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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Don't want to do nude selfies for my DH

351 replies

Ralphiesaurus · 06/04/2023 08:58

So... long history of this. I won't bore you all but my DH has always had a thing about sexting and nude pics etc (to be clear - with me!). I hate it. There is a bit of an odd dynamic in our relationship, with him having had to give up work years ago because of a disability and at one point me really resenting a massive commute (no chance of us moving nearer to my work, oh no...) and also being furious that he would pester and pester and pester me for sexts on my train journeys.

Anyway, lots of other stuff - coercive stuff around sex, really unhealthy - and back in 2016 I actually ended up exploring getting a divorce. Selfishly, though, when my solicitor told me I'd be unlikely to get a clean break, and would have to pay him maintenance for life, I backed out and decided to try to fix things as best I could. At the time I was drinking quite a bit (but never missed work or anything) and he threatened to use my "alcoholism" against me in the divorce to make sure I wouldn't get custody of "his" (our) children.

So now he does what chores he can manage (he used to do nothing) and we rub along ok. And I gave up alcohol completely almost four years ago, so there's that.

Anyway, I am on a short break away with my eldest DD (for uni) and my DH kept on and on and ON at me for a nude pic. I almost did it this morning and then something in me rebelled and I said "no". He is now furious!!

I know everyone will likely say "LTB" - esp as my children are now much older - 14 and almost 18 - but the lawyer I saw that time made it sound so clear that I would have to support him - forever - as he can't work. And I can't stomach that.

FFS how did I get into such a dreadful mess? I was a totally committed feminist in my younger days and yet this has crept up on me.

And the worst of it? I feel bad for standing up for myself!!! 😮WTF is that all about?! AIBU to expect him to understand that I hate taking pics of myself (full stop - but especially) naked?

OP posts:
Coulditreallybe · 16/04/2023 19:35

So hope youre ok @Ralphiesaurus

Ralphiesaurus · 19/04/2023 18:17

I'm ok, thanks, @Coulditreallybe - just trying to get through the days and at times finding it really hard not to just lose it at him. I am so sad and so angry. Why have I let myself be treated like this all these years? Sent an enquiry to a counsellor but she hasn't replied yet (over a week) so I probably need to find some other alternatives. Just raging at times at his sense of bloody entitlement, while I have done all the practical stuff, for years...

OP posts:
mainsfed · 19/04/2023 18:20

Please get rid of this waste of space. Get a lawyer!

Coulditreallybe · 19/04/2023 18:41

Use that anger to get yourself and your girls (after her a level exams?) to a better place! Xx

Ralphiesaurus · 19/04/2023 19:57

Yep am def chanelling this, don't worry! Just saw someone was asking how I am so I replied...

OP posts:
CaveatmTOR · 19/04/2023 22:03

OldFan · 12/04/2023 02:02

DH takes medication that can cause excessive sexualisation and/or reckless behaviour

@Davros I wonder how much he's using that as an excuse to do what he wants to do to you. Then he can just blame the meds.

Either way he should be on different meds if they're making him a pest. There are usually several medications doctors can try for a condition.

Agree with this. NHS docs start you on the cheap stuff and only change if there's an issue.

Of course there are some men that just come up with bullshit excuses for their piss poor behaviour too.

Coulditreallybe · 19/04/2023 22:41

No I know lovely that was me 🤣 xx

Ralphiesaurus · 07/07/2026 17:42

Just resurrecting this briefly to say I filed for divorce in March and am almost through the first 20 week period. I did it!!!!!!!!

Also have to give credit to a better lawyer than the one who gave me terrible advice years ago (did my research and she is excellent), IDVA, and counsellor. Also have done The Freedom Programme. I feel like I am getting my life back!

OP posts:
Takeoutyourhen · 07/07/2026 18:00

Brilliant news! So glad you got a better lawyer. Onwards and upwards!

Jagoda · 07/07/2026 18:03

Congratulations!!!

Wtafdidido · 07/07/2026 18:14

Well done. I hope you now find peace and contentment and a bright new future. How did he react to the news?

GabriellaMontez · 07/07/2026 18:19

Hurrah!

bobbythejobby · 07/07/2026 18:39

I don’t think I commented on your thread the first time around but can remember reading it and I’ve just reread it now. Really pleased for you. Wishing you and your girls all the best. Onwards and upwards!

Comtesse · 07/07/2026 19:00

What an update, love it, bloody well done OP Flowers

Sohungrynow · 07/07/2026 19:16

Brilliant. Well done

Bimblebombles · 07/07/2026 19:36

I am so proud of you

Ralphiesaurus · 07/07/2026 19:38

Wtafdidido · 07/07/2026 18:14

Well done. I hope you now find peace and contentment and a bright new future. How did he react to the news?

At first he was neutral... I told him face to face so he didnt get an email out of the blue from the divorce service, and I think he maybe didn't believe I was serious until he got the official email. He then went through every possible reaction... fury, being vindictive, trying to be nostalgic and romantic (?!), saying he would try harder not to pester me (!!!) All reinforcing why I am doing this...

OP posts:
Coulditreallybe · 07/07/2026 21:22

I’M SO FUCKING PROUD OF YOU!! 😭😭

nutbrownhare15 · 07/07/2026 21:39

Congratulations and I am so excited for the amazing life you are now going to have.

Crazykatie · 08/07/2026 06:28

The law is even handed if the OP to working and husband cant work he is entitled to support in the same way a wife would while she has children at home she can claim provision for them until they are 18.. The value of the house if any and any savings or pension will have to be shared that will normally be part of the lump sum settlement.
A UK court will aim for a clean break and if he is difficult will impose that on him, the court cant allocate fault but stuff like demanding porn photos of you will go badly for him, so record that.

ItsNotMeEither · 08/07/2026 07:39

OMG @Ralphiesaurus! I'm so bloody happy for you.

I was reading the thread, saw it was April, but didn't twig on the year until I got to the post about filing for divorce in March.

It may have taken a while, but you're well on your way to reclaiming your life. I'm sure that this will give hope to other women going through similar things.

Are you still having to live together until it's all sorted? I hope the process isn't too long. Were you also able to get back to progressing your career? I hope you can do that soon and give your pension a boost once you're free of him.

LittleRedFoxy · 08/07/2026 08:32

Just found this post now and wanted to say how pleased I am for you! You'll get your life back piece by piece, once you're rid of the joy thief. Congratulations!

Ralphiesaurus · 31/07/2026 09:09

Tomorrow I am applying for the Conditional Order. I am away on holiday (UK) with our daughters and wonder whether he has kept track of the dates or will be surprised (angry?) to receive the official email? Well he had years to treat me better, didn’t he? And he chose not to.

He has dragged his heels over the financial mediation but I am pushing things forward where I have the ability to do so. Have got a second mediation meeting in the calendar finally. I expect he will continue to obfuscate and delay… but I know I can take him to court (would prefer to avoid… expense etc) if he continues to be obstructive, Form E etc… and official deadlines.

Anyway… tomorrow feels like a big day!

OP posts:
bobbythejobby · 01/08/2026 08:35

Hope everything went well yesterday, OP. It must feel so liberating to know you're not going to have to put up with his creepy pervy requests any longer. When I reread your thread for a second time I still couldn't believe the nerve of him - especially wanting you to sext him while you were on the train to work. But that's all in the past now - onwards and upwards!

jay55 · 13/08/2026 08:50

My goodness. Hope all went well and proper freedom is in sight.

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