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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Hand hold - told husband it’s over

34 replies

Pred1cament · 12/02/2025 18:13

Not sure if this is the right board but have seen ladies get great advice in the past. Husband and I have been married 10 years. 2 children, 6 and 2. He’s from a different culture and we’ve had issues in the past that we’ve resolved, but recently there’s been an ongoing theme of ‘I’m the man of the house, don’t have a different opinion to me, what I say goes’ especially when it comes to the kids, even though I’m the main carer and earner. We had a fairly trivial disagreement this morning where he told me not to do something and I said I don’t agree with you but ok. He was really annoyed that I had a different opinion to him and even came home at lunchtime to check I hadn’t done ‘said thing’ I hadn’t, but told him I can’t live like this for another 40 or so years and he’s making me feel trapped that I can never do much moan about anything to him or have a different opinion to him. He got really arsey, saying he’s not going to change so what am I going to do about it. Goading me. This is the ‘his surname’ house, the kids have my surname, you have my surname. This isn’t the ‘my maiden name’ house. I finally said ‘I’m done’ and he started acting like he was so happy, he’s been waiting for this etc. he went back to work and I haven’t heard anything since. Where do I go from here? I am the main earner luckily so could buy him out of the house. But I feel like in the mood he’s in he won’t go easily. Any advice or anything I should be thinking about? Obviously I’m devastated for the kids but don’t want my daughter growing up thinking she’s inferior to men. How do I make sure they’re as unaffected as possible? Worried about money as well. I earn well but will obviously be down on what I’m used to if I have to pay for everything. Thanks in advance for the handhold x

OP posts:
Amanitacae · 12/02/2025 20:11

I don’t want my daughter growing up thinking she’s inferior to men.

OP - presumably your other child is a boy, and if so you are also setting a marvellous example for him. x

Pred1cament · 12/02/2025 20:19

harriethoyle · 12/02/2025 20:03

Noooo @Pred1cament don’t talk to his sister - it’s overwhelmingly likely that she’ll take his side. Keep your cards close to
your chest.

Ok, thanks. She actually said to me recently what a difficult character he is and she doesn’t know how I put up with him, but I didn’t really say much. But you’re right, she could take his side, as I know my family will take mine.

OP posts:
allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 12/02/2025 20:33

@Pred1cament OP is he from the culture where he can say I divorce thee, I divorce thee, I divorce thee and that is you divorced???? that would be the best thing if he was. ducks in a row, all passports, birth certs, marriage certs, wage slips (his) all bank accounts, mortgage details etc etc hide them out of the house!

op

LittleMousewithcloggson · 12/02/2025 20:38

Well done for being so strong and setting such a great example for your kids. You are amazing

Endofyear · 12/02/2025 20:52

You're absolutely right to end this now before his controlling behaviour escalates further. Get your important documents together and put them in a safe place, preferably outside of the house (with a trusted friend maybe?) Don't bank on him being reasonable and not forcing the sale of the house - get yourself some legal advice asap. Your children are going to be ok, they are MUCH better off with a mother who is happy and healthy and most importantly safe. Good luck 💐 you are strong and you can do this x

Pred1cament · 12/02/2025 22:16

Endofyear · 12/02/2025 20:52

You're absolutely right to end this now before his controlling behaviour escalates further. Get your important documents together and put them in a safe place, preferably outside of the house (with a trusted friend maybe?) Don't bank on him being reasonable and not forcing the sale of the house - get yourself some legal advice asap. Your children are going to be ok, they are MUCH better off with a mother who is happy and healthy and most importantly safe. Good luck 💐 you are strong and you can do this x

Thank you so much, that means a lot x

OP posts:
Pred1cament · 12/02/2025 22:19

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 12/02/2025 20:33

@Pred1cament OP is he from the culture where he can say I divorce thee, I divorce thee, I divorce thee and that is you divorced???? that would be the best thing if he was. ducks in a row, all passports, birth certs, marriage certs, wage slips (his) all bank accounts, mortgage details etc etc hide them out of the house!

op

I’m not sure how’s it’s done in his culture tbh. We had an English wedding. We had a good chat tonight and we’re not going to rush anything whilst tensions are still high, but he was talking like he plans to be the one to move out so there was no attitude or deliberately being difficult at least.

OP posts:
BookArt55 · 12/02/2025 23:02

Join the divorce/separation group on here, they are great.

I don't like to say it, but it may get worse once reality sets in for him on what he can/can not afford, especially comparing what you can given you earn more. A misogynist isn't going to like that.

Take passports, important paperwork a bag of things for you and the kids, anything you couldn't bear to lost like photos and stash it at a friend's house. Hopefully you never need it, but have it just in case.

Legal advice, get it immediately. Don't tell him, just do it so you can get your ducks in a row.

Unfortunately splitting with finances and children can often bring the bad side out of people. So just be prepared.

If you can in any way evidence that you are the main carer.

Wishing you luck. Well done for making the decision!!!! You're doing the best thing.

DaringlyDizzy · 13/02/2025 14:24

Zanzara · 12/02/2025 19:30

Which is clearly not the scenario here, so not very helpful.

How so? She asked about maintenance as the higher earner? Yes if there is a large discrepancy she may have to pay spousal maintence?

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