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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DP asking the same question every day. AIBU to ignore him?

418 replies

BabyBear101 · 02/09/2022 19:39

I've posted on here before about part one of this issue so some people might recognise it.

Basically, DP used to give me a hard time whenever I got home late from work. I finish at 4pm and live about 15 minutes from work. He used to get the hump and quiz me whenever I was home later than 4.20pm. He has the sort of job when he can down tools bang on finishing time and if a job isn't done then it's "someone else's problem". My job isn't like that. If I don't finish a task then it's still waiting for me the next morning. Plus I like to have a gossip with my colleagues sometimes after work 🤷‍♀️ anyway after months of this, I explained all this to him and he reluctantly agreed to cut it out.

A few months on though I noticed he would text me near the end of my working day saying "are you going to be home sharp today?" I didn't think much of it at the time but then he started sending it earlier and earlier until one day he sent it at 10am! I snapped. He huffed. Stopped for 2 weeks. Now doing it again.

I'm now ignoring him when he texts. I can tell it's annoying him because he sent the same message "will you be home sharp today?" twice in the space of an hour.

AIBU? I'm a grown woman and can plan my work day however I please.

OP posts:
Kennykenkencat · 02/09/2022 22:46

I know he is all about downing tools and off he goes but like you said you like to have a bit of a chat after work and connect with people. Is he perhaps so set on not giving the business a moment more of his time that he is missing out on work friendships, seeing people outside of work. Generally connecting with people without being paid to do so and making you responsible for his entertainment instead of getting himself a hobby, or stopping to chat to his work colleagues after work.
Why is so determined to run back to an empty house and click watch till you get home.

What would happen if you had children who don’t do anything to a schedule and you don’t get paid to look after.

Or doesn’t he want children because that would mean doing a job that he wasn’t paid to do.

I get the impression he doesn’t want to give you a moment to think because otherwise you might spot something amiss or start to think about where your life is heading and what you are being talked into.

Might be completely wrong but does he encourage you to have a glass of wine or something that is soporific in the evening So you go from work to home where he fills your mind and then you have a drink, go to bed and it all starts again.

Every moment of your life is being scheduled.

I have friends who have taken their children and left their husbands because of the type of behaviour you describe.
My friends weren’t stopped from going out but the incessant questions. The questions if they got back 5 minutes late from work or a night out. The questions about who was there, where they went, how long they spent eating. Where they ate. Late into the night when they were tired and tipsy and just wanted to go to bed. Woe betide they said they left a restaurant at 9pm and arrives at a pub 12 minutes walk away at 9.20pm and not 9.12pm. The question would start again.
They all said when it started at first they thought their dhs lived them and were taking an interest in them or live bed them so much they missed them
Gradually it turned quite sinister

If he has only just started this behaviour in the last year then this behaviour is still quite new. But don’t forget this is the 2nd time you have had to tell him to reign it in.

Whilst it might not seem much if you have had parents teaching you that you have to answer every question and account for every moment of your time but this isn’t normal behaviour and whilst you won’t be leaving atm I would put a boundary in place that if he continues to instigate this behaviour you will leave

How many times are you going to nip this in the bud until you decide that the questions aren’t worth it and you don’t stop for a chat after work. You don’t go out.

It has definite leanings towards coercive control.

What would happen if when he texts “Will you be home sharpish” You text back
“No” and then block his number for the day.

Personally it would drive me up the wall to have to answer so many questions when I get in or if I am at work and I get asked what time I will be back.

velvetvixen · 02/09/2022 22:46

He can’t even let you go to work or attend a meeting without constantly trying to get into your head and reminding you that he’s monitoring you. He is trying to make every minute of your life about him.

This!

ADHDkillingme · 02/09/2022 22:48

@Fairylightsongs I’m not sure what you mean. I’m certainly not trying to justify the husband’s behaviour or say this is why I do it so maybe it’s why he does it. My point was really just that I had never even thought about the fact that I do this so reading the thread has been eye opening for sure!!

Fairylightsongs · 02/09/2022 22:53

ADHDkillingme · 02/09/2022 22:48

@Fairylightsongs I’m not sure what you mean. I’m certainly not trying to justify the husband’s behaviour or say this is why I do it so maybe it’s why he does it. My point was really just that I had never even thought about the fact that I do this so reading the thread has been eye opening for sure!!

Sure. ,y point is maybe he’d say the same thing, but the impact on your spouse is the same,,

CoolerThanIceCream · 02/09/2022 22:54

ADHDkillingme · 02/09/2022 22:39

I can’t believe I am posting this because I’m certain I’ll have my arse handed to me.

I’m very guilty of texting my DH to ask when he will be home or if he will be late/early. He is in a job where it varies from day to day. I think it partly might stem back to having two very difficult babies not too far apart and basically needing to know the end was in sight and I would have some help with them soon. I also have ADHD and so maybe some of it comes from not being good at waiting and just needing to know what is going on and what to expect. I also look forward to the evening time and I feel it can’t really begin without him being there when I’m still in waiting mode until he is home.

If he replied saying he was going to be late I would be disappointed if I am honest.

I would not have put this down as controlling behaviour and was quite shocked to read the responses but it’s made me take a look at myself to try and work out my reasons for doing it. For me I do feel as if it’s more about just needing to know what the situation is rather than trying to change it though whereas with your DH it probably is more about you doing what he wants you to do.

I would absolutely hate to be on the receiving end of this behaviour - aside from it just being plain annoying, it’s so needy/clingy - which is really, really off-putting in a grown adult, let alone an intimate partner.

And I’ve been that SAHM to a demanding baby and toddler.

FayeGovan · 02/09/2022 22:56

TheFlis12345 · 02/09/2022 20:22

Is he controlling in other ways OP? I don’t think you have answered that.

Who cares?

That shits enough

k1233 · 02/09/2022 22:56

How old is he? My father way like this in the very early days of dementia - mid to late 40s. You could track when the disease started - anxiety about driving (very capable and experienced long distance driver), sticking to mum like glue, following her around the house when she was home and a myriad of small changes.

As the behaviour is new and out of character I'd be wondering if there's an underlying health issue.

if not, every day he asked when I'd be home, I'd add half an hour and go and do something for myself before going home.

Ragwort · 02/09/2022 22:58

Doesn't he do anything on his own? Friends, hobbies, volunteering, sport, visiting his family, shopping etc? It must be absolutely suffocating to live with someone like that.

thenewduchessoflapland · 02/09/2022 23:07

BabyBear101 · 02/09/2022 21:07

He hasn't been like this for 12yrs!
It's only been the past year.

Were you working from home/furloughed during the pandemic?;if so has this behaviour started since you've returned to the physical workplace?

smileandsing · 02/09/2022 23:07

This is paranoid controlling behaviour. Don't entertain it. You're right to just do what you want to do when you want to do it, but he needs to stop. But I actually think what's going on here is he's insecure and afraid you might cheat, or are cheating. He messages to check up on you. He wants you home by a certain time so he knows you've been at work. The 20 questions before a night out are so he has a huge amount of detail to analyse and see if that seems true, and so that he could try to catch you out later. He'll be a nightmare before, during and after you're away for work, I bet you're dreading it already.

Be very wary of him

abblie · 02/09/2022 23:09

My reply would be I only answer to my father and you are not him

MaraScottie · 02/09/2022 23:10

Jesus fecking christ, this behaviour would drive me demented, how suffocating!

What would happen OP if you just informed him you're meeting a friend after work, or stopping off for some shopping and you'd 'be home later?' I mean this would be a pretty standard thing to do, and I wouldn't feel the need necessarily to ask permission, or give him a running update on your plans. What's the point in being a bloody adult otherwise!

I'd run a mile personally.

ADHDkillingme · 02/09/2022 23:13

@CoolerThanIceCream Yes I understand that and like I said I’ve never even really given it much thought until now. I’ve just checked and I did it twice this working week. One was after 5 one day asking how long he was going to be till he was home (at that time it’s definitely meal prep related) and another asking if he thought he would be having a half day today.

We do text on and off throughout the day some days anyway - not really conversation just random statements tbh.

Sadly we are both lacking in outside parties in our lives and we are quite an insular couple/family so we are pretty tragic in that type of way anyway Blush

HandbagAtDawn · 02/09/2022 23:15

He wants to sabotage your job so that you don’t get ideas above your station and leave him behind.

Impressed that we’ve had autism and dementia excuses trotted out already. Is that MN bingo?

smileandsing · 02/09/2022 23:18

When he asks if you'll be home sharpish he wants you to commit to doing so, so at 4pm you'll be anxious about leaving so you haven't 'lied' to him about when you'll be home, therefore do exactly what he wants you to. Alternatively if you say you don't know, he'll question you as to what you're doing instead that's so important. So get him told to cut it out. If he doesn't, leave or accept this is your life now. I'm sure you don't want that.

DanielTheGhostGangbanger · 02/09/2022 23:21

Every time he messaged me that, I'd reply with "nope". And I'd make sure I was a bit late home, even if I sat in my car for a bit scrolling through MN/social media/other stuff I like, in peace.

Every. Single. Time.

On days where he didn't text me, I'd be more inclined to get home earlier.

It's like training a dog. Eventually he'll pick it up 😅

I'm joking. Sort of.

Nanny0gg · 02/09/2022 23:22

He would drive me totally up the wall

I don't know how or why you put up with him

Thighdentitycrisis · 02/09/2022 23:25

Q: Are you going to be home sharp today?
A: No

kateandme · 02/09/2022 23:26

ADHDkillingme · 02/09/2022 23:13

@CoolerThanIceCream Yes I understand that and like I said I’ve never even really given it much thought until now. I’ve just checked and I did it twice this working week. One was after 5 one day asking how long he was going to be till he was home (at that time it’s definitely meal prep related) and another asking if he thought he would be having a half day today.

We do text on and off throughout the day some days anyway - not really conversation just random statements tbh.

Sadly we are both lacking in outside parties in our lives and we are quite an insular couple/family so we are pretty tragic in that type of way anyway Blush

Your seems to be an emotionally triggered response luv. Add to that this is a very real symptomatic behaviour of adhd so please don’t beat yourself up about it. The reasons you do it might seem completely irrational to some but in your case at least from the gist I’ve read it doesn’t seem the controlling way AT ALL.
there no might be technique’s you can do to make you feel calmer and more able to jot ask the questions though,and more able to sit with that feeling that make you text and need to no what happening all the time.

Thighdentitycrisis · 02/09/2022 23:26

@DanielTheGhostGangbanger
beat me to it!

6coffeesbefore9am · 02/09/2022 23:28

You were told the first time he was controlling and to end the relationship. The advice is the same.

CookieCoo · 02/09/2022 23:36

I’d be snappy in your shoes!!

“Stop nagging me, I’ll be home when I get home, I might fancy popping to the shop or having a coffee with a friend. Stop nagging, I’m not a child, I’m not accounting for my time!!” And repeat.

Brigante9 · 02/09/2022 23:38

Jesus, this would drive me nuts! Have you told him to stop messaging constantly? If he's on night shift, how is he messaging from like 10 am. I'd be tempted to respond with 'Be home when I finish' and ignore all other messages.

Marvellousmadness · 02/09/2022 23:42

He either is
controlling
Abusive
Or extremely needy

Neither are great

But ignoring him???
No op

SET HIM STRAIGHT ONCE AND FOR ALL

Tell him to stop messaging you everyday
Tell him you work until work is done and this may vary everyday
Tell him he needs to stop harassing you with his messages as you will NOT be responding to them anymore and that his behaviour is bordering on Abusive and definitely is controlling and that you aren't having it no more. BACK OFF

And leave him stunned.let him digest it
And when he Does text you again. You ignore him and give him hell again. And eventually you just give him a deadline if he doesn't listen and leave him and his bizarre behaviour

Wheresthebeach · 02/09/2022 23:52

Can you imagine how bad he’d be if you had kids with him?
time to give this relationship some serious thought - massively controlling and irritating