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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH didn’t come home… again

483 replies

Roonil · 26/05/2024 14:14

Please help me make sense of what’s going on with DH. Will try keep it as brief as possible.

We have 2 DC - one is 4, one is 6 months.

I’ve forgiven him for a lot over the years (together 10 years), and since we had our eldest he’s gone AWOL on me a few times after nights out with his mates. Well, last night he did it again. I woke up with the baby in the early hours and he wasn’t home, so sent a message asking where he was. No reply. Up with baby again about an hour and a half later, again no reply. Tried to call with next wake up, didn’t pick up. By this point it was about 5.30am - everything would have been closed. He went out in the afternoon. If he’d have responded ‘in a bar/at friend’s house, be home later’ or just ANYTHING it would’ve been fine, but it was the ignoring that bothered me. He would’ve just not come home with zero contact if I hadn’t pushed it.

Next time I woke with baby (we’re both ill with Covid and she’s EBF, so I’ve done all night feeds for 6 months and am knackered/feeling shit) I sent a message saying I was locking the front door. Miraculously he responded straight away. Claimed he had been trying to get home for “hours” but his bank cards had been “blocked”. I told him how upset/angry I was and that he should have just messaged me, etc. etc., and he told me I was “locking him out of his home” and that “this is your decision, not mine” - as if I’m ending the relationship. Feels like he’s trying to push me to leave?

When I said again that I was upset and he needed to stop being so irresponsible at 36, he responded “cry me a fucking river.”

Even if his story is true, why not respond? If you were stuck, surely you’d be on your phone trying to sort a solution? But also, he could’ve gone home with friends who live in the same direction, or asked one of them to book him an Uber and pay them back. Also thinking if it’s true, he’s blown an awful lot of money… why else would his cards stop working other than the accounts being emptied?

He’s still not made an appearance. No idea where he is. Had to tell eldest DC that daddy wasn’t home this morning because he’s having a sleepover with his friend.

I spoke to a friend about it this morning, and they said it comes across like he just doesn’t care about being with me or being a family man. To me it’s the latest example of him choosing the single lifestyle over his family, and expecting me to just be there and not question him about anything, ever.

I feel like he’s gradually treating me worse and worse, but it’s heightened since I went on maternity leave, when I’m more vulnerable. But then I don’t know if he’s that calculating…

I wouldn’t mind as much if this was a one off, but he’s got form for irresponsible partying type behaviour and, like I said, has pulled disappearing acts before.

But then part of me thinks maybe I am just going crazy and being harsh.

Am I overreacting?

OP posts:
Getupat8amnow · 26/05/2024 15:06

Sorry OP but he has another woman on the go and that is why he was in a great mood yesterday prior to going out and why he stayed out all night and why he has gone out again now. I bet the other woman’s children are with their dad so she is free this entire Bank Holiday weekend.

I am really sorry but you and your children will be so better off without him. Imagine your life this time next year if you leave him soon, this time next year you will look back on today and think thank goodness I took the plunge and got rid of him. It will be hard but so worth it in the long run. You are a good person and you and your children deserve better than this sorry excuse for a husband and father.

TraitorsGate · 26/05/2024 15:10

Can you go to your parents tonight if the eldest is staying with them anyway, are they picking 4yo up from your house, mine stayed with me until my halfwit cheating husband turned up then helped him pack his bags. What's the house and financial set up,

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:10

QueenMegan · 26/05/2024 15:03

Can you suggest a temporary separation say he's obviously not happy given his behaviour. Don't let him bland you.

I think I will suggest this. For a week or so to start off with. He has somewhere nearby he could stay, if he’s so unhappy.

my heart breaks for my DC though. We could have such a lovely life if he’d just be a partner

OP posts:
ComfyButFrumpy · 26/05/2024 15:12

"cry me a fucking river"

That's your message to end it.

itsmylife7 · 26/05/2024 15:13

Sandwichgen · 26/05/2024 15:04

He has you very well trained, and every time he does this and you capitulate it reinforces his belief that he can do what he likes - and yours

break the cycle.

Spot on comment.

OP all this started 10 years ago when you accepted all his shitty behaviour.

Unfortunately you fell in to the "he'll change" group of women....they don't though.

You either stay together for " the children" or make a plan to leave.

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:13

TraitorsGate · 26/05/2024 15:10

Can you go to your parents tonight if the eldest is staying with them anyway, are they picking 4yo up from your house, mine stayed with me until my halfwit cheating husband turned up then helped him pack his bags. What's the house and financial set up,

They already picked her up this morning. I also don’t want to give them covid (tested this morning, she is negative). My DM often visits my elderly GM so don’t want to pass it on.

we own our (v modest) house. My pay has stopped because of mat leave

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 26/05/2024 15:15

Roonil · 26/05/2024 14:52

I told him if he wants to talk about how he feels he’s welcome to… another time. That we are talking about last night.

“you always do this, you interrupt me and don’t care about how I feel” was his response. He’s just walked out the door again laughing at me

Chuck his stuff on the doorstep and lock the door.

You deserve so much better. 💐💐💐

PiperLeo · 26/05/2024 15:15

My sister went through the same thing recently and finally decided to separate from her husband. She seems so much happier not feeling disappointed that he hasn't helped or shown up or whatever. She said it doesn't feel much different as a single parent as she was doing everything on her own anyway. He was using and staying out all night, drinking and hungover for days. Neither use nor ornament.

It sounds like you need to make a decision. Have a chat with him and see if you can work it out or decide to go your separate ways.

Good luck x

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:16

He has just messaged from wherever he is.

“Honestly
You won’t let me tell you how I feel.

I admit I’m far from perfect.

We can’t even hold down a conversation anymore.

Then you have the cheek to to say I don’t care”

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 26/05/2024 15:16

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:10

I think I will suggest this. For a week or so to start off with. He has somewhere nearby he could stay, if he’s so unhappy.

my heart breaks for my DC though. We could have such a lovely life if he’d just be a partner

You can still have a lovely life. He's never going to change and he will always be letting you down.

TraitorsGate · 26/05/2024 15:16

How is your relationship with his brother and parents. He's abusive, unhappy, disrespectful and selfish. Let him stay somewhere else, he can do what he likes then like a single man with no responsibility, at the end of the week tell him you think it's better to split, do what's best for you and your dc, its not about him all the time.

QueenMegan · 26/05/2024 15:17

Op he won't be a good partner if he pulls these stunts when you're at your most vulnerable.
Remain calm. Just say your piece say what you say. Keep your dignity do not leave.
You're a single parent anyway. Start to think like one. He will make you miserable whatever he's up to he's not going to change

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:17

TraitorsGate · 26/05/2024 15:16

How is your relationship with his brother and parents. He's abusive, unhappy, disrespectful and selfish. Let him stay somewhere else, he can do what he likes then like a single man with no responsibility, at the end of the week tell him you think it's better to split, do what's best for you and your dc, its not about him all the time.

I get on fine with them. But when I was on verge of leaving last time, his DM came round and gave me a load of shit, told me it was all my fault and I’m “something else”

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 26/05/2024 15:18

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:16

He has just messaged from wherever he is.

“Honestly
You won’t let me tell you how I feel.

I admit I’m far from perfect.

We can’t even hold down a conversation anymore.

Then you have the cheek to to say I don’t care”

This is classic gaslighting - he's trying to blame you to take the focus off how much of a cockwomble he is. Mute or block him for now. You have done nothing wrong.

Starlightstarbright3 · 26/05/2024 15:18

I have just read the thread . I knew as soon as you locked the door he was going to turn it on you .

i think the way he has treated you in the past and you just forgave him ( in his eyes) means he can act how he wants .

He wants the bachelor life with a family on the side . The flowers were planned so you forgive him

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:18

It’s good to know I’m not losing my mind. Sometimes I worry I overreact/am too harsh where I’m so tired.

OP posts:
PossumintheHouse · 26/05/2024 15:20

You won't let me
We can't even
You have the cheek

Classic gaslighting from an irresponsible, selfish, careless man who thinks leaving the house for 24 hours is acceptable. He did give you flowers, after all.

finalboss · 26/05/2024 15:23

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:16

He has just messaged from wherever he is.

“Honestly
You won’t let me tell you how I feel.

I admit I’m far from perfect.

We can’t even hold down a conversation anymore.

Then you have the cheek to to say I don’t care”

His message makes absolutely no sense, it's just a load of nothing. Anything but 'sorry for my clearly very unreasonable behaviour'.

TheShellBeach · 26/05/2024 15:23

He's a nasty piece of work.
What would you say to your daughter if her husband treated her like this?

QueenMegan · 26/05/2024 15:25

Don't respond he's baiting you. It's a game to male you responsible.
Say you respect you need a temporary separation and you will be in touch regarding seeing the children. Block him.

BearFacedCheek · 26/05/2024 15:25

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:18

It’s good to know I’m not losing my mind. Sometimes I worry I overreact/am too harsh where I’m so tired.

I actually think you’re under-reacting.
His ‘cry me a fucking river’ message is just awful.
Especially in the context of him being out all night, no contact, you being unwell etc..
@Roonil really, what is he adding to your life? He sounds like an utter waste of skin.
And yes, gaslighting you to boot.
As he’s fucked off out again, I would absolutely be locking the doors for good this time, and changing the locks so he can’t get back in. Fuckwit.
Good luck.

TraitorsGate · 26/05/2024 15:26

He's managed to charge up his phone then, I thought he said it had died. He slept at the station, had no money, couldn't contact you, went to his brothers, why couldn't he call you from his brothers house. You know deep down he's talking bollox, he ignored your calls so ignore his, enjoy your walk, but a treat for tea, don't bother responding because anything you say or do will give him a reason to be nasty.

QueenMegan · 26/05/2024 15:27

He will then either apologise say he is sorry or become even more nasty blame you..
The behaviour doesn't get better.

Respond to neither comment he will be very confused worried if you don't react. That is usual manipulative techniques aren't working. Think of him as a toddler..sometimes you have to say enough.
If he threatens you call police and log it.
Have a bath watch a film. Treat yourself.. You can gave a much better life than this

Jennywren2000 · 26/05/2024 15:33

OP I don’t normally respond to these threads, but I just want to say that how he is treating you is SO unacceptable. You’re vulnerable right now with 2 tiny children and he is bullying you, disrespecting you and also just behaving in a way that is so inappropriate when you’re married with young babies. He obviously really doesn’t care and is not actually a very nice person.

I think that staying with a person like this will just lead to years of unhappiness and the total loss of your confidence.

It is such a hard time to consider leaving him (he should leave the home by the way, not you!) because you’re tired and on mat leave, but gather your family & friends around you and get rid of this awful man.

MeinKraft · 26/05/2024 15:34

Roonil · 26/05/2024 15:18

It’s good to know I’m not losing my mind. Sometimes I worry I overreact/am too harsh where I’m so tired.

You aren't losing your mind, and you aren't overreacting. How fucking dare he stay out, ignore your calls and then have the nerve to turn around and blame you?! What an absolute bastard he is.

Put it this way, he wasn't doing anything you'd approve of at 2/3/4/5am. He wasn't doing anything a decent partner should be doing.