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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Huge argument over golf. So pissed off.

359 replies

fuckinggolf · 30/12/2022 09:38

My husband used to go to golf every Sunday but considering the fact he works 5 days including Saturdays and we have a DC in school he now only goes every other Sunday. He has one day off in the week where he's home and I'm at work and DC is in school so he can always go more then, he doesn't always choose to because that's not when his friends go, they go on a Sunday.

He last went to golf on the first Sunday in December, he didn't go the next 3 weeks because things happened to fall on every Sunday, plans with his family, a trip that he'd booked and then Christmas. He mentioned last night that he's going to go with his friends today instead and I said sure, I then asked about next Sunday and said could he be around next weekend as I'm going to need a break (he booked his annual leave wrong so he goes back to work a week before our DC goes back to school (I'm 37 weeks pregnant and dreading the thought of trying to entertain a 4 year old for 5 days with no help between 8-6pm and will probably be exhausted that weekend)

He absolutely kicked off, called me controlling, said that I hate him going to golf or doing anything that doesn't revolve around me and our DC, that I find excuse after excuse for him to not go, it's the only thing he does for himself but fine let's both do absolutely nothing over than spend every fucking minute together because clearly he isn't allowed a single thing for himself, said that I've stopped him going to golf for 5 weeks now. I said that isn't true, it's not my fault that Christmas Day was on a Sunday and the two Sundays before yes we were doing things but both were things he arranged not me and it's convenient of him to forget that just to chuck it in my face. He wouldn't admit he was being unfair and just started ranting and raving about how he's never going to golf again, I win, controlling wife etc. I was really crying by the end of it and he didn't bother trying to resolve it or seeing if I was ok and he slept in the spare room without even coming into ours.

This morning I went downstairs and tried to just general talk to him and he was snappy and rude. I asked him what was wrong and he insisted nothing but could clearly tell. I told him I'd arranged to take DC to meet a friend for a play date but hadn't agreed a time so could time it in with his golf. He said he isn't going and when I asked why he said really sarcastically "because it's easier not to dear". I never once said a bad thing about him going today, I literallly just said ok when he told me, I only asked about next Sunday because I have 5 full days with no support in the run up and I'm going to be nearly 38 weeks pregnant at that point. I said this and he just kept repeating I'm not going. I said well text and arrange it and he just kept saying "no dear you get your way". It felt really unfair because he's going to refuse to go and then add this to his '5 weeks' where his mean controlling wife hasn't allowed him to go which is absolute bullshit and I know he's going to hold it against me. He knows we're about to have a newborn and had previously said he's fine with not going on Sundays for a couple of months unless my mums here as I need a caesarean and will be recovering but I bet that'll be thrown in my face now too.

I got upset again because he was just manipulating a genuine reason for needing help next weekend into me being this controlling bitch and completely lying about how I've been the reason he hasn't gone, yet again he didn't care that I got upset and hasn't tried to sort it out instead stormed off upstairs with his breakfast.

AIBU? I get that he's his hobby and I get that they only play on Sundays and I try and be fair with that but given Sundays are the only day we get as a family it does suck a little when he fucks off for 4.5 hours. I don't moan about it but did request it goes down to every other Sunday, but I don't find excuses every week for him to not go, I don't see being 38 weeks pregnant as an excuse?

Can't believe I'm having these arguments over fucking golf. We're 30 for gods sake!

OP posts:
SMabbutt · 30/12/2022 18:18

Why not reframe it to him. You have considered what he said and actually having downtime away from family responsibilities is important so he should definitely be able to go to his golf. Is he happy with that? As he has child free time every Monday and alternate Sunday mornings you would like to discuss when you can schedule your personal time, which you intend to use for meeting friends or enjoying some time on your own. Every other Sunday would be good plus maybe occasional days when he takes leave. You don't need to have complete parity, as that would be petty, but have realised that he is right.Both of you need time for yourselves, so you have something other than family and work so you don't burn out. If you have an interest you have let lapse this is a perfect opportunity to take it up again. I'm sure he'll be very happy with this agreement.

OnemoresliceofChristmascake · 30/12/2022 18:18

When I was 38 weeks pregnant, I was up every morning for a 10 mile run with DD strapped to my back and DS to my chest. I ensured I had no anaesthesia for my C-Section, so I could carry on with the routine and make sure we were home in time to put out DH's slippers and make him a full English.
Women these days. 🙄

Honestly, I do think there is something in the water on Mumsnet currently..

MsRosley · 30/12/2022 19:05

Honestly, I do think there is something in the water on Mumsnet currently.

This thread does seem to have attracted all the cool wives, for sure. And their entitled husbands.

Appleandoranges · 30/12/2022 19:39

I think this thread is crazy. the op is 38 weeks pregnant! Of course her husband should not do golf, if she is feeling really tired and under the weather. She's not asking him to never ever do golf and give up a life long hobby! Also the context is he has Monday off without any family obligations to do what he likes and has an hour every day to play at the driving range plus once every two weeks playing golf with his friends. It's weird how some posters are suggesting she's the over dramatic one, asking him to give up all his hobbies. When of course he's being a complete drama llama over one Sunday when his wife is 38 weeks pregnant. Maybe some women would feel fine 38 weeks pregnant looking after 4 year old. Others may feel exhausted and needing a break! Not sure what advice to give though! Other than put in contingency plans for support. And also def have expectations of him taking your children out for golf! It won't be too long before he can take your eldest to the driving range.

fuckinggolf · 30/12/2022 20:09

I work 9am-3pm 5 days a week, have DC on my own every Saturday and then we have Sundays as a family. I had to start maternity leave earlier than planned because I was exhausted being on my feet and felt like I was running myself into the ground. I had our first DC early and I'm supposed to be taking it easy, I didn't mind him going today because I haven't been solo parenting this week but no, I don't want to solo parent for his 5 working days and then half of Sunday too. I don't care how many of you are superwomen who powered through with 3 kids as a single parent, I'm not a single parent and don't need to struggle through so why should I? He threw his toys out the pan and decided not to go today, that's not on me.

I'm not sure why so many people are going on about how I'm trying to stop him going in general. I'm not, he goes every other Sunday and that's fine I've not tried to stop it in general I just don't want him to go next Sunday. He could go this Sunday but he's choosing not to because he'll be hungover. He can choose to not go next Sunday to support his pregnant wife. Which one of them is a more worthy cause?!

It's not a hobby I'm interested in and yes I'd like more time as a family and to not have to always try and fit plans around his alternate golf weekends but I think the people saying I'm "oozing with resentment" are making a bit of a reach considering I don't complain about every other Sunday and I don't complain about him stopping at the range for 40 minutes everyday on his way home. I just expect better from him at this stage of my pregnancy and I don't expect him to speak to me the way he did and try and lie and gaslight me into taking the blame.

OP posts:
fuckinggolf · 30/12/2022 20:12

He booked his annual leave wrong so he finished work for Christmas a week before I did and before DC finished school, he could of gone every bloody day. Now I'm making up the lost time childcare wise when I'm supposed to be starting maternity and finally relaxing - again I've taken this on the chin, genuine mistake and haven't been a dick about it. Only requested no golf for one day. I think that's pretty Damn fair

OP posts:
Maximinimalist · 30/12/2022 20:23

What do you want out of this OP? I can’t see this situation heading in a positive direction. Resent seems to be the path that both of you are on.

LorenzoVonMatterhorn · 30/12/2022 20:27

fuckinggolf · 30/12/2022 20:12

He booked his annual leave wrong so he finished work for Christmas a week before I did and before DC finished school, he could of gone every bloody day. Now I'm making up the lost time childcare wise when I'm supposed to be starting maternity and finally relaxing - again I've taken this on the chin, genuine mistake and haven't been a dick about it. Only requested no golf for one day. I think that's pretty Damn fair

how did he manage that? I mean, it is dates. If he knew the dates, how dis he accidentally book himself off for a week where he would have nothing to do but please himself, rather than a week where he would be parenting all day every day. Im shocked by this innocent mistake of his. Shocked.

saltofcelery · 30/12/2022 20:31

fuckinggolf · 30/12/2022 20:12

He booked his annual leave wrong so he finished work for Christmas a week before I did and before DC finished school, he could of gone every bloody day. Now I'm making up the lost time childcare wise when I'm supposed to be starting maternity and finally relaxing - again I've taken this on the chin, genuine mistake and haven't been a dick about it. Only requested no golf for one day. I think that's pretty Damn fair

Do you believe him? Is he that incompetent?

supersonicginandtonic · 30/12/2022 20:33

It's quite easy to book the wrong weeks off at Christmas, especially if you have kids at school. I have got two teenagers who have had completely different holidays.

EL0ISE · 30/12/2022 20:34

Most people would go back to their employer and ask to reschedule their annual leave . Im sure there would be others happy to take leave in the week before Christmas.

I find it hard to believe this was a mistake.

MsVestibule · 30/12/2022 20:35

I'm not sure I have much to add that hadn't been said already, but just wanted to lend my support. We had 2 under 2 and bloody golf was still a priority all through the baby and toddler years 🙄. We managed to come to a compromise of sorts but it was the only thing we get argued over.

I think (as you do) that every other weekend is fair, but going to the driving range every night after work is ludicrous. Please don't tell me he'll continue to do that when you're looking after a newborn all day by yourself, as well whatever you need to do for your 4yo???

If he starts his passive aggressive shit again, say, in an even tone 'if you've decided to stop playing golf every other Sunday, that's your choice, but as a general rule, I'm perfectly happy for you to do that'. Repeat ad nauseum.

LorenzoVonMatterhorn · 30/12/2022 20:36

supersonicginandtonic · 30/12/2022 20:33

It's quite easy to book the wrong weeks off at Christmas, especially if you have kids at school. I have got two teenagers who have had completely different holidays.

He has one child with one set of holiday dates. How is it easy to book the wrong week in that instance?

Justwingingit2005 · 30/12/2022 20:57

My husband plays golf. Always had.
We have 3 DCs, they are all teens now but we had one rule with golf. U can go whenever u want as long as u get an early tee time. He would play 6.30am in the summer so back by 11am, and in the winter 7.30am so back by 12.
I've never stopped him, never had arguments about it. We just had some ground rules.
Even now the kids are older those rules are arill stuck to.

Stunningscreamer · 30/12/2022 21:00

supersonicginandtonic · 30/12/2022 20:33

It's quite easy to book the wrong weeks off at Christmas, especially if you have kids at school. I have got two teenagers who have had completely different holidays.

Bullshit. He has one four year old child. It's not complicated.

Stunningscreamer · 30/12/2022 21:07

Justwingingit2005 · 30/12/2022 20:57

My husband plays golf. Always had.
We have 3 DCs, they are all teens now but we had one rule with golf. U can go whenever u want as long as u get an early tee time. He would play 6.30am in the summer so back by 11am, and in the winter 7.30am so back by 12.
I've never stopped him, never had arguments about it. We just had some ground rules.
Even now the kids are older those rules are arill stuck to.

Did your husband work every Saturday? Did he book the wrong week's holiday leaving you heavily pregnant and left with all the childcare? Did he go to the driving range for an hour every evening? Did he have a day to himself every week with no childcare responsibilities? Would he have become angry and spiteful if you'd asked him to not play as a one off when you're heavily pregnant having done the childcare all week? If not then your situation does not pertain to the OP's and is irrelevant.

PinkPanther50 · 30/12/2022 21:34

MsRosley · 30/12/2022 11:20

How about she leaves the toddler with him?

Because he would then have more reason to moan at her that he couldn’t play golf

Soothsayer1 · 30/12/2022 21:36

genuine mistake
I dont think so....that werent no accident, he knows exactly what he's doing & what he can get away with

Justwingingit2005 · 30/12/2022 22:02

Stunningscreamer · 30/12/2022 21:07

Did your husband work every Saturday? Did he book the wrong week's holiday leaving you heavily pregnant and left with all the childcare? Did he go to the driving range for an hour every evening? Did he have a day to himself every week with no childcare responsibilities? Would he have become angry and spiteful if you'd asked him to not play as a one off when you're heavily pregnant having done the childcare all week? If not then your situation does not pertain to the OP's and is irrelevant.

He worked shifts which included weekends but days off in the week so he was expected to pull his weight on his break days.

I juggled kids, my mum was dying of cancer so needed care and I working, but I also understood a marriage is give and take. I had a hobby and so did he. Mine could be done in the house, his couldn't.

Justwingingit2005 · 30/12/2022 22:05

Couldn't your husband take your DC golfing or to the driving range? My DH started taking ours aged 4 upwards.

piedbeauty · 30/12/2022 22:20

He booked his annual leave wrong so he finished work for Christmas a week before I did and before DC finished school

Unless he is an actual idiot, that was no mistake.

What a bell-end!! Didn't he try to rearrange his leave when he found out his mistake??

He needs a real 'come to Jesus' talk. Alternatively, you could just leave him.

hotdiggetydog · 30/12/2022 23:42

Your husband's mental health is as important as your physical health

hotdiggetydog · 30/12/2022 23:46

Give the man his one day a fortnight off ffs 😂😂😂😂😂😂

Yankw · 30/12/2022 23:50

It does sound like you don’t like him playing golf to be honest and would prefer him not to.

He is acting like a spoilt child now though. Just ignore his hissy fit.

Nanny0gg · 30/12/2022 23:53

fuckinggolf · 30/12/2022 20:12

He booked his annual leave wrong so he finished work for Christmas a week before I did and before DC finished school, he could of gone every bloody day. Now I'm making up the lost time childcare wise when I'm supposed to be starting maternity and finally relaxing - again I've taken this on the chin, genuine mistake and haven't been a dick about it. Only requested no golf for one day. I think that's pretty Damn fair

Still curious. What does he do on Mondays?

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