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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel like dp is ruling my life

92 replies

Shell23 · 31/07/2022 14:21

Recently I've been finding it extremely grating that it seems like dp gets to control all the big decisions in our lives.

I'm a sahm to our first child whilst he works ft. We aren't currently living together as I got tired of living with him and his family. He promised we would move out, we started looking at finances and I started house hunting/Contacting estate agents. I even arranged viewings. Then all the sudden dp turned around and so "nope we can't afford it". I've been patiently living with him and his family for years now in the hopes that he keeps saying we will "move soon" and it finally felt like the real thing this time. I felt so shattered by it all. I know money wise we would struggle but it's a struggle I'm willing to take if it means get on with our lives independently and progressing as a family. But dp has said no so that is that.

Another aspect is that we was going to move further out. Its always been a dream of mine since forever to move away. I'm not a need to travel around the world kind of person but I definitely want to get out of the tiny bubble we live in and expand our horizons. The places we where looking at were beautiful. We went and actually visited these places and the atmosphere/environment was so beautiful. I allowed myself to feel excited and hopeful. Well now dp has proclaimed that he doesn't want to move far anymore (influenced by his dm that doesn't want us out of her sight) and I'm so upset. Dp is adamant that "for dc" we need to stay local so dc can see family. I've argued that actually where we are looking to move to is better for dc since it is a place where the cost of living is cheaper and the actual place itself is generally happier and safer for children. But nope. Dp won't have it.

Another big thing is that we are engaged to get married and we both want another dc. But of course because dp is hindering everything else marriage and having another dc is completely off the table for the "foreseeable future" which is pretty open ended as our financial state Isnt going to change anytime soon. I know its silly to want have a child when we can't afford our own home but for my own personal health reasons i want and need to have a child soon. Dc1 put alot of strain on my body which ended up in an emc because my body couldn't handle birth. I'm worried how any more time span added on will affect my bodies ability to bear a pregnancy again. Every month I secretly hope I am pregnant but obviously am not! I could never tell dp this but it crushes me everytime I get a negative test.

I just don't find it fair that dp holds all the cards to every major life decision that is made. I have already had to sacrifice so much and accommodated to dps needs for example me living with him and his family when I didn't want to.

Aibu to feel like this and that dp is more in control of my own life than me. I know we both need to be on board with things like this but when do I ever get a say then?

OP posts:
TheSandgroper · 31/07/2022 14:27

Imagine first, it think, so I’ll say it.

He isn’t a partner. He is showing absolutely no interest I. You and a life with you. Plan your life and live your life with you and the little one.

You would always have a husband/partner problem and would have it compounded by a MIL problem.

You are now out so cut your losses and think forward for you.

VladmirsPoutine · 31/07/2022 14:29

Have you posted about this before? His interfering mother's behaviour and him not wanting to prioritise you so you left? And pretty much how he doesn't want to offend his mother so takes her side.

Notimeforaname · 31/07/2022 14:30

Is he actively protecting himself so he doesn't impregnate you?

You would be crazy to have another baby in this situation.
You already live apart. That's half of the fresh start already. Break up with him, put all of your focus on you and your child .

Pinkflipflop85 · 31/07/2022 14:30

Yabu for staying with him and for even considering another child.

Penguinsaregreat · 31/07/2022 14:35

Firstly I would say how on earth can you afford to have another child when you do not work, you don’t live with dp and he seems to have no intention of settling down with you?
Stop letting him decide what happens in your life.
What is stopping you from moving to where you want to live?
Your dp cannot stop you. He could then see your child and you can get on living your life.
The longer you tolerate this situation the longer you will suffer.

PonyPatter44 · 31/07/2022 14:36

Why don't you just end it, and find someone else? He doesn't seem terribly into you and you aren't into him.

girlmom21 · 31/07/2022 14:37

Get a job. You want to do all these expensive things - move out, get married, have another child, and are expecting him to fund it all.

Yeah he shouldn't get to dictate everything but he's saying you can't afford it so there needs to be an increase in finances.

UWhatNow · 31/07/2022 14:42

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Sparkletastic · 31/07/2022 14:42

You need to work on becoming financially independent so you have equal say.

LIZS · 31/07/2022 14:46

He prioritises his family over you and dc. That will not change. Another child will just add to his control of you. Separate properly, move away and move on.

RiojaRose · 31/07/2022 14:46

You can’t make him change. You need to accept this, and all it’s implications, in order to make good decisions for yourself and your child.

CamsPaisleyCuffs · 31/07/2022 14:48

Please don't bring another child into this car crash of a situation. If he really saw a future with you he would have moved out with you when the in law situation became intolerable. Why would he want to be separated from his partner and child?

It seems he's making all the decisions and holding the cards because you have handed over any agency you had in your life when you decided to have no home to call your own, bunk with the in laws, have a baby and become a SAHM. Your options are so limited and it's your own making.

Think about how you can become more independent and provide the life you want for yourself and your child under your own steam. If your partner is waiting for the perfect time it will never happen but it's not up to you to railroad him into something he's not ready for whether that be more children, a marriage or a mortgage.

Spohn · 31/07/2022 14:49

You can’t afford to be unemployed and dependent on a disinterested boyfriend, take control of your life, this bloke has been very clear- he doesn’t want to make another kid with you and doesn’t want to have a wedding.

Nothappyatwork · 31/07/2022 14:49

Is this a cultural thing I’ve genuinely never heard anything like it in a UK relationship.

1WomanWonder · 31/07/2022 14:50

Why doesn't he live with you? How can you afford somewhere to live but he can't afford to move out of his parent's house? What age is your child?

LetMeInYourWindow · 31/07/2022 14:54

You need to look into getting a job so that you can support yourself and move into your own place with DC, even if that is moving to the cheaper area.

Ohmych · 31/07/2022 14:57

I can see why he is making the financial decisions when he is the only one earning money. You need to start earning to make the financial situation easier before thinking about bringing another child into the situation.

SexyLittleNosferatu · 31/07/2022 15:00

I've voted YABU because I can't believe how unreasonable you are putting up with this shitshow and passively going along with it. Why? Why are you so keen to waste your one and only life?

Do not bring another child into this utter headfuck of a "relationship". End it, move to the beautiful location with your kid and forget this utter waste of space PLEASE.

I'd also really look into counselling for yourself. Why could you be so happy to accept this?

Teacupsandtoast · 31/07/2022 15:06

Where are you living now? Are you claiming benefits as a single person to fund a place for you + your child? And how old are you both?

Completelyovernonsense · 31/07/2022 15:09

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at poster's request

DrinkFeckArseBrick · 31/07/2022 15:10

The finances....he might be in control of your major life decisions, or he might just be being realistic or truthful. If you can't afford it, then you cant afford it. Have you seen the details of the finances, costed out what it will cost to move and compared against your incomings? Do you work? Could you work? If your earnings are below the cost of childcare then living near your MiL may be the only way you can afford to.

It's hard to tell from your post whether your husband is being unreasonable by laying down the law instead of discussing with you, or whether you're being unreasonable continually planning for things that are financially completely unfeasible

GodspeedJune · 31/07/2022 15:11

Don’t miss out on your dreams on his say so - if you’re living alone now you may as well be living in the area you were hoping to. You’ll probably be surprised how much happier and lighter you feel without him dragging you down.

wherearebeefandonioncrisps · 31/07/2022 15:12

If you're the poster I think you are ... this is not a relationship in any sense of the word.

It would be so very foolish to bring another child into this situation.

He won't leave his mum.
He won't marry you.
He hasn't got your back.

Please move on from this mess.

Hotenoughtoburnasausage · 31/07/2022 15:12

He is already in a committed relationship
.
With his dm.
Do what is best for you and your dc op..

Marvellousmadness · 31/07/2022 15:15

I voted yabu
Because YOU chose to be with this man. And to STAY with this man

Why arent you running as FAR away as you can???

Please run

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