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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:
ToBeOrNotToBee · 26/05/2024 16:20

He has checked out of the relationship and instead of ending it like a man he's doing awful things so you do, and you get the be the bad guy.
Fuck him.

Dweetfidilove · 26/05/2024 16:21

What conversation are you planning to have with someone who fucks off for 24 hours, then tells you to ‘cry me a river’, I wonder? Then he’s gone out again.

The man has no respect for you, OP. Most likely because you spent so long forgiving him for all sorts, likely before you were even tied down with children.

You can find a way to reconcile with him living his life as he sees fit, or you can save your energy for executing your exit.

If he’s dangerous, seek help to leave him safely. The space your mom has offered you, take it. The children sleep on the bed and you on the floor next to it if needed. Any space is better than the one you’re currently occupying.

5128gap · 26/05/2024 16:23

I think you're at a cross roads with two paths leading to the same place. One the long way round and the other a short cut. Because you will end up separated from him. Your choice is whether you want to let that drag out with a serise of fresh starts, broken promises, talks, dramas and blame. Or if you just want to rip the plaster off, kick him out or go to your mums, stand firm with your decision and start the rest of your life sooner rather than later.

Fridgetapas · 26/05/2024 16:24

Cant believe he went out in the first place with his wife and tiny baby ill with covid! For that alone id be saying hes a selfish prick let alone the rest.

Resisterance · 26/05/2024 16:26

Yeah mine did that. Turned out he was sleeping around. He'd checked out of the relationship but too lazy to actually leave. I left him in the end when I realised.

Cosycover · 26/05/2024 16:26

Hes been on gear all day and all night. Probably spent a fortune on it. Probably got more this morning and that's why he wasn't home till 2. Now he's on a comedown and feeling shit.

Honestly get him to fuck.

GoosePockets · 26/05/2024 16:30

I'm so sorry you're going through this. It's great that you have support around you, please lean on them and take any help you're offered.

You are not overreacting! You are not being unreasonable! He is being abusive, and is gaslighting you so you'll question your very valid feelings about his terrible behaviour.

I've been here, my ex husband gaslit me into believing I was unreasonable for asking him to choose between me and our baby or the woman he'd started a relationship with when I was pregnant. It worked, he broke me and I very nearly didn't make it out.

Trust your gut, seek reassurance from people who love and care about you. You will be happier without him. You deserve so much better!

MariaLuna · 26/05/2024 16:30

Could he be on cocaine? I had practically the same behaviour from someone close who was using at weekends. It was like they became another person, completely unfeeling, almost psychopathic. I felt utterly blindsided with their gaslighting and nastiness.

Yea, I've witnessed people basically having a personality change when addicted to coke. And it's never for the best. Horrible.

OP, so sorry you are going through this especially now in your vulnerable state.

As a solo mum I can tell you kids grow up so much better without all the fuckery going on in a family.

buidhe · 26/05/2024 16:33

To respond to all this bullshit that he texts you I would cut to the chase, keep it short and sweet: "I agree, it's obvious you are not happy and our communication is not good, so it does make sense for us to part..let me know when you want to pick up your stuff"

I think if you stick around you will get more of this bad treatment. Sounds as though he knew he was on a bender before he left - and now he's trying to make you feel bad about his bad behaviour?! Get rid.

AltitudeCheck · 26/05/2024 16:37

I'd leave him with the kids and say I was popping out for a bit and then switch my phone off and have a peaceful night away in a hotel. Why do (so many) men think their lives can go exactly as before, once children arrive?

RickyGervaislovesdogs · 26/05/2024 16:40

I think he’s had lighting you. He can blame you then for splitting the family- when in fact he’s a complete cunt.
Where is he sleeping and why is his phone off. He’s 36 with a family, he should have stayed single.

You deserve more and so do your babies.

Gazelda · 26/05/2024 16:45

Take all of this great advice and make it clear to him that the relationship is over. You won't be abused and disrespected like this.

Don't give him an ultimatum, give him your decision.

TraitorsGate · 26/05/2024 16:47

AltitudeCheck · 26/05/2024 16:37

I'd leave him with the kids and say I was popping out for a bit and then switch my phone off and have a peaceful night away in a hotel. Why do (so many) men think their lives can go exactly as before, once children arrive?

Eldest is at grannies, baby is ebf and op has covid,unfortunately she is not able to just leave him to it, he needs to be gone.

Choochoo21 · 26/05/2024 16:52

This is not a partnership at all.

He either wants his cake and to eat it too - by living like he’s single but still having the stability of a wife at home, doing his washing, cooking his meals and giving him sex.

Or he’s checked out and he’s going to keep acting like a twat until you are forced to end the relationship.
Then he can blame you for the relationship ending.

Laloca2000 · 26/05/2024 16:56

Another one here suspecting cocaine use and/or another woman. After 3 kids, 22 years ago I ended up divorcing my husband of 13 years. He went from being a great partner, dad and my best friend to disrespecting and mistreating me in multiple ways. Gaslighting me and anyone else who would listen for years and years. I discovered he was taking cocaine and after getting an STD, that he was also sleeping around. His wild lifestyle caught up with him and he died unexpectedly last year at 56. Getting out of that marriage was the best thing I ever did for my kids and myself. Its not a simple process but worth it for your own sanity and the wellbeing of your family. Regardless of the reasons, his behaviour is showing you the measure of the man. Unless you want to put up with this for life, then get out as soon as you can. Make a plan, get all the financial and official stuff together (wages slips, birth certificates, passports , insurance policies, savings info etc) Get family, friends on board and get legal advice straight away. You have rights but so does he , so tread carefully. You can't lock him out cos it's his home too and he has a right to it, and you cannot withhold his children unless you can prove they would be in danger from him. I'm sorry to say this behaviour does not bode well for a happy future so start the process with your head held high and focus on the life you want for you and your kids. And take no more shit from this arsehole. I wish you all the best.

Laloca2000 · 26/05/2024 17:02

...and also, change the password to your phone, and emails. If things get nasty, that's where he'll start snooping given the opportunity.

Gymnopedie · 26/05/2024 17:02

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

"...And you won't let me tell you how I feel. So we're at stalemate. Which rather suggests that this is over."

Lwrenn · 26/05/2024 17:13

He's a fucking prick.
Nothing here to do but just leave.
You deserve better and get those ducks lined up neatly, make plans and just go solo.

Nothing is worth this as life.

ZombiesAreClammyDodgers · 26/05/2024 17:16

I desperately need to understand WHO this 1% is who voted that YABU.
YANBU OP!! When someone shows you who they are, believe them.

TheShellBeach · 26/05/2024 17:19

ZombiesAreClammyDodgers · 26/05/2024 17:16

I desperately need to understand WHO this 1% is who voted that YABU.
YANBU OP!! When someone shows you who they are, believe them.

I sometimes think that some posters click on the wrong option.

Lavenderandbrown · 26/05/2024 17:20

i had a second much wanted child after some slightly rocky times. And immediately after his birth the marriage completely tanked. For you I think drugs alcohol AND another woman. Maybe women. That was pretty much my experience too (no drugs becuse of testing at his work). You’re ill OP. Get better. Focus on your children. Do not reconcile or allow for acting like it’s a “normal” marriage. That will not happen for you now so do not make your self vulnerable to third pregnancy. Go back to work when the time is right and end marriage. The main thing not to do is counseling or anything else to save the marriage it’s unsalvageable. As pp said…take the shortcut. It’s soooo much better to escape this hell marriage when your dc are young. And don’t find another man. Be you..be a mom..be an employee but not a gf or wife until you are very strong. Save your energy for you and dc. Drop the anchor

stichguru · 26/05/2024 17:20

He's got a four year old and an ill six month old and an ill wife. At a point where he didn't HAVE to be at the doctors, hospital or work, he'd be with them. He doesn't care at all about any of you. Walk away.

Crumpetsssss · 26/05/2024 17:22

Your story is so familiar that I had to double check the OP to make sure it wasn’t mine from several years ago. EXH did this, right down to the ‘cry me a river’ phrase. You didn’t marry my ex did you?

Nah, since I finally kicked him out five years ago, he has continued to shag his way around the North of England, occasionally straying into the South too, and still appears thoroughly dissatisfied with the world.

On the flip side, DC and I have built a much happier life. That ‘lovely life’ you dream of? You can do it. You don’t need him.

MyBreezyPombear · 26/05/2024 17:24

I was with a man who was like this, I stayed for years and years hoping he would grow up and change. He never did and by all accounts he still hasn't.

You and your children deserve better than this.

ArcaneWireless · 26/05/2024 17:30

He walked out on you again today flower.

He is too lily livered to end it himself and is now pushing you to do it ‘properly’. Been there.

You deserve so much more than a weak man.

Bleating away about his hurty feelies without caring about his family?

He is pushing you to make the decision. Do it. It will save you the misery of going through this time and time again.