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Constantly changing his mind about marriage and I'm so miserable

551 replies

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 05/12/2023 17:18

I feel pathetic and weak. We've been together for several years, I earn £32k, his earnings vary, but he's on a full-time wage. He feels insecure about not having a 'career' which I understand, and I'm constantly trying to help him.
Anyway, he's changed his mind about committing to me around 6 times.
He told me he doesn't think he can provide a nice life for me. I told him I'm not interested in how much he makes, as long as he contributes that's more than enough, I am making my own money.
He told me he wants to give me a big wedding. I told him I'd get married in a pair of jeans and a t shirt tbh, and a nice meal afterwards, I want to marry for love and commitment, I have no interest in a big wedding or an expensive ring.
I could tell him all this until I'm blue in the face but it wouldn't make any difference.
I've packed my bags to leave but then he started saying he 100% wants to marry me. So I believed him. Then after this, he asked if he could have more time to 'think it over'.
He's done this several times now, said he wants it then changed his mind.
I'm 35 and have been very, very clear that I will not be waiting forever. He's younger at 30, but he's hardly some 19 year old.
He says our child would be in poverty if we had one..
Then he says stuff like friends x and y are engaged because they've got more money.
I didn't think commitment was only reserved to the very well off.
I'm miserable and feel trapped. Then he said something about me not being transparent about finances, it's not true but if that's what he thinks fair enough. He has more in savings than me, I've told him what I have.
When I tried to leave last time he was saying 'well it's clear you've made up your mind then' and the latest is that he 'doesnt like to plan ahead and can't imagine too far into the future '. What on earth do I believe.

OP posts:
dancingsands · 07/12/2023 13:32

You are begging him to marry you and have kids and he just doesn't want too!
Please walk away

Nicole1111 · 07/12/2023 13:35

One day you’ll reach a point in your life when you look back at this period of time and you are just so so so grateful that you were so courageous in not settling. When you feel wobbly just remind yourself of that. You’ve got this 💪🏻

IpsyUpsyDaisyDoos · 07/12/2023 13:35

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 12:44

I do see it now. Despite everything, it's still heartbreaking to come to the end of 4 years, and I hope I'll feel better in time. But I do have my viewing tonight and the deposit ready.

I hope its what you're looking for. Because he isn't.

Angrycat2768 · 07/12/2023 13:38

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 12:36

He's still trying to talk me round but I'm trying to remain firm. I said to him, we will be getting married/ttc in the next couple of years and he said 'maybe'. I explained yet again I can't wait forever. It's very sad but it is what it is.

Lol he's not trying very hard to talk you round is he? He can't even be bothered to lie to get you to stay- which means by ' maybe' he means no! Is this really the extent of him getting you to stay with him over the years? No wonder he's asked you to stay before. He barely has to do anything to get you to change your mind! The only thing that will ' destroy' him about you leaving is when he has to find the rent money by himself and do his own washing!

RampantIvy · 07/12/2023 13:51

He's still trying to talk me round but I'm trying to remain firm.

He isn't. I suspect he doesn't want you to leave because he won't have someone to cook, wash, cleanfor him (I'm assuming he leaves all the heavy work to you?) and be a companion in bed.

When you leave he will have to do all of those things by himself. Boohoo for him.

I said to him, we will be getting married/ttc in the next couple of years and he said 'maybe'. I explained yet again I can't wait forever.

HE DOESN'T WANT TO MARRY YOU
Why do you want to marry someone who doesn't want to marry you? Why?

And good luck with the viewing later.

Hatty65 · 07/12/2023 13:58

Honestly, "Maybe" isn't 'trying to talk you round'.

'Maybe' means 'No we won't. Fuck that. I'm not even listening to you, woman. I'll just make non committal noises at you because you're clingy'

Have some self worth! Trying to talk you round, my arse. He couldn't care less if you stay or go.

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 17:05

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now. I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

OP posts:
Sapphire387 · 07/12/2023 17:09

Guilt over what, OP? He's messing you around. This is literally his choice.

SwishSwashSwooshSwersh · 07/12/2023 17:13

Please don’t feel bad, you need to think about what you want out of life (married, kids, house) and put your wants and needs first. He wants different things out of life and that’s ok but not compatible with your dreams. There should be no guilt on your part. He should feel bad stringing you along however.

OhmygodDont · 07/12/2023 17:14

Because his worn you down and conditioned you to do what’s best for him. Not yourself.

Almahart · 07/12/2023 17:23

OP I have read all your posts but not the whole thread, but what jumps out at me is your absolute fear of this relationship ending. I really think you would benefit from some therapy to work out where this has come from. It is completely disproportionate to the situation, which on paper is so so clear - this man is never going to marry you, you have a decent man possibly waiting in the wings and you are 35 so time is ticking on. The decent work man may end up being a complete red herring but you sure as hell won't be in a worse situation that you are now, even if you take a chance on him and end up single. Believe me, there is NOTHING more soul destroying than being in an unhappy relationship. It colours every aspect of your life. For the love of god, get out and see what else is out there.

RampantIvy · 07/12/2023 17:32

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now.

Moving out will halp massively.

I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

Neither do I. You don't owe him anything. If he was scared of losing you because he loves you he would put a ring on your finger.

Marionberry · 07/12/2023 17:34

I’m way past the looking years I married and had children. But of all my friends quite a few were messed about. Please do not end up like them because while people can experience many things at all ages you get a fertile window as a woman.

Nicole1111 · 07/12/2023 17:50

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 17:05

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now. I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

Because you’ve revolved your relationship around his needs and wants and now you’re going against that in chasing what you want and it feels alien

RiderofRohan · 07/12/2023 17:51

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 17:05

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now. I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

It might help to know that a woman's fertility begins to rapidly decline after 35. So you're already there. Many men stay fertile well into old age.

He can muck about and leave you for a younger model in a few years when he eventually decides he's ready for marriage and kids.

You don't have that luxury.

Just picture yourself in 20 years time with no kids and the ship long sailed. No such thing as turning back time and choosing yourself this time. This might help you stop feeling guilty.

GreenIsMyFavoriteColour · 07/12/2023 17:58

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 17:05

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now. I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

He doesn't want to get married and have kids and he knows you do. He's under pressure so he will see you leaving as letting him off the hook. That may make you feel even worse, but at least you don't have to worry about him. He'll be listening to "Free fallin'" and punching the air. (So will you I expect!)

Badlylitdescent · 07/12/2023 18:01

The thing is op, you have your own life plan. And it’s a valid one. You don’t need his permission or validation to follow it (and if you do, ask yourself why?) And why were you dancing to his tune? Can you not lay your own path?

You are an attractive person with innate high value and his life plan does not correspond with yours. There is no need for guilt. It’s not appropriate here.

Every mature adult knows that love alone is not enough sometimes, trite though that sounds, it’s true! And love is a verb. Not a vague unfulfilled promise that comes to nothing and keeps you in an unhappy place.

He wants something different to you. And you want something different to him. You could say (although I think he is a dishonourable whazzock) that neither of you is wrong. You have had a valid relationship. But he misled you really. He is not in a place to commit. So it’s time to move on.

Why you are worried about destroying him when he cares so little for your hopes for the future, I do not know! Be aware of a phenomenon known as “the tyranny of the weak”

I hope the viewing goes well tonight!

And here’s a tankful of courage to keep you strong! You need it atm but things will work out far better than they were, just give it time.

Please keep your wits about you too. It’s at these pivotal moments in relationships when some controlling men turn nasty, or they try and pull the rug out from under you by love bombing. Keep
strong. Whatever he does now it’s too little and too late.

And believe me, if you are going to procreate with someone, raising children is so tough that you need someone wholeheartedly, fully and completely committed, you don’t want someone who is mimsy, unsure, half-hearted, closed, and who you have to drag along with you like another child! You deserve, far, far, more than that op, and so do your future dc!

Angrycat2768 · 07/12/2023 18:46

When I tried to leave last time he was saying 'well it's clear you've made up your mind then' and the latest is that he 'doesnt like to plan ahead and can't imagine too far into the future '. What on earth do I believe.

This is what you said in your first post. He wasn't that bothered about you leaving last time you tried, he said,' I don't like to plan too much,' then you said ' Oh, I wish he would tell me what he wants!' and went back to him! He's telling you loud and clear what he wants. You aren't listening. That is why you feel guilt. You've made up a scenario in your head where this man is madly in love with you and can't live without you when the reality is that this is not the case. Move on.

MargotBamborough · 07/12/2023 19:34

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 12:36

He's still trying to talk me round but I'm trying to remain firm. I said to him, we will be getting married/ttc in the next couple of years and he said 'maybe'. I explained yet again I can't wait forever. It's very sad but it is what it is.

Didn't you say you were going to leave him yesterday?

MargotBamborough · 07/12/2023 19:38

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 17:05

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now. I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

What have you got to feel guilty about?

He is the one who should feel guilty for wasting your time. Time you could have spent looking for and forming a relationship with another man who actually wants to marry you and have children while your ovaries still work.

Lilyhatesjaz · 07/12/2023 19:48

This thread is making me so cross.
Just stay with him.
just accept you won't get married and you definitely won't have children
But if you want him more than these things just stay but you need to come to acceptance of this and make a positive choice to stay regardless.
And also be prepared to accept you may be alone in the future if he decides to move on.
Don't be a passenger in your own life make a decision which suits you.
He Is certainly deciding things to suit him.

Paperbagsaremine · 07/12/2023 19:54

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 17:05

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now. I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

People don't like change. It's normal and human.

So he's dragging his feet half-heartedly trying to stop you leaving (otherwise he'll have to find a new GF) and you're feeling bad about leaving because it's not as if he's shitting in your Weetabix every morning. All perfectly normal and understandable.

Sometimes the right thing to do isn't the immediately easy or comfortable thing to do and we have to gee ourselves up a bit to do it. That's all.

Toomuchcawfee · 07/12/2023 20:20

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 17:05

I don't know what it will take for me to stop feeling like the worst human in the world right now. I don't know why I feel so much guilt?

If it helps, he knows he has been leading you on, lying to you about the future, and potentially ruining your chances of ever having children and he feels zero fucking guilt over that.

Stay strong. Take the room if it’s good. Don’t let him talk you round.

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 20:25

I've accepted the room today. All the happy memories and laughs with him are flying around my head right now and it's very painful, but I know if I stay I likely won't be married or a Mum.

OP posts:
Paperbagsaremine · 07/12/2023 20:40

Thefemaleofthespeciesismoredeadlythanthemale · 07/12/2023 20:25

I've accepted the room today. All the happy memories and laughs with him are flying around my head right now and it's very painful, but I know if I stay I likely won't be married or a Mum.

Hey, just because it wasn't to be (hoping this is phrased tactfully enough) doesn't mean it was all bad.
But as you say, you have things you want out of life that aren't going to come along with this chap. It hurts but you'll both be ok in the long run.

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