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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

DH refers to himself as my “Dad”

482 replies

GingerBreadGinge · 29/10/2024 18:22

Weird one! DH has for a long time referred to himself as “Daddy” when it comes to me. (Not sexual!)

For example if I need his help he will say “Your Daddy will do it” “Daddy do” or “Let your Dad help you” or “Your Father will fix it” He keeps saying he should really stop calling himself my Dad.

Is this infantilising? We do have kids so he is used to being “Daddy” but he refers to himself as my “Dad”

AIBU? Is this weird?? He also says “Good girl!” When I’ve done a task etc. Or “You’re a good girl!” I’m in my forties!! DS has even begun to correct him saying “She’s not a girl, she’s a woman” Etc.

AIBU?

OP posts:
CalmBalonz · 03/11/2024 05:01

Tell him if he ever wants to have sex with you again to pack that in right now as it creeping you out!

Tanjamaltija · 03/11/2024 09:42

Tell him to shut up each time he does it. Loudly. Even if you are in public.

GrannyRose15 · 04/11/2024 10:45

PraiseTheSunshine · 29/10/2024 19:34

If it bothers you then he should stop, I would find it weird too tbh. My grandparents used to refer to each other as mum and dad, not sure why 😄

It used to be a thing. A lot of the older generation did it. I’m not sure that is exactly the same as what is happening in this case. It is weird when only one partner does it.

Goodtogossip · 04/11/2024 14:32

That's just weird AF! I'm not surprised you have the Ick. Every time he says it shout 'STOP' loudly so it brings the attention to. If it's a habit he might not be that aware he's saying it so by calling him out on it every time he'll be more aware & hopefully stop. explain to him it upsets you & that your child has picked up on it & you don't want them thinking it's normal, as it so isn't. If he doesn't stop try reversing it & doing it to him. Call yourself Mummy & over praise him in a patronising way. Hopefully he'll see how Icky it is & stop himself from doing it to you.

PorridgeShotgun · 11/11/2024 09:33

When I saw your initial title, I assumed: a) he was older and joking about looking like your dad; b) it was a cultural thing, like some Latina women calling their partners "papi"; or c) he was just struggling to switch from "mum and dad" mode back to adult mode.

But having read your posts, it’s clear he’s a belittling, boundary-trampling knob-womble.

Even if he's not using this language in the bedroom, it’s clearly a power play with sleazy undertones. As disturbing as the language is, I’m more concerned by how he gaslights you, dismisses your feelings, and weaponises your ADHD to put you down.

If I’ve got this right, he’s been told to stop but keeps ignoring you. This seems to give him a thrill—imposing his will and language on you. His "spontaneous" hugs and kisses are less affectionate and more about scaring or unsettling you, and his so-called "banter" about wives being property is just toxic.

The fact you have sons makes me think he’s using "daddy" to assert himself as the primary figure in your life, grinding you down to feel dependent on him.

Please, consider making plans to leave. This isn’t just a "weird habit"; it’s a cluster of coercive, demeaning behaviours that scream “danger Will Robinson.” Set yourself and your boys free from this bullshit.

And yes, the chances are high that this language ties to a sexual kink and porn habits —"daddy" and "praise" kinks come to mind. I’m all for "you do you," but not when it’s imposed on unwilling people.

I strongly suspect that this type of porn has buttered his parsnip precisely because of the dominance and power subtext. The issue isn’t kink itself but that he’s a nasty controlling shit gibbon WITH that proclivity.

As someone with ADHD who’s left a toxic relationship, I say: you can do this. A happier life for you and your boys is possible without him.

DearDenimEagle · 11/11/2024 10:42

PorridgeShotgun · 11/11/2024 09:33

When I saw your initial title, I assumed: a) he was older and joking about looking like your dad; b) it was a cultural thing, like some Latina women calling their partners "papi"; or c) he was just struggling to switch from "mum and dad" mode back to adult mode.

But having read your posts, it’s clear he’s a belittling, boundary-trampling knob-womble.

Even if he's not using this language in the bedroom, it’s clearly a power play with sleazy undertones. As disturbing as the language is, I’m more concerned by how he gaslights you, dismisses your feelings, and weaponises your ADHD to put you down.

If I’ve got this right, he’s been told to stop but keeps ignoring you. This seems to give him a thrill—imposing his will and language on you. His "spontaneous" hugs and kisses are less affectionate and more about scaring or unsettling you, and his so-called "banter" about wives being property is just toxic.

The fact you have sons makes me think he’s using "daddy" to assert himself as the primary figure in your life, grinding you down to feel dependent on him.

Please, consider making plans to leave. This isn’t just a "weird habit"; it’s a cluster of coercive, demeaning behaviours that scream “danger Will Robinson.” Set yourself and your boys free from this bullshit.

And yes, the chances are high that this language ties to a sexual kink and porn habits —"daddy" and "praise" kinks come to mind. I’m all for "you do you," but not when it’s imposed on unwilling people.

I strongly suspect that this type of porn has buttered his parsnip precisely because of the dominance and power subtext. The issue isn’t kink itself but that he’s a nasty controlling shit gibbon WITH that proclivity.

As someone with ADHD who’s left a toxic relationship, I say: you can do this. A happier life for you and your boys is possible without him.

Agree. Toxic, abusive, controlling on a power trip, not an example for children to grow up with.

asdfgasdfg · 12/11/2024 23:12

My DH calls me Mum I say I'm not your mum (children left home years ago) no he says but you are THE mum, I hate it which is why I think he keeps doing it

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