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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Driving partner around

4 replies

Meltdownmum101 · 11/08/2023 13:52

I’ve been with my partner about 18 months. I knew he didn’t drive when we got together which I didn’t feel would be an issue (it is unfortunately) especially as he’s always said he will learn to drive and has wanted to just never got on with it. He already had a provisional licence. He passed his theory test a few months ago.

It started me going to him at his or meeting in town and he would get the train/bus. Then after a few months me picking him up to bring him to mine and he met my children. He eventually started staying overnight and I would pick him up then drop him home. I know I know I’ve made a rod for my own back.

I stopped picking him up as I was sick of carting my kids to his in rush hour and back when they should be having their tea so he started getting the bus to mine and I get him from the bus stop. I then take him home the next night or after a couple of nights depending on his work schedule.

I’ve increased my work hours and days and want to stop taking him home Sunday night as I always find it stressful when I need to be sorting the house, washing all done, checking kids have everything for school, sorting my stuff for work, shower etc and just relax! We need to have this conversation but I’m putting it off as I’m the worst if I feel it will be awkward or a confrontation due to past DV.

But should I be taking him home if he’s got the bus to mine? Is that more than fair?

For context I’m a single parent, kids don’t see their dad since he walked out! I’ve no support or help. One has complex SN & is disabled. I rely on my eldest DD being in to babysit so I can take him home. I’m very rural, no buses where I live so I would still have to take him to a bus stop but that’s only 10 mins away vs a 45 min drive just 1 way to his house. He comes to mine due to my kids so I don’t really go to his. He’s been saying for 18 months he’s going to drive and still isn’t! Annoys me he gets to go home and only has himself to sort and I’m losing 90 mins of my evening when I’ve got myself and 3 kids. Then I come back and I’m rushing to get everything sorted for the work/school week ahead.

He’s great mostly when here btw any odd jobs, cooking, helping with kids although he does sometimes need a push in this direction! He only comes every other week max due to him having his kids the other. I don’t often see his kids (something I would like to change but he has to be the one driving) as it has to be me going to them all the time and having a child with SN & disabilities who can’t do what they like to do, like play at the park, it’s not much fun! It makes it more work for me.

He’s never paid petrol or offered even if I have to fuel up on the way to his. Never contributes to any food etc while at mine. But he’s only here maybe 4 nights a month max. Sometimes maybe a day or two more if he has holidays or bank holiday and he’s not got his kids.

OP posts:
thesnailandthewhale · 11/08/2023 14:00

I had one like this once and it wasn't until we split that I realised one much of a mug I was. He always said he'd learn to drive but never did - was useless with his money and liked a drink too much.

You need to say it isn't working for you but that you will carry in for a couple of months while he has his lessons, then he can drive himself, otherwise he needs to make his own arrangements x

Meltdownmum101 · 11/08/2023 14:11

I think that’s part of the problem he stopped his lessons when we went away last year and hasn’t started them again…

In all other respects we get on great. He’s very kind and calm something I really appreciate in him after past DV. Doesn’t really drink. Good with his money. Great with his kids and never lets them down etc. Good relationship with his ex. Really good qualities, except the non driving for me. But mainly because I’m so rural and zero transport links which I know are not his fault.

The compromise is good though of this is taking its toll a bit so happy to do it for xxx months then it needs to change.

OP posts:
nevynevster · 11/08/2023 14:15

Even if he learns to drive, would he get a car ?
He sounds like a lovely chap otherwise and 4 days a month isn't overly many but I think only you can decide whether the effort is worth it based on how much you love him and think this has a future. I'd say if you don't then it's not worth the effort

Meltdownmum101 · 11/08/2023 14:35

He pays the finance for his ex’s car. She wants something smaller & cheaper to run so plan is he will take over that car when he passes and she’ll get something else. There’s plans in place but they don’t seem to be getting fulfilled……

We both want to see each other a lot more but it would be me going to his mid week which I used to but it’s harder for me having the energy being a single parent & parent carer with no respite, needing childcare, making sure DD at home etc plus my costs for fuel. I’ve got a big Motability car to accommodate my SN child and all their equipment so my fuel costs are quite big. I also go to his if we spend the day together with his kids. It definitely means it’s more pressure on me.

We talk everyday. And discussed moving in together in the future but I’ve said not unless he drives. I feel this is our major sticking point now and stopping us moving on in our relationship.

OP posts:
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