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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Am I being an arse or is my husband?!

98 replies

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:27

So me and my husband have decided to separate - no children.

I know he is probably hurting and lashing out but he wanted to go NC during Christmas which I understood. But on Christmas day, I thought I would send him a "Merry Christmas". No reply. I done the same thing on New Year. No reply. He always said he had alot of respect for me and wants this to amicable and for us to be friends. Okay, I didnt expect us to be besties but he is just being nasty. I am suprised after 15 years together.

He said he was taking Christmas to think about us and after much self-reflection... he has told friends this, he is happy to be out of a toxic and unhealthy relationship. He has told other friends who have told me, that "I've moved on" and he "doesnt give a shit" all because he saw me with a male colleague (who is gay by the way!!!) having a coffee in costa!!

I have heard from a source (who matched with him) that he is on tinder too - with our wedding as his profile picture! Splitting up is the right thing to do but I feel like I have been respectful. If people have asked, I have said we both werent happy. Yes, it was a little unhealthy at times but no one needs the details. It certainly wasnt toxic and I am hurt he is telling people this. I also think using our wedding picture as his profile is hurtful too.

He has now instructed me to move out asap as he wont live at his mum and dads forever. I've told him I cant buy until we sell. He has told me he will look at buying me out but wants me out. He said I am to base all of my mortgage promises on worst case senario - this being the lowest amount I'll get - but when I have been doing this all my mortgage promises are extremly low. The house has appreciated significantly over the years so it is estimated I will get alot more than he is estimating.

He said he wants to move on and cant date others until he has his own place as they cant exactly go back to his mum and dads. So I asked if he was actively dating, and he is ignoring me now. We only offically seperated weeks ago. I understand the need to sell up and for us to move on but to put this as a reason is hurtful.

I know I am being extremly petty and I need someone to talk me down. But...

My friend sent me a picture of him on tinder - would I be unreasonable (I bloody know I am!!!) to give this to the solicitor and say I would like to go down the adultery route.. I can play nasty too, although I dont want to, I am just hurting as he is being cold and treating me horribly.

I dont care he is moving on but he is treating me like I am a stranger when it was his actions that led to all of this. Saying things like "I didnt miss you once over Christmas, just our cat, which is very telling, you are shit company and a disgraceful person". He keeps reminding me what we agreed to before Christmas - "remember, you get the cat, and you cant claim my pension, savings or house deposit". I originally said fine but this list keeps getitng longer and I dont know if I am shooting myself in the foot. However, I have been the one to look after our cat during his move to his mum and dads so what chance would he have to contest ownership. Someone please help talk me down and tell me I am being stupid??

OP posts:
skippy67 · 11/01/2023 16:31

Why did you message him over Christmas when you knew he wanted to go NC? So much for being "respectful"

KangarooKenny · 11/01/2023 16:32

It’s none of your business what he is up to now, you as a couple is over.

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:34

skippy67 · 11/01/2023 16:31

Why did you message him over Christmas when you knew he wanted to go NC? So much for being "respectful"

Awk I dont know, I was texting lots of people saying that and it just seemed like a nice thing to do. No conversation required, it was just a message wishing him a nice day.

OP posts:
Keyansier · 11/01/2023 16:35

Didn't read all of it because it was long, but from what I did read of it: WTF!? Why are you expecting your husband to text you back jolly messages saying "Happy Christmas" and "Happy New Year" when you have just divorced him?

Bronnau · 11/01/2023 16:36

He sounds like a prick, but don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. To state adultery would be unfair- you're not together- and it won't make a blind bit of difference to the financial settlement you reach.
Keep your dignity. I know it's hard when they're being bellends, but channel Michelle Obama OP- "When they go low, we go high."

Whatthediddlyfeck · 11/01/2023 16:36

You’ve really put yourself in the wrong with the messages-he asked for NC and you ignored him

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:37

I jsut thought if I put down adultery then we can just divorce instead of being seperated for 1 year (In Scotland). But I know I am being unreasonable

OP posts:
SmileWithADimple · 11/01/2023 16:39

He sounds like he's being a bit of a dick. Try to rise above it OP and stop letting his behaviour get to you. There's no point "going down the adultery route" these days - much quicker and easier to get a no fault divorce.

LaLuz7 · 11/01/2023 16:40

You are both being arses. Grow up.

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:40

Thanks everyone, I know I am not being very nice. He said before the NC that we would speak about everything and he wants us to be in touch about all of this as he respects me and to keep solicitor bills down etc. Just feels like a different person

OP posts:
Yellowflowerr · 11/01/2023 16:40

Erm didn’t you literally post this yesterday???? Why the delete and repost?

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:41

I have deleted / reposted anything!

OP posts:
FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:41

Havent!!

OP posts:
AreOttersJustWetCats · 11/01/2023 16:41

I don't understand why you were sending him cheery messages when he was clear he didnt want any contact. You disrespected his boundaries right there.

What were you expecting from him, when you're divorcing him?

You would be massively unreasonable to accuse him of adultery on the basis that he's on tinder after you've separated. What he does now is none of your business.

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:42

I know that but we havent legally seperated, so technically it is adultery, is it not?!

I wont go down that route, I've posted this in a moment of rage

OP posts:
Yellowflowerr · 11/01/2023 16:44

This reads exactly the same as a previous post about tinder profile pic being their wedding photo, then having separate over Christmas and gone non contact etc etc and all the stuff about toxic relationships and unhealthy etc etc. however I think you’re being a bit childish with the ‘petty’ stuff and trying to make things worse for both him and yourself. Just let it go OP and move on

AreOttersJustWetCats · 11/01/2023 16:44

Tbh, given that he actually said he wanted no contact over Christmas, but you cheerily ignored him, and then accuse him of being "nasty" for not responding, I would have a long hard think about your behaviour.

You weren't being nice, or friendly. You were trampling roughshod over his wishes. And then accusing him of being "nasty" when he didn't play nice with you in response.

LaLuz7 · 11/01/2023 16:45

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:42

I know that but we havent legally seperated, so technically it is adultery, is it not?!

I wont go down that route, I've posted this in a moment of rage

Are you going to play this on technicalities? The sheer fact that it occurred to you that you could screw him over using the adultery card is so incredibly mean and petty. It doesn't paint you a very good picture of you...

The relationship is over. You agreed to that. He's free to go on tinder bumble grinder whatever. Not your problem anymore. And you're free to do the same.

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:45

I know :(
I just thought we would be friendly and chat during this process - his words, not mine. Although, its the right thing for this relationship to end, its sad its ending this way.

OP posts:
Snippedasababy · 11/01/2023 16:46

He is a different person. He is now your soon to be ex.

He is looking out for himself. As should you.

Why are all your friends running to you and gossiping?

The whole ‘I’ll divorce him for adultery’ means nothing. You don’t get anything extra. You don’t know if he has slept with anyone, you wouldn’t need the other woman to support it (a photo off tinder means nothing) and you don’t even need to go down that route.

My ex threatened to divorce me for adultery, as though I would be shamed into complying with him to avoid it. I told him to crack on.

You contacted him when you agreed you wouldn’t and now your kind is running away with reasons to punish him for not acting how you want him too. Sounds like you are being wound up by your friends telling you all about him.

i would be posed off having to live to my parents too. If he posted most people would advise him to move back in.

Get the divorce started asap.

cigarettesNalcohol · 11/01/2023 16:46

You know it's not adultery so this is a mean thing to do. Two wrongs don't make a right. You'll be wasting everyone's time and will make a fool of yourself. It won't stack up. I'm sorry to say this but it sounds like you are treating him badly... or just as bad as he is. Maybe worse. Get a good solicitor to fight for your half of the house and the fair share you are owned. And move on. Don't act pathetically.

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:46

Adultery wont affect any financial settlement, I just thought we could just divorce immediately instead of being seperated for 1 year first.

OP posts:
Shelley1109 · 11/01/2023 16:46

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:27

So me and my husband have decided to separate - no children.

I know he is probably hurting and lashing out but he wanted to go NC during Christmas which I understood. But on Christmas day, I thought I would send him a "Merry Christmas". No reply. I done the same thing on New Year. No reply. He always said he had alot of respect for me and wants this to amicable and for us to be friends. Okay, I didnt expect us to be besties but he is just being nasty. I am suprised after 15 years together.

He said he was taking Christmas to think about us and after much self-reflection... he has told friends this, he is happy to be out of a toxic and unhealthy relationship. He has told other friends who have told me, that "I've moved on" and he "doesnt give a shit" all because he saw me with a male colleague (who is gay by the way!!!) having a coffee in costa!!

I have heard from a source (who matched with him) that he is on tinder too - with our wedding as his profile picture! Splitting up is the right thing to do but I feel like I have been respectful. If people have asked, I have said we both werent happy. Yes, it was a little unhealthy at times but no one needs the details. It certainly wasnt toxic and I am hurt he is telling people this. I also think using our wedding picture as his profile is hurtful too.

He has now instructed me to move out asap as he wont live at his mum and dads forever. I've told him I cant buy until we sell. He has told me he will look at buying me out but wants me out. He said I am to base all of my mortgage promises on worst case senario - this being the lowest amount I'll get - but when I have been doing this all my mortgage promises are extremly low. The house has appreciated significantly over the years so it is estimated I will get alot more than he is estimating.

He said he wants to move on and cant date others until he has his own place as they cant exactly go back to his mum and dads. So I asked if he was actively dating, and he is ignoring me now. We only offically seperated weeks ago. I understand the need to sell up and for us to move on but to put this as a reason is hurtful.

I know I am being extremly petty and I need someone to talk me down. But...

My friend sent me a picture of him on tinder - would I be unreasonable (I bloody know I am!!!) to give this to the solicitor and say I would like to go down the adultery route.. I can play nasty too, although I dont want to, I am just hurting as he is being cold and treating me horribly.

I dont care he is moving on but he is treating me like I am a stranger when it was his actions that led to all of this. Saying things like "I didnt miss you once over Christmas, just our cat, which is very telling, you are shit company and a disgraceful person". He keeps reminding me what we agreed to before Christmas - "remember, you get the cat, and you cant claim my pension, savings or house deposit". I originally said fine but this list keeps getitng longer and I dont know if I am shooting myself in the foot. However, I have been the one to look after our cat during his move to his mum and dads so what chance would he have to contest ownership. Someone please help talk me down and tell me I am being stupid??

Some of these responses are brutal. From reading your message it is clear you're hurting too.

My impartial advice would be to remain no contact and whilst you are realistically going to be aware of these other goings on, maybe ask friends etc to not tell you because it's not helping.

I wouldn't go down the adultery route and whilst you may want to call him out for how hurtful and disrespectful he's being, the reality is that it won't help anything other than fostering an unhealthy dispute which isn't worthwhile when you have a bit of a process to go through to separate financiers/divorce etc.

I would get the divorce ball rolling as soon as possible and have the finances dealt with as part of that. Don't make any agreements privately about who gets what and just leave it to the pros. I also wouldn't leave the house if you don't want to / cannot reasonably do so / until he buys you out. Neither of you have more rights than the other to be there, both of you own it and therefore I would stay out of you can. Obviously if he decides to move back in and you'd rather not be there with him you can reconsider.

Sorry you're going through a painful period - this too shall pass.

Ignorance of him and being the bigger person is definitely better for your mental health and will arguably annoy him moreso than him getting a reaction from you.

Sending best wishes.

cigarettesNalcohol · 11/01/2023 16:47

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:46

Adultery wont affect any financial settlement, I just thought we could just divorce immediately instead of being seperated for 1 year first.

But it's not just about divorcing quicker is it ? You'd be accusing him of cheating which isn't true and that can be soul destroying. It's not playing fair.

Snippedasababy · 11/01/2023 16:48

FrustratedWoman · 11/01/2023 16:46

Adultery wont affect any financial settlement, I just thought we could just divorce immediately instead of being seperated for 1 year first.

So there’s no other reason you could putz

On Scotland it’s wait a year or adultery? That’s it? No other option?

You thought about divorcing him for adultery to try and punish him and try to get him to behave how you wanted?