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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Is he being controlling? Am I right to keep screenshots?

166 replies

Wazza89 · 03/01/2022 09:25

It feels like every time I hang out with certain friends, there’s an issue!

One of my best friends has a genetic, chronic illness. She has a feeding pump and tube attached to her and it’s a lot easier to go to hers than for her to come to me. We’ve been friends for a long time (longer than I’ve even known DH) and we arranged to meet up fortnightly on a Friday evening. I usually go to hers, maybe have 2 or 3 glasses, then get a taxi back before 12. I make sure DS is fed, bathed, changed, etc., and I always ask DH if it’s okay or I check he hasn’t made other plans. He usually says it’s fine, but the way he acts says otherwise. He makes digs all the time. Says I’d rather hang out with friends than him (I see him 7 days a week!). We were in the shop and he asked me if I wanted to have a drink with him that night, I told him I couldn’t manage 2 days in a row (because I’m on Mirtazapine) and he said, “It’s like that, it is. You’ll have a drink with friends, but not with me.” Then stormed off. He’s told
me, in front of his mother, that I’m always at the pub or out on the piss! 😂 This simply isn’t true! I’ve been to the pub three times this year. Once for my father’s wake. The other time was a birthday meal with the girls, and the last time was for a meal with said friend (her Christmas present to me). I’m hardly out on benders every week. Likewise, I can count on one hand how many times I actually got drunk last year. I was a bit upset he said that to his mother, but now he denies saying it or says he can’t remember.

I have invited him to social events but he’s not interested and says they’re my friends, not his. He isn’t keen on the friend in question because of her lifestyle. She got out of a violent relationship a few years ago and has had a few failed relationships and one night stands since. He actually called her a slag which annoyed me (not to her face, obviously). She also smokes cannabis for her chronic pain and he hates the stuff! I borrowed her handbag to go out and there was a condom in one of the compartments, he was convinced it was mine even though it’s obviously her handbag.

Before Christmas, we were close to breaking up as I was sick of feeling like I do everything and pay for everything. We managed to resolve things and had a lovely Christmas together. I didn’t see any of my family over Christmas (as my mum and siblings all had Covid) so we’ve sort of been in our own bubble and I thought things were improving. My old friend from school texted me to ask what I was doing for New Year’s. Before replying, I asked DH if he wanted to do anything together or had anything planned. He said no because he doesn’t see the point in celebrating New Year’s. I do like to celebrate New Year so I asked him if it were okay for me to go a friend’s house and he reluctantly agreed. He told me not to get too high or drunk though as he wants to start the new year on the right foot. (He knew my cannabis smoking friend would be there as her and my other friend are sisters in law). Before going out, I cooked for DH and DS, changed his nappy, and got him ready for bed, so DH could have a relaxing evening.

I came home at half 12 and said hello to DH who was sat in the front room. He muttered something back then I went to lie down because I was drunk 😂. Next thing I know, he walked into the bedroom and told me I was taking the piss by not even asking him how his evening went. And it’s one thing to piss off out all night, but another to not even stay downstairs and talk to him. It’s a joke. Then he stormed downstairs. I messaged him to see if he was okay (as I didn’t fancy coming down to a confrontation) and he replied that he’s tried to be okay with me going out and stuff, even though it makes him feel lonely and out of the loop. I told him that I felt he was guilt tripping me for going out and he said that I glaze over the fact he feels lonely because I make everything about myself. I was so upset I couldn’t asleep as I felt it ruined a good night. He later came to bed and tried to initiate sex but I refused and went downstairs. The following day, he wrote a Facebook status about how 2022 is “out with the old and in with the new” and how his only regret is not telling enough people to f* off. I sent the screenshots to a friend and she went mad. Told me he’s a controlling man-baby, etc.

He did apologise later, but told me he’s in a no win situation as he can’t tell me not to go out, even though it makes him feel like crap. I told him it’s his issue, not mine, and he’s going to have to deal with it. I have kept all the screenshots though because I don’t like him implying I’m a drunk, etc., to his mother.

Is he being controlling?

OP posts:
Undecidedandtorn · 03/01/2022 09:47

It sounds to me that you have very different expectations. Although he hasn't acted very well at all I would suggest marriage counselling before you make any big decisions given that you have a small child.

Flickflak · 03/01/2022 09:49

This reply has been withdrawn

Message from MNHQ: This post has been withdrawn

girlmom21 · 03/01/2022 09:50

Does he act like this with all your friends or does he just not like this one?

What did you actually resolve when you almost separated because it sounds like there's a lot that needs resolving...

Devon1987 · 03/01/2022 09:50

Dear god raise the bar. He is controlling and a man child. You do everything and he still gets shitty if you see your friend once every 2 weeks! He is not lonely but a controlling waste of space.
Bin him off.

WhenwillIlearntoadult · 03/01/2022 09:53

@Heatherjayne1972

This won’t get better He will complain and complain until you never ever go out with your friends as it’s too much hassle so eventually you won’t bother You’ll resent him He will find something else to complain about And then something else and then something else

I’ve been there. (I divorced mine and I can go anywhere I like and do what I like now with no one to moan )

This, with bells on!
sashagabadon · 03/01/2022 09:54

I think he’s trying his best to control your activities more but is failing so it’s up to you to make sure he continues to fail

Cheeeeislifenow · 03/01/2022 09:57

Op asked him if he wanted to do something bhe said no....so is op supposed bto stay in and do nothing when she enjoys Nye.
He is controlling, he is hoping if he makes it hard enough for you to go out you will just give up.

Leave him he doesn't respect you.

chipsandfish34 · 03/01/2022 10:02

So he's miserable, antisocial, sulky, aggressive and begrudges you having a life. Does he have any good points?

Agree with pp, he will continue to act this way every time you go out until you eventually decide it's too much effort and don't bother. Then you can stay in and be miserable with him.

Wazza89 · 03/01/2022 10:02

I know what people are saying, but I did ask him (before he knew about the invite) whether he wanted to do something for New Year’s. Be it a film and takeaway, or going to his mother’s or brother’s house for a drink.

Tbh, I would be happy for him to go but he says he can’t be bothered and describes himself as a “lone wolf” so what can I do? I know I go out fairly regularly, but I always try to compensate for it. I take DS out for hours in the day (soft play, the park) so he has his “me time” as well. He doesn’t do this for me. I usually go out at 6 pm and DS is asleep by 7pm.

In regards to my comment about doing, I pay all the utility bills, council tax, and food shop on less than £700 a month (I work part time as a cleaner and receive universal credit). He pays rent, BT, and broadband which is less than half his monthly income. I do this so he can pay off his finances and loans. I also do the bins, garden, and majority of the cleaning. Although he has gotten better and is offering to help me a lot more. He also spent a generous amount of me for Christmas.

OP posts:
Momicrone · 03/01/2022 10:02

He has some troubling responses but I imagine he'd have rather spent nye with you given you have a baby together

Wazza89 · 03/01/2022 10:03

*about doing everything

OP posts:
WaningMoon · 03/01/2022 10:04

Hmm I think if this was the other way around and the OPs DH was the one out every other Friday drinking with a friend who smoked weed, went out pulling random women etc then the OP would be told that the DH needs to grow up and prioritise his DW and family. And if he left her at home alone on NYE posters would be telling her to pack his bags.

I think you need to look a the situation as a whole OP- would you be happy if the roles were reversed? What would you advise your DH to do if he were in your shoes ?

Cheeeeislifenow · 03/01/2022 10:09

Hmm I think if this was the other way around and the OPs DH was the one out every other Friday drinking with a friend who smoked weed, went out pulling random women etc then the OP would be told that the DH needs to grow up and prioritise his DW and family. And if he left her at home alone on NYE posters would be telling her to pack his bags.

I think you need to look a the situation as a whole OP- would you be happy if the roles were reversed? What would you advise your DH to do if he were in your shoes ?

Op does majority childcare, majority housework bqnd works part time. Hardly neglecting her family. She does out at 6 and D's is asleep by 7. She makes sure Ds is ready for bed before she goes, so she is absent from "family life" for one hour every two weeks.

It's not the scenario you have painted above.

Cheeeeislifenow · 03/01/2022 10:10

Many typos....Get and edit button MN.

girlmom21 · 03/01/2022 10:12

Questions:
Do you have an equal amount of spending money? Where does your taxi money and alcohol money come from if you're drinking regularly.

How long does he have left on his loans?

Do you ever do anything as a couple or a family?

Do you do drugs or act as a wingwoman with your friends who are smoking weed and having one night stands?

WhatsErFace2020 · 03/01/2022 10:12

Lord sounds just like my ex’D’H. He didn’t want to go out EVER!! But if I ever did he would say it was fine, but I’d pay for it with his attitude and moods before and after.

Lots of my friends were ‘slags’ too 🤣

We’re both remarried now, me very very happily, yet his poor new wife appears to suffer the same treatment as I did...at least he’s consistent

girlmom21 · 03/01/2022 10:13

@Momicrone

He has some troubling responses but I imagine he'd have rather spent nye with you given you have a baby together
He should've said so then. But I suppose if he did it'd add to the 'controlling' accusations.
oviraptor21 · 03/01/2022 10:13

I don't think either of you is hugely in the right or the wrong.
In particular, it would have been nice if you'd sat and had a chat with him when you got in after NYE despite his grumpiness.
However, how often are you actually out? If once a week that's perfectly reasonable and he is being controlling. If more then I can understand where he is coming from. He does sound like he wants to spend more time with you. Does your cleaning job happen when he is at home looking after your DC? Do you get much time together and is it quality time?

TedMullins · 03/01/2022 10:15

I can’t believe anyone is telling the OP she’s in the wrong. Do you think people shouldn’t have friends outside of their relationship? She goes out once a fortnight after settling the baby so it’s own father doesn’t even have to do the bedtime, her H turns down invites and suggestions to do anything and calls himself a “lone wolf”, so what should she do, sit indoors with him and be miserable and antisocial because that’s what he wants?

How can she spend “quality time” with someone who by his own admission doesn’t want to go out and do anything? Whether or not the friend smokes weed and has one night stands is neither here nor there, that’s her life and she’s absolutely entitled to live it however she wants, it doesn’t mean OP is doing the same. I would not see a problem if the roles were reversed either. I would say exactly the same - that the person behaving like the H is controlling whether they are male or female.

If the H doesn’t want to go out/socialise with you/do anything nice that’s his choice but he can’t then guilt trip you for wanting to have a social life. If you accept that he wants to be an antisocial misery guts he should extent the same courtesy to you and accept you don’t. Or better still, just sling this dead weight of a man in the trash and enjoy your life without him bringing you down and trying to curtail your independence.

ClaudiaJ1 · 03/01/2022 10:17

He has a cheek, he is the one that makes everything about himself!

OP, tell him you want marriage counselling or you want a divorce. His attitude is terrible, he treats you like shit! That is not love! And it's no way to live. He is right..... a new year, out with the old. If I were you I'd take him at his word, pack a bag for him and tell him to fuck off, even if only for a few days, to make him snap out of it and realise what he is losing.

Broads93 · 03/01/2022 10:19

@Theballoonsinthesky

It doesn't sound like you spend any quality time together or have fun together and to me seems like you see your friends to avoid him? I would be really hurt if my husband went out for new years and left me home alone. He must feel lonely. I dont think he is controlling you I think he is sad you don't seem to spend a lot of time doing anything fun with him.
It is not a womans job to entertain men. He needs to stand up and put his big boy pants on and find a hobby or something.
girlmom21 · 03/01/2022 10:19

@TedMullins nobody's saying she's completely in the wrong.

However, your husband regularly went out with friends who were smoking weed and shagging around and you found a condom in his wallet, would you be ok with it? If he was happy going for drinks with said friends every week but then wouldn't have a drink with you because he's on medication, would you not feel a bit put out?

OP if your friend was previously in an abusive relationship, is you going out regularly a new thing?

StellaGibson118 · 03/01/2022 10:20

Yes he is.

What do you get out of this relationship, other than constant accusations, gaslighting and attempts to control?

ChargingBuck · 03/01/2022 10:20

@Peas252

It really sounds like you're taking the piss Op, and treating him like shit.
Grin Grin Grin

Because she has the temerity to go to her friend's house once a fortnight?
Do get over yourself @Peas252

Also maybe try reading the OP before sticking the boot in -
Before Christmas, we were close to breaking up as I was sick of feeling like I do everything and pay for everything.

ClaudiaJ1 · 03/01/2022 10:21

Come to think of it, it does seem like you're simply not compatible. He is a boring and miserable stay-at-home person (nothing wrong with this, I am like him in that respect) who is a lone wolf and doesn't like to socialise. You, are the exact opposite. Neither of you are compatible.