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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Boyfriend lives with me and my kids but is hardly ever here. I genuinely don't know if I'm right or wrong.

263 replies

TheKhakiBee · 25/10/2024 18:46

Hi all. My boyfriend moved in with us about 4 months ago. Everything was fine until then but since he's lived here the dynamic feels so off and I genuinely do not know what to think.
I have three girls from a previous relationship. He isn't working at the moment. He gets up about 11 most days and goes straight out. He spends 2 or 3 hours at the gym/swim/sauna and helps his dad with some work he's having done (house move, alot to be done). He then might go to the pub or out for food etc. I would say most nights he's back about 7.30/8ish - later if he goes to the pub (once the pub shuts). He will also go out at the weekends drinking.

If he then came home and was present with us I don't think it would be an issue, but he comes in, makes food, takes it upstairs and eats and then stays upstairs all night, watching films etc. He won't come and spend time with us. He does cook tea sometimes but again he cooks and then takes his upstairs. I've asked him to spend more time with us, he doesn't want to.

He says I want too much of his time, he doesn't like to have to plan things, he wants to just 'do him' but he doesn't want to break up? He says he's not got kids yet so doesn't want to settle down as if he has - he doesn't want to be 'boring'. I said that fine, but then you shouldn't have got into a committed, cohabiting relationship with someone with children? I want a family.

Any advice please.

To not drip feed - he went through a very serious assault (home invasion) and hasn't worked since. I believe he has undiagnosed PTSD/depression. I don't hold this against him at all and we're not massively struggling financially I just wish he was present.

OP posts:
TheSnugHare · 25/10/2024 18:47

So I think a solution to this might be to sit down together and brain storm things you both like to do and then make a monthly/weekly schedule for every week, and stress the importance of having time together

ARichtGoodDram · 25/10/2024 18:48

Where was he living previously?

He sounds like he's only interested in the nice accommodation.

If he doesn't want to be part of your household I'd be inviting him to go make a household for himself elsewhere.

TwistedWonder · 25/10/2024 18:49

Who pays for his food and drinks at the pub?
Are you bankrolling him and paying all the bills while he’s not working?

lemonyfox · 25/10/2024 18:49

Sounds more like a lodger

SlugsWon · 25/10/2024 18:50

Does he pay half? Otherwise it looks like he's just after free digs doesn't it.

Even if he does pay, what good is he bringing into you and your daughters lives?

Thehop · 25/10/2024 18:50

Are you paying for this playboy lifestyle?

what a shit example to set your daughters. You all deserve better. Boot him out. Pronto

SophiaJ8 · 25/10/2024 18:51

He’s never going to have any interest in your kids, it’s not an age thing.

Catza · 25/10/2024 18:51

He is definitely your lodger. Of course he doesn't want to break up, he has a roof over his head, no pressure to work and has dinners on demand. You can do better

Completelyjo · 25/10/2024 18:51

How is he going out for food and drinks most nights if he isn’t even working?

He says he's not got kids yet so doesn't want to settle down as if he has - he doesn't want to be 'boring'.

Why on earth did you move him in with your kids??!

Unicorntastic · 25/10/2024 18:51

Sounds like a teenage son

Holidaysarecomingocthalfterm · 25/10/2024 18:52

Sounds like a cocklodger

NeverDropYourMooncup · 25/10/2024 18:53

He doesn't have to try and be a nice boyfriend anymore, does he? He's got the nice home, food, a bed, time to lie around in it, bit of sex when he feels like it, washing machine access and the opportunity to live like a single man lodging in a woman's house with her children.

He can be a cocklodging wanker with no consequences now.

Or he goes to live with his father and has to grow the fuck up. Your choice.

ChanelBoucle · 25/10/2024 18:53

Holidaysarecomingocthalfterm · 25/10/2024 18:52

Sounds like a cocklodger

Was just about to say the same. Op what are YOU getting out of this arrangement?

StopStartStop · 25/10/2024 18:53

cocklodger.
He's moved in for the accommodation and domestic services and probably sex, if he's getting that too.
Move him right out again.
He sounds like a teenage son, not a partner.
You and your dds deserve better than this.

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 25/10/2024 18:53

If he doesn’t want to settle down and act like he’s got kids, why has he moved in with a single mother with 3 kids to take on a step-dad role?

who’s funding his drinks / gym or is his benefits going on that and you are keeping him for free?

I think tell him if he just wants to date and not be settled down, fine - he can move out. If he wants to live in your family home it has to be as part of your family.

but if you do this, you do run the risk of finding out that all he wanted was a woman to gift him a lifestyle he can’t afford with the addition of sex.

Teafortwo01 · 25/10/2024 18:53

That’s so rude to eat his food upstairs. He’s not a teenager. I feel for your kids as that is not normal family life.

meganorks · 25/10/2024 18:53

You sound more like the mother of a teenage boy than his girlfriend. Seems a lot like he's using you for bed and board. I'd get rid. If he isn't willing to be part of your family what use is he?!

Stretchedresources · 25/10/2024 18:53

Get rid of him and don't let anyone else ever live with you.
You and your children deserve better.

Thommasina · 25/10/2024 18:54

Surely this is quite weird and unpleasant for your 3 daughters?

ATastingMenuButItsAllCrisps · 25/10/2024 18:54

How is it in your kids best interests to have this unrelated male moves in to their home?
Boot him out and just date him if he enhances your life. Using you for lodging and shags is going to be bad for your self esteem.

ChanelBoucle · 25/10/2024 18:54

Tbh I think my cat has better manners. Sure he buggers off and pleases himself most of the time but at least he gives me lots of cuddles in the evening.

StSwithinsDay · 25/10/2024 18:54

I just wish he was present.

Bet your kids wish he was gone!

BabyCloud · 25/10/2024 18:56

This sort of behaviour is repulsive to me.

He isn’t treating you as the family package that you come as with three kids and I very much doubt he ever will. He’s living like a single teenager who lives with his parents with no responsibilities.

TwistedWonder · 25/10/2024 18:56

He’s an immature freeloading cocklodger. Get him out from under your kids roof

If he’s not ready to be in a family relationship then he shouldn’t move in with a woman with kids.

SauviGone · 25/10/2024 18:57

You’ve given living together a trial run of 4 months, it hasn’t worked out.

Time to ask him to leave. It’s that simple.

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