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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Furious with husband. AIBU?

276 replies

TS45 · 24/08/2023 15:56

I’m so upset.
My husband and I have been TTC for 16 months with no success. After a very late period, I felt so hopeful, but it turned out to just be another negative test. My husband’s brother, who’s 2 years younger, is expecting a baby with his girlfriend, which they have been very open about in how easy they were to convince. I’m absolutely thrilled for them but I can’t help but feel heartbroken that it isn’t me, and it feels so unfair to hear all about an accidental pregnancy when I’m doing everything I can to get pregnant. So many close friends are also pregnant, and last night was a particularly heavy night of hearing, ‘we weren’t even trying, I’m so shocked’, from so many different people. Once home, I broke down. My husband asked what was wrong (he was out with me), and after I explained, he put his arm around me for about 2 minutes then got up and went on his Xbox. I was still crying and asked him if we could do something together, and he responded by saying he wants to play Xbox by himself. I reacted by getting up and telling him I’m going to bed then, and then he got annoyed and said I was ruining his evening by making him feel like he can’t play on his Xbox. I told him he can play on his Xbox, but that I thought he would have wanted to do something together. He said that I shouldn’t use my heartache to guilt him into getting my own way. He then put his Xbox back on and I went upstairs to bed. I sobbed because I just felt like he didn’t care about me and I felt sad because of the complete lack of comfort. He could hear me crying but didn’t come up to bed until 2am (he started his game at 9.30pm).
when he finally came to bed, he asked me why I was upset, so I had to re-explain how down I feel about not being able to get pregnant. I told him I feel so alone when most women in my life are currently pregnant, and I feel like my life is on standstill. He then asked why I’m so upset with him because ‘it’s not my (his) fault you can’t get pregnant’. I explained I’m upset with him because he didn’t comfort me, and chose to sit there and play Xbox knowing his wife was in tears. He said he did comfort me because he put his arm around me. That was for 2 minutes and he stopped doing it to play even though I was still crying. He said he wanted to play Xbox and it’s selfish of me to expect him to not do what he wants to do.
This morning, he got up early to take our puppy out for the toilet. He then got ready and went out with his friends for a few hours. During this time, I watched our puppy, took our older dog out for an hour long walk, then took our puppy out for a 20 minute walk (our older dog pulls so much it’s impossible to walk them together by yourself). I then did work in our garden, cleaned the downstairs of our house, and made us both lunch. He came home and had his lunch then proceeded to lie on the floor with the dogs whilst all the plates, pans, and bowls were in the sink. I asked if he could help me with the dishes which he did. He then followed up by telling me to put all the dishes away because he’s washed them and it’s not fair if he washes and dries. I then pointed out all of the things I’d done whilst he was out and he said, ‘well I got up early with the puppy and you didn’t’. I normally get up early with the puppy. He also said I should have done the dishes because I made the lunch and therefore used the dishes and he didn’t. I’m now sat upstairs really upset whilst he’s sat downstairs. I just feel like he’s been so selfish yesterday and today. But I’m still really sensitive from last night. He also hasn’t asked me once how I am today.

am I being unreasonable or has he been quite selfish?

OP posts:
BusterGonad · 25/08/2023 04:26

WorkingOnMyMindset · 24/08/2023 16:49

Is it possible though that going on the X-Box is self-soothing behaviour for your DP, one of those things you do to part process, part numb yourself?

A very sensible suggestion. All those going on about the Xbox, sat on their phones/laptop fucking about on mumsnet, no doubt with Candy Crush or some other such game downloaded on their phones.

molotovcupcakes · 25/08/2023 04:30

Yes obviously he was unreasonable and selfish of him to withdraw on to his Xbox but is this in the context of previous conversations about the time it’s taking to conceive- is he avoiding a row because it only goes one way and falls in to a frequent pattern or is this unusual for you to need him to offer you support and compassion?
Sometimes people avoid conflict or emotional situations because they don’t want it to spiral and end end up in a row but if it’s as you present it and he didn’t care that you needed to talk and just prioritiesed playing his game he does sound selfish of him.

DepartureLounge · 25/08/2023 12:06

colachive · 24/08/2023 22:21

I’m sorry OP. I hope you can talk about how you’re feeling with someone else? He sounds autistic. But I definitely would be re-examining if you want children with someone so unempathetic

He doesn't sound autistic. He sounds immature and unpleasant. They're not the same thing at all.

cinnamonfrenchtoast · 25/08/2023 12:58

colachive · 24/08/2023 22:21

I’m sorry OP. I hope you can talk about how you’re feeling with someone else? He sounds autistic. But I definitely would be re-examining if you want children with someone so unempathetic

Absolutely nothing OP has said makes him "sound autistic" Hmm

You do realise that people with autism don't automatically lack empathy, right? Or are you trying to be offensive?

amusedbush · 25/08/2023 13:44

colachive · 24/08/2023 22:21

I’m sorry OP. I hope you can talk about how you’re feeling with someone else? He sounds autistic. But I definitely would be re-examining if you want children with someone so unempathetic

How offensive.

He doesn't "sound autistic", he sounds like an arsehole.

gamerchick · 25/08/2023 14:17

TS45 · 24/08/2023 17:16

He knew I was crying upstairs because he shouted up ‘what now?’ and I didn’t reply. I didn’t put on a performance. telling someone struggling with infertility that their heartache is manipulation and a guilt tactic shows a total lack of understanding to how hard it is

What does he mean by what now? Do you get emotional a lot?

It's obvious for whatever reason he's not able to meet any or regular emotional needs you might have. He may not be in it for the long haul.

Middleagedspreadisreal · 25/08/2023 18:32

Get.Rid.Of.Him.

celia5678 · 25/08/2023 19:00

I think that perhaps he isn’t coping either but can’t share or “make it better “ so is hiding away
he might need some time which doesn’t help you when you need support. But might help that he is just as upset

Glitterybee · 25/08/2023 19:03

You sound like hard work

He sounds immature

sorry but this is not the environment to bring a baby into

Bignanny30 · 25/08/2023 19:31

I feel for you. You obviously would love to be a mum but he is not the man that you need to father your child. He’s a selfish twat.

pineapplecrushed · 25/08/2023 19:41

you both seem to have issues?

pineapplecrushed · 25/08/2023 19:42

but some do? Honestly people get so precious about things.

Mari9999 · 25/08/2023 19:51

@TS45

A "what now response?" sounds very much like he is accustomed to having to respond to loud sobbing and crying. Those may be you go to responses when you are upset or sad. He probably knows from experience that no amount of comforting from him is going to change your response patterns.

You are not crying because you lack comfort or support. You are crying because of your inability to conceive. That is not a problem that comfort and support can fix or change.

Have you thought of seeking counseling as you go through this process? That might help you to develop some more helpful coping strategies.

LovelyIssues · 25/08/2023 21:01

He doesn't sound ready for children OP. He sounds extremely immature.

Missingpop · 25/08/2023 21:13

Sorry but your Dh sounds a completely self absorbed twat; your trying for a baby but he’s not taken it seriously because his hormones are all fine!! How does he know this golden thread of information he’s not been bothered to have a simple blood test!! But he’s willing to sit back & watch you be poked & prodded about; he’s not in touch with your emotional needs; playing on his Xbox is more important the comforting his distressed wife.
Im sorry lovely but if you were my daughter I’d be asking you some serious questions about this donkeys commitment to you & your future family; he just doesn’t seem to be on the same page as you & although you desperately want a family is it wise to start one with someone who is only half heartedly committed to finding why it’s not happening spontaneously. You have some thinking to do x

Ohthatoldchestnut · 25/08/2023 23:21

OP, who's idea was the puppy?

chubbychopsticks · 26/08/2023 03:12

Best thing to do in this situation is just stop thinking about getting pregnant. Take a holiday, have fun. This what we did and it just happened... tried for many years was the same as you. Including bellend DH (who is now ex-bellend DH).

From what you've said so far, it sounds like he isn't much bothered about your situation so be prepared to be the one who does EVERYTHING if you decide to stay with him.

If you do, invest in all the tech you can to make life easier. Makes world of difference...good luck it will happen!!!

Ilovegardens · 26/08/2023 16:29

Sorry I'm a bit late to this thread. I nearly cried reading it. Do not have kids with this man, you and your future children deserve so much more. He is devoid of emotional intelligence and as such you'll be committing yourself to a life of misery. Run now before it's too late!

T1Dmama · 26/08/2023 17:52

Trust me… things will only get worse if you do get pregnant/have children with this man!
How does he know it’s not his fault you’re not conceiving? Could easily be his sperm being pickled from drinking or smoking or whatever other bad habits he has!
Personally having been in this position when i did finally conceive after 3 years, I found out my now ex husband wasn’t cut out to be a dad… too selfish and always wanted to do what he wanted and never what was best for our child… even when I gave birth he didn’t visit when all the other dads did, only popping in for a couple of hours in the afternoons. I felt pretty lonely some days!… As DD got older I always found myself the negotiator trying to please both child and father and never fully succeeding in keeping either happy and being totally miserable myself!
If DD or me was ever ill, he never changed his plans to help out… if he had planned a night out nothing stopped that happening…. But if I was going out he’d moan about having to stay with DD!

selfish men get worse when children come along… think you should get out now!

csigeek · 26/08/2023 19:56

Is he often like this? The lack of empathy aside, is usually pretty selfish? Wants to do what he wants to do and thinks it’s unfair of you to want him to do something else, because your wants and needs don’t matter as much as yours? Not doing his fair share because “you cooked and made the mess”?
I think it’s a blessing in disguise that you’ve not had a child with this man. Get your tests done and see the lay of the land, but I wouldn’t be starting a family with him. I’d be running a mile instead.
You’re worth far more than this.

WuTangGran · 26/08/2023 19:58

He’s a cunt.

Bubbles90 · 26/08/2023 22:39

Do NOT have a child with this man, your life will only get harder. Hes too selfish and self centred. If you have a child with him you will be doing all the work.

MeinKraft · 26/08/2023 23:40

Ohthatoldchestnut · 25/08/2023 23:21

OP, who's idea was the puppy?

But does this really matter? Because so many men when the baby comes along pull the 'you wanted a baby so I'm not changing it's nappy' which is shitty behavior. They appear to have agreed on shared responsibility of the dog so they both need to care for the dog 50/50. Hence it doesn't matter whose idea it was. It's here now and it needs to be looked after.

DaNcInGtEqUiLaCaT · 29/08/2023 00:13

That would be the last meal I ever made.
Telling you that you dirtied the dishes, omg.
Pot fucking noodles from now on and a quick rinsed fork under the tap.
I doubt this person will help with night feeds and nappy changes if he can't wipe round a couple of plates with a dish cloth.
The whole tit for tat is nonsense. I find not actually answering works every time.

Rubiconmango · 05/09/2023 02:19

Are women still making babies with men who say these things? I'd send such an inept human being back to his failed parents. Smh.