Please don't flame me - first time poster and I have 2 under 2 so quite sleep deprived.
I am 30, married to my DH, 42 We have two sons: DS 20 months, DS 2 1 month.
I love my DH and we've been together since I was 27. However I've been feeling a bit conflicted recently about aspects of our marriage / life.
He is from a very posh, well-off family. Meanwhile I am from a happy lower-middle-class family in Scotland.
We met in London - originally because I rented from his ex-wife's family (!) and then through some work we did on a local committee together. We just clicked and our relationship came very naturally. He was more worried than me of the optics - he was v aware of the age gap and was conscious that others might think he was taking advantage of me. However, we really were drawn to each other, both wanted a family, & started our lives together.
Since then ... we've had so many comments about me being a golddigger, , him getting 'banter' about being with a younger woman, suggestions it's a very transactional relationship (me giving him the children he wanted, him giving me money and a house). I've found it hard to integrate with members of his family, and although my family love him, my sisters have expressed envy / jealousy of how much easier my life is now because of him.
Also we do have some differing opinions - he is def. more right of centre politically, I am left-wing, he assumes our children should have a nanny / private school etc. He also wants to pay for things for me - fancy meals etc - and I['m worried about looking like a trophy wife.
AIBU to feel weird or out of place? His first wife - who he is still good friends with - is also private school, oxbridge, high-flier, & sometimes I think I'm just not 'right' in this relationship, even though we love each other.
AIBU?
Married to a rich older man - feel conflicted
chalkandpen · 22/03/2024 20:51
Am I being unreasonable?
835 votes. Final results.
POLLPrincessTeaSet · 22/03/2024 20:54
It did move fast, together 3 years and already married with 2 children. That probably explains some of the comments? Did you get pregnant in the first year you were together?
chalkandpen · 22/03/2024 20:54
I know, I know this sounds really crazy to complain about. I feel incredibly fortunate to be living in a big house & not paying rent / a mortgage.
This isn't a stealth post - I just feel slightly out of place still. my friends / family are treating me as being 'different' in this new life, and at the same time I just can't connect with some of his friends and family members - they see / treat me as someone different, or I just don't really 'get' their background
putonyourwarpaint · 22/03/2024 20:59
Not a huge age gap tbh - same between me and my DH and I rarely consider it.
EmilyTjP · 22/03/2024 21:02
He’s only 42 - 12 years older!
Not like he’s in his 70’s jeez. I don’t understand the issue.
fedupandstuck · 22/03/2024 20:59
You've had a big change in a short amount of time, not just the relationship but the change of lifestyle and then the two children in quick succession. That's probably a lot of the issue, such a lot of things to get to grips with.
But, your background and upbringing is just as valid and worthwhile as his. You are not lesser than him because he had a more wealthy start to life. If his family are unfriendly towards you, he should be letting them know that they need to sort it out. He should be your biggest defender and supporter. Is he?
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EmilyTjP · 22/03/2024 21:02
He’s only 42 - 12 years older!
Not like he’s in his 70’s jeez. I don’t understand the issue.
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