn't speaking to me. On Friday he says "what are we doing? Shall we talk on the way?" I said I was sorry but couldn't and didn't want to go. He walked out, not spoken again to me since.
I am fed up of these moods and being ignored so frequently. I lose all attraction and respect for him. I feel hated. But then, am I just as petulant and immature for cancelling? To add to the issue, I am pregnant and feel very sad that this is happening during what's should be a happy time for us together.
Was I being unreasonable to have cancelled and WWYD?

OP posts:
Needapoodle · 25/07/2021 12:11

Op doesn't sound like a 2 year old, or as bad as him. She sounds like a woman who has been ground down by emotional abuse. But then I've been there so it's not hard to drag up a bit of empathy rather than throwing insults at her.

HelpIveLostMyMarbles · 25/07/2021 16:33

@Needapoodle thank you. They are very validating, helpful responses. Yes it it is in fact soul destroying and something had to change - it had to be somewhat dramatic as words do not always cut it. And you are correct, I was still doing all the thinking. It was quite liberating to cancel and do my own thing for the weekend, free from going over and over things in my mind, free from the tension.

OP posts:
Schrutesbeets · 25/07/2021 16:37

He's not spoken to you for A WEEK?!
Why on earth are you with this man?!

veganmayo · 25/07/2021 16:42

My long term exP was an avoidant personality type and I never was able to break through it. The problem with avoidance is that, by it’s very nature, you can’t ever get them to admit the issue. I left 3 years ago and am still working through some of the issues it caused me.

A lack of communication is incredibly damaging and can really knock your confidence so I empathise with you a lot. I’m sorry I can’t give any useful advice. All I can tell you is that it wore me down until my only option was to leave.

MadMadMadamMim · 25/07/2021 16:44

I'd have told him I was cancelling it before I did so, as in, I am just going to phone and cancel our weekend away. I'm not prepared to go with someone who is ignoring me.

However, I'd never have lasted 15 years with someone whose default position is to ignore me if I dared say something they didn't like. It is such abusive behaviour. I would be considering whether our marriage was worth continuing with frankly. He needs to stop with the silent treatment. That's an absolute deal breaker.

I don't suppose he will though. People don't change and he won't imagine you are actually going to file for divorce over it. Many women would, however.

Figgygal · 25/07/2021 16:49

I’d have told him I was cancelling before doing so
I expect he’s shocked that his behaviour has finally had a consequence for once
Have you ever tried counselling this is not a healthy dynamic to bring a child into (it’s not clear if you have others)? use this as an opportunity to change things or end things

misskatamari · 25/07/2021 17:08

You get a big loud LTB klaxon from me!

I think in normal circumstances you'd be unreasonable to just cancel a break, but this sounds like it's been a long time coming. How fucking DARE he think he can not speak to you FOR A WEEK and then go off on holiday like nothings happened? FFS!

He's being so abusive and manipulative. Doesn't like something you've done so he's punishing you with the silent treatment. I would be out of there like a bloody shot. It must feel so awful to live like this, and I'm sorry you're going through it.

justasking111 · 25/07/2021 17:13

I would be talking separation now. Packing a suitcase for him and calmly showing him out

HelpIveLostMyMarbles · 25/07/2021 17:15

Thank you. I feel it's different this time - one too many times. I won't just be forgiving and forgetting.

OP posts:
Morechocolatethanbarbara · 25/07/2021 17:26

How far ahead are you with this pregnancy?

It really doesn't feel like this would be a happy home to bring a child into, especially when babies can test even the strongest of relationships.

Can you afford to raise a child by yourself? Do you have a support system in place?

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