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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH hostility toward adult DS

9 replies

albie1 · 07/04/2024 19:23

Sorry in advance for the long post...
I have a neurodivergent (high functioning) son in their late 20s who's been living at home for the last several months (this is meant to be a temporary arrangement)
My problem relates to the tension between my DH and him. DS can be extremely irritating and doesn't really respond to limits/attempts to talk things through which tend to escalate things. The family generally works around him, steering him in the right direction when he's out of line as well as enjoying him when things are well (he can be very likeable). The warm feelings/affection that we have for him enable the gentle steering to work. My husband though has no affection for him, or can't access it at least (understandable in the context of DS's difficult adolescence with a lot of the difficult stuff directed toward his dad as well as resonances with DH's own father who was also on the spectrum). DH tries to sit on his anger but then intermittently can't and explodes, which may not matter except that it isn't tempered by a context of being warm at other times (quite the opposite in fact- my DH tries to manage his difficult feeling toward him by keeping a distance/ignoring him for the most part). When DH gets angry I struggle (Im not good with anger) and my DH ends up feeling unsupported by me (though I try and support I don't always succeed) which causes big issues between us
I'm feeling caught in the middle/am finding it really distressing... My main feeling is one of protectiveness toward my son, maybe misplaced at times and maybe at the expense of a protectiveness toward DH. It causes great rifts between me and DH which likely wouldn't be there if our DS weren't living at home but makes me wonder about the glue in our marriage and whether it's strong enough if we so easily polarise/are at odds.
I know it isn't really a AIBU though would really welcome any thoughts

OP posts:
ByUmberViewer · 07/04/2024 19:26

It sounds as though your son should be leaving home now. He's an adult - for a start. He doesn't get on with his dad, thats another con, and thirdly, when you share accommodation with other people, you have to compromise - you can't just do exactly what you want.

No, it sounds as though it's time he left.

albie1 · 07/04/2024 19:40

Just to add...
The sort of things he says in anger are "the sooner you move out the better"- it isn't that we aren't trying to help him find his own place (we are) but I worry that when its said in this way it will feel so rejecting. If I say this my DH feels controlled/stifled by me, tells me not to dictate what he can and can't say etc

OP posts:
albie1 · 07/04/2024 19:46

Totally agree (by umberviewer) and we are trying to move toward this- is complicated though by neurodiversity and by his life having unravelled rather (lost job, flat etc). Also seems impossible to talk/compromise etc, again neurodiversity seems to get in the way of any ability to see others point of view/engage in those conversations though I dk to what extent he can't or won't... jury is out...

OP posts:
NeelyOHara1 · 07/04/2024 19:48

Being the only person navigating the potential for tyranny by a particular person in a household must be really stressful.

pinkyredrose · 07/04/2024 19:49

Where was your son before?

DS can be extremely irritating and doesn't really respond to limits/attempts to talk things through which tend to escalate things.

Just because he's neurodivergent doesn't mean he can get away with it. Are you sure you're not making too many allowances for him?

loropianalover · 07/04/2024 19:51

NeelyOHara1 · 07/04/2024 19:48

Being the only person navigating the potential for tyranny by a particular person in a household must be really stressful.

I agree OP this must be very difficult for you and you probably feel like no decision you make can ever be the ‘right’ one.

I understand your love for your son but I really think you should make sure you are protecting your marriage too. Can you and DH sit down and confirm to each other that you want to start working towards getting DS to move out again. Are there any local supports or charities that can help you with activities or classes for DS, both to stimulate and tire out DS, and to give you and DH some more downtime.

Maybe a ‘plan’ or something to work towards will help DH keep his anger in check, and will help you feel like you’re working towards something rather than just drowning in it all.

YesThatsATurdOnTheRug · 07/04/2024 19:51

I'm really struggling to see how this can be reasonable on your DH's part. Does he love DS at all? It must be very hard for DS to have been forced to come home in those circumstances and then to feel despised by his own dad, that must hurt.

AnneLovesGilbert · 07/04/2024 19:58

The outbursts aren’t good but the way even you describe DS makes him sound extremely annoying to live with. Was it a joint decision to have him move back in? Why did he lose his job, is he looking for another one and are there other children?

Aquamarine1029 · 07/04/2024 20:11

DS can be extremely irritating and doesn't really respond to limits/attempts to talk things through which tend to escalate things.

Well, that shouldn't be tolerated then. I get the impression that you gloss over your son's disrespectful and abusive behaviour and your husband must be extremely frustrated with that.

You need to support your husband or your marriage is in serious trouble. You are also not doing your adult son any favours by allowing him to get away with being so miserable to live with.

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