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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

WIBU - I think this is the end

64 replies

KTKismet · 15/10/2022 22:57

So DH and I have been together for 25 years, both around 40 now with two DC.

I have health issues I have suffered from depression from a number of years when I was younger but DH was removed from the main handling of this as it was when I was in my teens. I again suffered from depression with suicidal thoughts following 5 mcs.

I miraculously had dc1 and 4 months after arrival also miraculously had conceived dc2. Dc2 pregnancy was more troubled as I had extensive sickness with long haul travel in t1; LBP and fainting in T2 and then finally suffered from SPD and AND in T3 and then pnd but all now recovered from for a number of years (youngest 4).

My DH has been amazing, I couldn't have done it without him. However sometimes I let him down with how heavily I relied on him and when he pointed out the strain on him, I've felt so bad.

This has gone on now for almost 4 years. We have amazing periods. For the record, I adore my DH, he is an amazing partner and father. However, I am starting to question if he is so amazing to me. He wakes super early and will put washings in; then remind me he picks up my slack.

He loves a clean kitchen and will want it sparkling all the time... But If I'm wfh and have time to come down and make the kids some food, if the dishwasher is on, I need to leave the plates stacked to go in. He will then make a big deal about the fact he cleaned the plates when they eventually go in. We have a cleaner though he does probably still do more housework than me. My working hours are longer than his though.

We had an argument 6 months ago where he told me I don't deserve him. We apologised and made up the next day.

But today, I've had the best day (at the moment I have 2 health issues, both referred to hospital. One because I stop breathing at night and I'm so tired all the time so I'm now not allowed to drive and the other because I've lost hearing in my ear and it apparently looks "grey and dull"). I woke up after a long lie,( 8.45) asked DH why he didn't wake me, he said he wanted me to have a rest (he'd been up with dcs since 7am). I offered for him to go back to bed and he said no.

We have had a day out with dcs and food with some alcohol, kids in bed early and watched TV. Right as we are turning off lights he tells me "you're on the early shift tomorrow since you've done fuck all today and I'll get a lie in".

I ask him what he means, repeat what he said this morning and then the fact I didn't hear the kids up because of the hearing issue.

He tells me I've always got some excuse and he doesn't buy my shit anymore, I can't drive with the sleep issue, he says that's so convenient for me to not help with drop offs for kids. Doesn't believe I don't hear the kids getting up and that I take advantage of him and that I just expect him to pick it up. Has said I clearly want to leave him (in fact it's him who has mentioned this 7 different times this year despite me saying I love him and want us to remain a family). I do not want to leave him.

He's told me to fuck off and just leave; I'm "not wanted. I won't even get the kids half the time" cause I do "fuck all for them" and my pnd will confirm that and to just get out the house.

So as not to drip feed my salary is 3x DH, he can't afford this house without me, I do lots for our kids (though he does the drop off and pick up from school as his work is less restrictive). I've had documented mh issues though with anxiety. When I said we should have some time apart following argument he told me, there was "no fucking way he was leaving the house, so I could just disappear'.

I don't want to split up... I don't know what to do. I'm sorry this is so long. I'm in tears. Please don't be mean. But WIBU to think this is the end??

OP posts:
EleanorLucyG · 16/10/2022 17:30

Also his behaviour is abusive. Don't have couples counseling with him he'll just use it as another stick to beat you with.

KTKismet · 16/10/2022 18:15

Not yet. I'm waiting on my referral to the specialist for treatment. I've just had the diagnosis through the sleep study and had the notification to surrender my licence 3 weeks ago. Felt like a positive though as I could finally say, see there is a reason, I'm not just lazy.

He's apologised today and said he feels under a lot of pressure. I've said we need to get childcare and counselling. I went to a fr

OP posts:
KTKismet · 16/10/2022 18:16

Posted too soon.

I went to a friend's house instead of going out and feel better for talking to her too.

He's truly not an awful person. And I appreciate all those saying for carers it's difficult too. I support him also and make sure he gets breaks. He's had golfing trips and holidays abroad this year so definitely not just leaving him without any help.

OP posts:
PlinkPlonkFizz · 16/10/2022 18:23

I bet your mental health would be so much better without him around. He's twisting everything so all the blame is on you. Do not leave, ask him to leave.x

Brefugee · 16/10/2022 18:38

Oh OP i feel for you.
I hope that you can get some treatment soon that will give you breathing space.

I think separate councelling for each of you may be good.

But i also want to say something about all the "he's trying to be the main carer so he can get custody of the kids". Just pack in with this. Given what OP has posted he has already done a lot of the childcare, and with the schoolruns and so on still does. And given OPs health issues is it really in her or her DCs interests for her to request being the RP? Or would it be better if they went to therapy, and reevaluated what it is they both want from life and their marriage? I think 50/50 is entirely fair in this case if it came to it.

KTKismet · 16/10/2022 18:46

Thank you for this. My husband is an amazing dad. One of the "naturals" - I'm not that way as a mum. I adore my children and would die for them. If (and I genuinely hope it doesn't come to this) we were to divorce, our split would be 50:50 in my eyes.

In terms of earning, I don't care if I had to pay him maintenance. The nature of our jobs is that I will always earn massively more than my DH, and he still earns a very good salary. It would be what's best for the kids.

I'm hoping that treatment for the sleep apnoea helps with my mood and anxiety. I already see a private psychologist regularly and have a meeting tomorrow now. DH is really averse to this; he's not overly a talker with issues. Due to years together I can tell usually when he needs to talk.

I'm heading home now and I've had lots of really nice messages from him whilst I'm out. He do any want to split, he loves me. I'm hoping it's been the alcohol. I'm intending to suggest he join me in an alcohol free period (I'm already doing it because of sleep apnoea).

I have spoken to my friend who suggested having cleaner in twice per week which will help with some burden. I'd also planned to get him ahold membership for Christmas but think I might suggest we do it earlier so he can play winter greens and get some more time out.

I take on board those comments that it is exhausting being the partner of someone with mh and I am always mindful of that. He truly isn't a bad person.

OP posts:
Whitepouringglue · 16/10/2022 19:10

brefugee
You think the op should sail into a situation where she's working to support dad living in the family home with more than 50? There are women in that position and she could easily become one of them if he's cutting his hours. It's not a good result.

Tadpoll · 16/10/2022 19:18

catandcoffee · 16/10/2022 14:19

Living with someone who's got mental health issues and suicidal thoughts, is a lot to deal with,for the other person.

Maybe he's having trouble coping with your issues but doesn't know how to discuss it with you.

I think this, but I wasn’t going to put it quite so gently!

Have you ever considered what he’s been through with you in your marriage? He sounds like a man who’s snapped tbh. I don’t get that he’s gaslighting you at all - in fact, I feel like I read a different OP to everyone else. I think you sound quite attention seeking, like there’s always a drama. I’m not excusing what he said (if that’s the correct version), but I think he’s had enough.

I’d be so interested to hear his side of things.

Tadpoll · 16/10/2022 19:20

Also - have you really been told you can’t drive because of your sleep apnoea or is that your personal choice?

CatJumperTwat · 16/10/2022 19:21

He truly isn't a bad person.

Yes he is, and I'm sorry some posters are gaslighting you into thinking what he says is normal or acceptable. Reread your OP; no matter how stressed he is or how much slack he feels he's picking up, a loving and kind person would never say those things.

MumE78 · 16/10/2022 19:26

Welcome to be a father & husband!

Yes he maybe tired of his routine, but if the shoe was on the other foot and he had the health issues?

Have you thought about getting a pt house keeper in stead of just a cleaner, one that can help out with stuff & school runs.

I know it might cost a bit more but start with just 2 days a week.
It might give him some breathing space and you too

KTKismet · 16/10/2022 22:23

Yes I received a letter from hospital telling me to contact DVLA; they followed up with a letter to surrender my license in

OP posts:
Merryoldgoat · 16/10/2022 22:33

OP. Your husband isn’t nice.

You’re not there yet and that’s fine but he’s not. And yes, it’s hard sometimes being with an unwell partner but that doesn’t justify this cruel behaviour.

BTW I have sleep apnoea. Once you’ve got your CPAP your life will change nearly overnight. I suspect you’ll feel a lot better very quickly and I hope you get the strength to make good choices.

Brefugee · 17/10/2022 10:36

@Whitepouringglue

I am suggesting nothing other than what thousands of men do. But (as people like to say) MN hates men so they have to do everything as OP herself said, that would be her preference. For the sake of the DCs.

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