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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:
ThirdElephant · 03/01/2022 10:45

[quote girlmom21]@StellaGibson118 I have to disagree on the condom. If I found a condom in DP's pocket I'd be perfectly reasonable to question it. [/quote]
My question is why was he going through her bag?

Joinedforthis2021 · 03/01/2022 10:46

OP ready it back and ask yourself if this was your friend asking for the same advice what to say to her?

Life is for living not being controlled and made to feel like your in the wrong all the time.

I'm sure your trying to bring your child up to be the best possible person they can be? So why allow this for yourself?!

He is unhappy...your unhappy...

Ne adults and say its not working and move on.

Wishing you all the luck in the world whatever advice you take x

Joinedforthis2021 · 03/01/2022 10:46

*read

Wreath21 · 03/01/2022 10:47

Get rid, this man will suck every joy out of your life. And may well escalate to physical violence at some point because, yes, he is controlling. He wants to isolate you from other people and keep you stuck at home.

Wazza89 · 03/01/2022 10:50

@ThirdElephant we were at soft play and ds wanted to go on a 50p ride. I asked him to see if there was 50p in the bag as I took it home with me then took it with me the next day (had my purse inside and couldn’t be bothered changing it) I had no idea it was in there tbh.

OP posts:
Butchyrestingface · 03/01/2022 10:51

@Peas252

It really sounds like you're taking the piss Op, and treating him like shit.
*
bendmeoverbackwards · 03/01/2022 10:53

@Broads93 it’s not a man’s job to entertain women either. But in a loving partnership you would expect both parties to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.

OP - the time when your Dh asked you to go out for a drink and you refused as you’d been out the day before - could you not have gone and had a soft drink? That would have felt like a slap in the face if I was your Dh and I don’t blame him for being hurt.

LeQuern · 03/01/2022 10:53

Any man who calls women ‘slags’ is to be avoided at all costs.

Honestly, that alone would have me hoiking all his belongings into a bag for him. A very old friend of mine and I have drifted apart because her husband uses such language and I won’t accept it.

TellMeItsPossible · 03/01/2022 10:57

I reckon you partner doesn't like your friend because she left a controlling relationship, and he'd prefer it if you didnt don't the same. Pulling a few blokes and smoking cannabis medicinally is hardly the crime of the century, is it? He just doesn't want you to realise your relationship is shit.

Pedalpushers · 03/01/2022 11:00

Neither of you sound all that reasonable from your post. Him calling women slags and making comments to his mum is awful, as is you potentially doing and paying for everything. He is more unreasonable than you. However, it does sound like you prioritise your friend for socialising and fun over him and there are plenty of posters on here who would hate if a man was regularly going out with a friend who does drugs they dislike (I know pain relief isn't quite the same) and they would say he needs to grow up and being around drugs when you have a child is a deal breaker etc. I do also think NYE he was right that it's a bit rude to go out and then go straight to bed when you get in.

But as I said, overall I think he is more unreasonable, but I can't work out from the information given if he is lonely/depressed or controlling.

WonderfulYou · 03/01/2022 11:01

I voted YANBU as if things are the way you say they are then you’re not doing anything wrong.

I have read many threads on here about a man wanting an evening out and how it’s apparently the worst thing in the world because he should stay home with his wife and kids - so I’m sure most people will say you’re in the wrong.

I don’t think you should stop going out and having fun once you get into a relationship or have kids.
As long as your kids aren’t affected or one of you gets more free time than the other - then do whatever you want.

It sounds like he’s more of an introvert and would choose to stay home all of the time, whilst you enjoy getting out of the house.
So I do wonder how compatible you are.

Does he have any friends?

WonderfulYou · 03/01/2022 11:03

OP - the time when your Dh asked you to go out for a drink and you refused as you’d been out the day before - could you not have gone and had a soft drink? That would have felt like a slap in the face if I was your Dh and I don’t blame him for being hurt.

I do agree with this.

You can have as much time with your friends as you want but it’s important to also make an effort as a couple too.
It sounds like he was trying to do something you’d enjoy and you said no.

LampLighter414 · 03/01/2022 11:05

You both sound bad tbh

He clearly exaggerated to his mother but you've made no suggestions that you actually do anything nice with him such as date nights or drinks or anything. Instead you save that stuff for your friends and when he offers stuff you turn him down.

It seems he was okay to be left on NYE but then to come home and not even talk about your evenings and wish each other a happy new year seems rude and harsh. I do appreciate though that by this point in your mind maybe you've been very frustrated with him etc.

crystalize · 03/01/2022 11:06

On top of him being a miserable twat, why are you doing the majority of cleaning, looking after DS and paying a larger proportion of your income? He 'helps' you sometimes with the chores? Fgs leave him and live your best life. He has no respect for you or other women if he calls them slags.

worriedatthemoment · 03/01/2022 11:07

Im gueSsing your dh doesn't earn that much either if you earn £700 a month and you still get universal credit ?

RosiePosieDozy · 03/01/2022 11:12

How often you go out sounds absolutely fine. Going out with this friend twice a month and maybe a few more nights out when your DS is in bed isn't excessive. Is your DH jealous? Is he jealous that you have friends? It is controlling to try and stop you from going out. I'm sure every adult spends some evenings alone sometimes. I'm surprised he doesn't actually enjoy it and do something he likes like gaming or watching films.

I don't agree with spending NYE apart though. I don't think you should even have considered spending it apart. It's probably the most important night of the year and IMO it is important to see the new year in with your partner.

KerryWeaver · 03/01/2022 11:15

Get rid of him.

You only live once and he will suck every bit of joy out of your life.

Exasperatedhousehunter · 03/01/2022 11:18

Wow, he sounds absolutely awful. It sounds like you are a good friend whereas he can’t cope with you not always focusing on him. Pathetic. I would get rid.

Exasperatedhousehunter · 03/01/2022 11:19

I don't agree with spending NYE apart though. I don't think you should even have considered spending it apart. It's probably the most important night of the year and IMO it is important to see the new year in with your partner.

Errrr how is NYE the most important night of the year?

Thatsplentyjack · 03/01/2022 11:19

I can see your partners point to be honest. Every other week you go to your friends to drink but if he asks you if you want to have a drink with him you say no, and because he didn't want to go out and party for new year you go leave him in alone.
Do neither of you work? Because if you do you don't spend 7 days a week with him.

NeonK · 03/01/2022 11:21

@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. He'll wear you down. You'll give in because it's easier than dealing with his strops. And you'll lose yourself.

I also divorced mine.

GoodnightGrandma · 03/01/2022 11:23

Yes he is.

Thatsplentyjack · 03/01/2022 11:23

Honestly if this was about a man posting this he would have been ripped to pieces. The double standards on here are embarrassing!

StellaGibson118 · 03/01/2022 11:24

I suspect that you spent NYE apart because you are fed up of him, as I don't think most people would do that in a regular relationship. If you're at the end of your rope with him just get rid. You don't need to have some big dramatic reason to leave someone, it can just be enough that you're not interested anymore. It's better than staying in an environment that harms.

hairymorag · 03/01/2022 11:25

Not sure about this one-

If my OH had a regular boozy catch up with a mate (who you say has a chronic disease) and I asked him if he fancied going out and he declined stating he couldnt manage 2 days in a row I would be pissed off. You say you only have 2 or 3 glasses but I would hazard a guess it is more than that.

My OH doesnt go out with my mates which is fine. However we enjoy going out together. Not sure what plans you were suggesting for NY given you have a small child at home. Sounds like you were looking to go out to the party. Interesting he tells you not to get high. Is this a regular? (another mate who uses cannabis as they have chronic pain, I am assuming it isnt prescribed and she buys it illegaly)

I sat in with my OH on NYE , made food and I popped out onto the street to join the neighbours after midnight. He isnt well and cant manage that but I didnt leave him to bring in the NY on his own.

Having a condom in your purse isnt making this look any better- sounds like you dont particulalry want to be at home, think the relationship isnt working , not sure about him being controlling sounds like you make food and sort your DS out as you dont want to feel guilty about heading out again.

If this was a bloke folks would be saying he is taking the piss-

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