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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

OH Expectations of Marriage

34 replies

stargazer1996 · 01/12/2024 06:17

Ok sorry for the long post but I would like some opinions if that’s ok. Open to all feedback.

My Husband (m30) and I (f28) have been together for over ten years. We have two kids together that are on the spectrum (both diagnosed with autism and adhd). We both work full time but I take on the majority of the tasks. I deal with the kids routines, including a looooong nighttime routine, and most of the housework as well as my full time job.

Since getting my kids diagnosed I see a lot of similarities in myself and I think i also have autism which I think is linked to some sensory issues I have.

This year has been very difficult for me, I lost a very close relative that I haven’t been able to get over and my kids symptoms seem to be at their peak and very draining.

My husband’s sex drive also seems to be at its peak and he is constantly asking for sex. I am going through confirmed hormonal imbalance which is affecting my libido as well as the mental drain from grief, my kids being full on all of the time as well as the usual day to day grind. By the end of the day I’m overstimulated and just don’t want to be
touched.

Ive tried explaining this to him but he’s busy or dismissive and walks away. He’s now put a two month time limit on our relationship that if I don’t change then I’m “out the door”. I just feel like this is adding even more pressure on top of what is already going on.

I’ve tried sitting him down and explaining my cycle (when I’m more likely to be in the mood for sex etc.) and the fact that I just want space in the evenings, no touching because I’m overstimulated but mornings are good for intimacy etc. but again he’s dismissive of this.

AIBU, should I change or is there a different way I can communicate this? Every time I try to talk about this he becomes defensive, doesn’t listen to what I’m saying and walks away.

OP posts:
FridayFeelingmidweek · 01/12/2024 08:27

Wow. He defined needs therapy. Please don't adapt to his demands, or they will get worse over time. I became a doormat before I left as, over time, ignored bullying behaviour.

If he can't deal with hormonal changes, what on earth will he be like when you go through menopause?

Scary, but turn it round on him: if he does not get therapy/couple therapy, you'll walk in 2 months. Also, don't be afraid to tell close friends and family what is going on.

JustWalkingTheDogs · 01/12/2024 08:37

'Out the door' what a lovely turn of phrase he has!

Tbh I wouldn't entertain maintaining a relationship with a man who didn't pull his weight when it came to the household chores or children. Add this to the fact that he's a sex pest and emotionally blackmailing you into performing for his pleasure, would see me ruining through said door.

He's not a man who appears to respect, love or cherish you at all. There's no way I'd be marrying him let alone live or be in a relationship with. Do yourself and your dc a favour and show them what it's like to love and respect yourself, leave the lazy sex pest

needsomewarmsunshine · 01/12/2024 08:41

Who needs this twat in their life? You and your kids deserve so much better than this.

HermioneWeasley · 01/12/2024 08:47

Ewww. I can’t imagine anything that would make me feel less like having sex. Does he have any good points at all?

Skyrainlight · 01/12/2024 08:52

Why would you want to sleep with him when he doesn't help and doesn't think about anyone else but himself and you are no doubt exhausted? What a complete turn off. It grosses me out when men think women should just spread their legs whether they want to or not because the man is horny. Has he never heard of masturbation, he can take care of himself? I would be considering whether I wanted to married to this waste of space sex pest if I was you.

LittleOwl153 · 01/12/2024 08:59

I'd organise a break just for you. Leave him with the kids and let him see exactly what place he would be in if he were to force you 'out the door' as he suggests....

Then sit down and have a conversation about redressing the balance - of work I mean - and if he's not up for that then yes he needs to go. He can't expect you to take 2 autistic kids with no hime so if he can't handle it he will have to go won't he?

JWhipple · 01/12/2024 09:03

Rainbow321 · 01/12/2024 06:27

If you don't want sex , then don't have it . If he's making you or coercing you , that's assault .
But if you do , and are happy to , just not when your knackered , could you set your alarms a little bit earlier and go for it in the morning .

Are you the husband?

CottonbudQueen · 02/12/2024 08:35

I'm sorry OP. You have a lot on your shoulders. What does he mean by 'out the door', he needs to walk himself if he's not being useful. He sounds awful. I would suggest some couples therapy, a third party who might be able to broker the communication. He's not seeing the strain you're under and not listening to you. It also sounds as though you might benefit from home help with the children to give yourself a break. I'm sorry and all the best.

Onlycoffee · 02/12/2024 08:49

GettingThemFromHereToThere · 01/12/2024 07:31

I wouldn’t self diagnose and use autism terminology here as I think, in this situation, it invalidates very normal reactions.

You are doing most of the housework, childcare and working full time. Anyone would feel overwhelmed, stressed and resentful. That’s a completely typical response to inequality and too much responsibility/physical work.

It sounds like your husband is a waste of space quite frankly.

I agree. Op even without suspected autism it is no wonder you are exhausted and not in the mood for sex, especially with an uncaring, selfish and immature DH.

Given how unbalanced your relationship is I would counter his disgusting threat with what YOU want from him- more equal involvement with childcare, housework etc

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