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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

WYB miffed? Dd in hospital and dh fucked off to Glastonbury?

889 replies

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 15:58

Just that really.

Long story short, dd 12 has been in and out of hospital the last couple of weeks having to have her obs done as a result of an ED that has really accelerated in the last few weeks. It has been extremely stressful and is obviously upsetting. She’s under camhs and they took her readings last week resulting in me having to take her to A&E. She then had a ward review yesterday and her readings were so low they kept her in overnight. I stayed with her.

DH has been mentioning going to Glastonbury for a while to meet up with an old friend who goes every year. They haven’t been able to get tickets but h seems convinced they’ll be able to bribe someone his friend knows and get in 🙄 apparently “loads of people do it”.

I left the house for her appointment yesterday at 12pm (was supposed to just be a routine appointment) and didn’t manage to ring him until about 7pm as there was no signal in the hospital. I thought he’d have been trying to ring me but no, nothing. He has a stressful job (wfh) and I don’t honestly think he’d even given it a thought. He can be very one track minded.

He has form for being uncaring and unempathetic (I suspect he’s autistic - he has a lot of traits) but we nearly split last year after a build up of issues and he’s been like a changed man since. A lot more caring and considerate. I am starting to notice a few of the old behaviours creeping in though.

Came home last night to get some overnight stuff and after asking how it went/how dd was etc he was like “oh, I’m not going to be able to go to the festival now am I?” I said “it’s up to you, I’m not going to stop you - yes go if you want!” I said (in a jokey way) “it’s on your conscience” But quite honestly I thought he wouldn’t go.
Had a horrible night in the hospital. I’ve had one text from him this morning which I responded to telling him they were still concerned about her blood pressure/heart rate being low and low blood sugar etc and wasn’t sure whether they were keeping her in or not. The dr has now let us come home (he doesnt know this yet - I tried to ring him as we were leaving but he didn’t answer) but we have a nurse coming out at the weekend to check on her and do more obs, so it’s pretty serious. They said if she doesn’t improve over the next couple of weeks it will be another hospital admittance and complete bed rest with a feeding plan which is usually for two weeks.

Anyway, got home and he’s not here - he’s fucked off to Glastonbury!! No message either since the one this morning. No note, he’s just gone and when I asked ds he said “I think he’s gone to Glastonbury” (ds is a typical teenage boy hooked up to his Xbox and probably wouldn’t notice if the house was burning down)!

Im not angry I just think he’s a selfish arse and I’m a bit incredulous really. Can you imagine one of us mum’s doing that? It’s not even like he has a ticket and would lose the money.

Oh, and it’s our anniversary this weekend which I’m guessing he’ll be missing too.

He isn’t a sociable or “going out with the lads” type of person usually - this is a one off to be fair to him. He is a good dad generally, just often seems to be missing some kind of empathy gene. I know he’ll be thinking “it makes no difference whether I’m there or not”. But what if they’d kept her in and I needed him to bring stuff/come and take over for a bit? It’s selfish and unthinking imo.

Anyway, I think I just wanted to get opinions really. Feeling a bit upset and like “no, he hasn’t changed really has he?”

But maybe IABU and it’s not a big deal bc she’s not in imminent danger?

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Scout2016 · 26/06/2025 20:56

Well I guess he will say he was tricked or you were testing him.

And so what if you were actively testing him? I know you weren't but you'd have been reasonable to - Let's see what choice you make and if you've changed. Let's see if me and the kids can rely on you.

I don't imagine having an ill sibling is much fun for your other children either, and ED's impact on other people. So maybe the Right thing to do would be stay around for your family and at least pretend to give a fuck.

It wasn't an abusive test, where there's no right option and you're just trying to grind them down. But unintentional as it was meant he was put to the test and he failed big time. So I guess you know where you and the kids are.

Sorry you and your family are having a rough time OP.

DifferentChoicesTooLate · 26/06/2025 20:56

I would not even say it’s to do with Glasto, I would say:

”I’ve realised you’re not the man I thought you were and no longer find your personality attractive so I’m filing for a divorce”

What’s the point in pulling everything apart?

Move on and build your own life.

myrtleWilson · 26/06/2025 20:57

@Supersimkin7 you are right that children with an ED absolutely dominate/obliterate all relationships but that doesn't give @Hopetheportaloosareminging DH the right to unilaterally opt out.

@Hopetheportaloosareminging first off - are you on the support thread for young people with an ED, in the ED topic? I inadvertently started it and it was a godsend of a helpful place for me and many others - the depths that this illness takes us all down to are not recognised by health practitioners let alone the general public so do take up the support that the thread offers to all.

PyongyangKipperbang · 26/06/2025 20:58

Emma543 · 26/06/2025 20:15

Wow I’d be really sad initially OP but after the picture I’d be bloody livid.
although he can argue you didn’t say he can’t go I would say it was an opportunity to show putting his family first rather than himself.. which he failed.

Yeah this bats his "But you said I could go!" right back at him.
Perfect response.

Supersimkin7 · 26/06/2025 20:59

I take it all back.

OP, the break you deserve is from DH. He’s no good.

Brace yourself. DH is not that fond of his wife and kids but he’ll go mental when you try and boot him out.

He’s not outraged cos he loves you, he’s cross because he hasn’t got his own way.

It’s so hard to hear this that no one will say it, but he doesn’t love you or his children.

Well, he might do a little bit, but not enough to be a husband or father. Or share a house. Or be allowed to pretend he’s a functioning man.

Tell DDs shrink this.

ThisKindAmberLemur · 26/06/2025 20:59

I'm autistic. I still get to make choices about whether I'm an arsehole.

You sound really strong, determined and capable. I seriously hope you get some time for yourself to decompress, or build a little routine into your life so that you don't drown in the tsunami of shit you're dealing with. You can survive him, you can probably even survive staying married to him, but it'll take a bit of effort to assert a modicum of selfishness on your part to be able to carry on coping.

godmum56 · 26/06/2025 21:00

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 16:07

Yes, he’ll use that against me now if I tell him I’m annoyed.

He sees things in black and white and "lacks empathy" and you said "go if you like" I mean yeah he shouldn't have gone but do you think you could learn to communicate with him better, given you know what he is like? Oh and PS the "knowing someone who can get you in" (and subsequent failure) was a storyline in the comedy show Jam and Jerusalem screened in 2007. I think he's a bit behind the beat there.

whynotwhatknot · 26/06/2025 21:00

he didnt even ask how dd was or any update

hes not autistic op hes just a bastard

Emonade · 26/06/2025 21:02

ThatDeepGoose · 26/06/2025 16:00

At some point you have to take responsibility for marrying this man. It’s as simple as that really.

Why is it in anyway her fault!! He sounds like an absolute arse, autism is in now way an excuse, as someone with autism and an excess of empathy!!! You shouldn’t have to deal with everything on your own and he is being a terrible husband and father

LotaWyseWomen · 26/06/2025 21:02

My dd has an ED. She’s getting a lot better and I really feel for you. My dh is likely autisitc. Dd too although both staunchly deny the possibility. We have been using someone privately for the past year - CAMHS were useless and discharged her as she refused to cooperate - and dh has engaged in the process kicking and screaming along the way.

It is really important for parents to create a united front. My dh may be the main breadwinner but I saved my dd’s life last year. Your job right now is far more important than your dh’s. If funds allow I would consider looking at paid help with someone very conversant in autism as they will likely help you to get him into line. If you go on the current ED thread you’ll get advice help.

Rm2018 · 26/06/2025 21:03

I would never ever forgive this and would probably change the locks. Imagine not even asking after your seriously ill child. My kids are autistic and would never do anything so bloody selfish. He in fact just a giant twunt

usedtobeaylis · 26/06/2025 21:03

ZenNudist · 26/06/2025 20:27

I think yabu to have told him it was OK to go when it's clearly not.

It would be the end of the road for me. I recently had a dc in hospital and dh rallied around. We were both done in by the end of the week. Dc was fine!

I'd pack his bags and change the locks. He can sofa surf with his glastonbury mate like it's 1993.

The fact he was even acting like a big man baby and putting on the sad face to check if he could go. Who can bothered with that?

ThejoyofNC · 26/06/2025 21:04

Would he come home if you asked him to?

usedtobeaylis · 26/06/2025 21:04

TesChique · 26/06/2025 20:33

You told him it was fine to go and he...went.

He sounds like an arse but for gods sake use your words

"No you can't go to fucking Glastonbury our daughter is gravely ill."

Why does he need to be told that though? He is a grown man.

BecFlowers · 26/06/2025 21:04

ThatDeepGoose · 26/06/2025 16:00

At some point you have to take responsibility for marrying this man. It’s as simple as that really.

The wife has to take responsibility for “picking badly” - not him? As a husband and father? Seriously?

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 21:05

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Oh I wish!

He just put a selfie on the family WhatsApp of him with all the activity behind him.

Ive never wanted to slap someone so much!

OP posts:
PyongyangKipperbang · 26/06/2025 21:08

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 21:05

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Oh I wish!

He just put a selfie on the family WhatsApp of him with all the activity behind him.

Ive never wanted to slap someone so much!

Why dont you (and the kids if they feel the same) leave the group?

Would speak volumes.

whynotwhatknot · 26/06/2025 21:08

do the family know about dd or will they just make excuses for him

Dingalingalong · 26/06/2025 21:09

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 21:05

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Oh I wish!

He just put a selfie on the family WhatsApp of him with all the activity behind him.

Ive never wanted to slap someone so much!

I'd ignore his selfie and post an update about your DD to the rest of the family (on the same group).

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 21:10

BMW6 · 26/06/2025 20:40

I'd be inclined to text him "How nice for you. Don't bother coming back. Ever."

Hahahaaa! Yes and maybe I could add “I hope it’s comfy in your van as that’s where you’ll be sleeping for the foreseeable”

OP posts:
Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 21:11

alcoholnightmare · 26/06/2025 20:31

Have your kids responded to his text @Hopetheportaloosareminging? Personally, if they haven’t, I’d let the tumbleweed go past for the weekend on that group chat

They have unfortunately - they think it’s funny (but they’re used to his narcissistic ways I guess)

I on the other hand have been playing everything down a bit to the boys bc I don’t want to worry them. We also have a dd on holiday with her friends atm so dont want to worry her.

OP posts:
Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 21:14

Supersimkin7 · 26/06/2025 20:43

controversial I know, but I’m with DH - ED patients can suck the family into their crazy and a break is good for DD and DH.

As long as you get a break too.

Except dh hasn’t actually been shouldering any of the stress. I have.

I know I’d like to fuck off to a spa for the weekend but I wouldn’t even consider it atm - that’s (one of) the differences between him and I.

OP posts:
reinforcementz · 26/06/2025 21:15

Remove him from the family group

ILoveLeopard245 · 26/06/2025 21:15

Not read all the posts OP but I am sad you are dealing with this on top of supporting a young person with an ED. When our son was desperately unwell with anorexia and having hospital admissions, it was a terrible time. There is no way either of us would be going to Glastonbury!! Absolutely mind blowing.

SunnySideDeepDown · 26/06/2025 21:16

My husband is also missing the “emotional chip” we call it. I managed ok with this before children but it’s caused some issues since children; he just doesn’t get it.

Anyway, I sympathise. But if it’s not common, and he’s not playing a part in her care (I assume she wants you with her), then I would let it go. It’s a chance for him to let his hair down over one weekend.

BUT when your daughter is feeling a little better, make sure you take a few days to yourself somewhere to unwind.