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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:
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6
thepariscrimefiles · 28/06/2025 08:53

This reply has been deleted

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Lol!! You're just trolling us now! I'm sure OP is hoping that he meets someone at Glastonbury as a pain-free way to get rid of him.

You have been told by me and other posters that OP has said that he doesn't really get involved with the care of their daughter, doesn't spend time with her in hospital and doesn't really take her ED seriously. He refused to pick OP up from hospital after she had a general anaesthetic so wasn't allowed to drive. He is not a nice man.

Your unqualified support for this loser and utterly shit father is laughable and you are just making yourself look like a twat.

askmenow · 28/06/2025 08:54

Wow what behaviours is your husband modelling for your son....

And which lucky woman is going to be the beneficiary of your sons behaviours. And it goes on....

LookingAtMyBhunas · 28/06/2025 09:00

Oh my god @PatriarchyRuinedMyPesto take a hint from your own username and stop being boring and pick me (look it up) won't you.

OP, you say - He always thinks everything will be ok. He’s not the one who’s been liasing with dr’s, nurses, therapists and taking her to meetings

Remember that things will be OK. But not bevasue of anything he's done, quite the opposite. Everything to him is always OK because you're there to manage it and fix it. Must be lovely to be him to be fair. Imagine how it would feel to be able to just hang up all your responsibilities on a peg and bugger off for a whole weekend during this.

You did the right thing messaging the family chat. Your kids, and you, sound very switched onto him. I'd place bets that the older DC have got their own WhatsApp group and are secretly happy that you're finally seeing the light.

Have you heard from him since?

Mumof2heroes · 28/06/2025 09:19

PatriarchyRuinedMyPesto · 27/06/2025 23:17

That’s nothing to be proud of. Some people are actually fun you know. Why the casual ageism and sexism? Plenty of people in their 30s and 40s and beyond go to Glastonbury and other festivals such as Download, not to mention gigs. Are we all supposed to turn into a hermit once reaching an arbitrary age?

The lack of respect for the Dad is very out of order. He probs sacrifices a lot, provides a lot and is allowed to have a break for a few days. Tickets are notoriously hard to get too. As for the DC not being impressed, they should be more grateful for the sacrifices that their father has no doubt made for them over the years, this attitude shows everything that’s wrong with modern parenting

Have you even read what the OP has written? He really doesn't seem the type to be making sacrifices or even barely contributing to family life so I've no idea where this hero dad has come from. He is more than happy to leave his family at a very difficult time to go on a jolly which he has clearly lied about and now expects everyone to revel in how cool he is! I think you might need to give your head a wobble.

LakieLady · 28/06/2025 09:22

When I was in hospital for 3 weeks, my DF left work early every day, so that he could get home from central London in time to pick my mother up and drive 12 miles to a different part of London to visit me. They visited every single day.

I was 27 at the time, but they still came every day.

When my brother broke his arm and had to have an operation, DF flew home from Germany, where he was working, to see him.

It never occurred to me that this wasn't normal.

BlueJuniper94 · 28/06/2025 09:27

Backtoreality1 · 26/06/2025 16:10

So you told him to go - and he went. Sorry but what did you expect?

These comments are so disingenuous

Mumtobabyhavoc · 28/06/2025 09:29

This reply has been deleted

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😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Good one.

dontwannadothis · 28/06/2025 09:30

There's been studies showing the crap parenting from dad can impact EDs in girls I'd get rid of him - your daughter deserves a million times better

Pateallday · 28/06/2025 09:33

Please stop responding to the disingenuous poster everyone. Its clear they aren't reading the updates and are on the wind up. Trying to converse with someone who isn't acting in good faith is beneath us, especially on a thread that includes an unwell child.

VerbenaGirl · 28/06/2025 09:34

Saw this moments after reading this post…

WYB miffed? Dd in hospital and dh fucked off to Glastonbury?
Ymiryboo · 28/06/2025 09:35

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 27/06/2025 22:28

Yes, this is it exactly. I do think there’s something “not right” about him. He doesn’t seem to think like other people and I’ve just come not to rely on him for anything.

Ive been with my dm and dd today and had a really nice day - I’m just catching up with the thread.

Last night I messaged him and basically told him exactly what I thought of him. His response - predictably- was “you said I could go” and how I’m a big meanie for having a go at him.This was after I’d sent a long message telling him how I felt, how stressed and upsetting it’s been and telling him what happened in the hospital (he hasnt asked). At that point he didn’t even know if we were still at the hospital or not. He still didn’t ring to try and talk or apologise or find out info about dd. I told him it was his choice to go, I’m not his mum and I’m not telling him how to behave like a decent person.
Today I cracked after he put another blase message on WhatsApp like “oh it’s great here, just chillin next to the main stage”. I put a message on the family WhatsApp detailing what had happened with dd (up to this point I’d not informed the dcs of what’s been going on as I did t want to worry them but I just thought “fuck it - they should know what an arse their dad is”.) I was just quite matter of fact about what’s been going on and that I came home and dads gone off to Glastonbury without even ringing or leaving a message - and that I don’t think it’s very fair to be posting “look what fun I’m having” and pics when he knows im upset and have had an awful couple of weeks. I don’t want my boys thinking this is normal behaviour or my dds thinking I’m a pushover.
I honestly think the dcs just think he’s a pillock anyway and are used to him. Eldest Ds said as much earlier today “don’t worry mum, we all know what he’s like - we live with him don’t we? You shouldn’t think that we don’t get it or think he’s funny or a crazy guy for doing that”. That made me feel validated but also really sad that he feels that way. None of the dcs have responded to his messages and they’re not impressed.
My dm was shocked and disgusted and that isnt even like her - she usually never takes sides but she knows how unhappy I was last year and is disappointed he’s reverted back to type.

I always question myself and whether I’m wrong for feeling the way I do. I’m tired of it, I’ve had it for 20 odd years now. Tired of waiting for him to get some emotional intelligence and act in the way a caring husband and father would .

I think he had a ticket all along - and it is totally something he would lie about to make a good story. It’s pathetic.

Im just a bit drained today and thinking through my options. I massively feel like I’ve got the ick though, I’m dreading him coming back and it’s a shame bc we’d been getting on quite well. Now I just feel like no one can really change and I’m not sure I want to be with someone who consistently lets me down.

DD is ok, she has eaten well and we’re watching Hercules together. She said she “thinks it’s a bit weird” that dad has gone off to Glastonbury when she was in hospital. That was totally unprompted, I haven’t said anything to her. It’s heartbreaking really.

Ive often felt that the kids and I are like commodities to him. He likes having a wife and family but he doesn’t really connect with people - it’s so difficult to explain. Hes told me himself he doesn’t think he’s normal.

Thanks everyone who’s been supportive.

And just to point out: he doesn’t have an autism diagnosis - I’ve just said he has autistic traits. He understands right from wrong and nuance in conversations. It’s no excuse, and I’m sick of making excuses for him.

Im actually having a lovely time without him here - it’s nice just focussing on me and the DCs.

He's much more likely to be a psychopath than autistic. I'm not sure why you keep going to autism when several people have told you no they are myths and not actual traits of autistic people.

diddl · 28/06/2025 09:41

if he didn’t have to support his family,

Perhaps he should have stayed single then?

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 28/06/2025 09:51

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

Maybe he’ll meet someone nicer at Glastonbury

Actually, that sounds quite appealing!

The rest, no he’s never been in hospital. I’m presuming you are on crack or something as your posts are completely batshit. It’s amusing me though so please do continue 🤣

OP posts:
UnintentionalArcher · 28/06/2025 10:21

ThatCyanCat · 28/06/2025 08:48

Far from ruining your pesto, patriarchy seems to be serving you very nicely. A female-centred forum shouldn't make you feel this threatened, but it's a very common reaction.

Very much agree with this. The threat response - this poster might be well advised to avoid a forum that they find to be an ‘echo chamber’ but, like many who are threatened by ideas which don’t fit their particular (in this case sexist) worldview, they’re drawn back helplessly like a bee to nectar. They either haven’t read the OP’s multiple posts giving context about her other’s half’s much broader selfishness (this doesn’t just sound like a well-deserved break taken by an otherwise good husband or father) or they have and are ignoring that information because it doesn’t suit their view. Like the OP has just implied, though, they’re not gaining any traction here and nor are they likely to, so I think we can safely let them keep banging a drum that nobody’s listening to.

springintoaction321 · 28/06/2025 10:32

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.

Wow - the prize for most unhelpful comment goes to the above 🙄

@Hopetheportaloosareminging your DH sounds incredibly selfish whether he has autism or not. I hope your daughter is getting good care and try to be kind to yourself as well as it sounds like a very tough situation.

Thedevilhasfinallycaughtupwithhim · 28/06/2025 10:47

springintoaction321 · 28/06/2025 10:32

Wow - the prize for most unhelpful comment goes to the above 🙄

@Hopetheportaloosareminging your DH sounds incredibly selfish whether he has autism or not. I hope your daughter is getting good care and try to be kind to yourself as well as it sounds like a very tough situation.

I agree… but, there is really only one way in which to no longer be married to a selfish man like this and it’s completely OP’s responsibility to make that happen.

VickyEadieofThigh · 28/06/2025 10:51

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 27/06/2025 22:28

Yes, this is it exactly. I do think there’s something “not right” about him. He doesn’t seem to think like other people and I’ve just come not to rely on him for anything.

Ive been with my dm and dd today and had a really nice day - I’m just catching up with the thread.

Last night I messaged him and basically told him exactly what I thought of him. His response - predictably- was “you said I could go” and how I’m a big meanie for having a go at him.This was after I’d sent a long message telling him how I felt, how stressed and upsetting it’s been and telling him what happened in the hospital (he hasnt asked). At that point he didn’t even know if we were still at the hospital or not. He still didn’t ring to try and talk or apologise or find out info about dd. I told him it was his choice to go, I’m not his mum and I’m not telling him how to behave like a decent person.
Today I cracked after he put another blase message on WhatsApp like “oh it’s great here, just chillin next to the main stage”. I put a message on the family WhatsApp detailing what had happened with dd (up to this point I’d not informed the dcs of what’s been going on as I did t want to worry them but I just thought “fuck it - they should know what an arse their dad is”.) I was just quite matter of fact about what’s been going on and that I came home and dads gone off to Glastonbury without even ringing or leaving a message - and that I don’t think it’s very fair to be posting “look what fun I’m having” and pics when he knows im upset and have had an awful couple of weeks. I don’t want my boys thinking this is normal behaviour or my dds thinking I’m a pushover.
I honestly think the dcs just think he’s a pillock anyway and are used to him. Eldest Ds said as much earlier today “don’t worry mum, we all know what he’s like - we live with him don’t we? You shouldn’t think that we don’t get it or think he’s funny or a crazy guy for doing that”. That made me feel validated but also really sad that he feels that way. None of the dcs have responded to his messages and they’re not impressed.
My dm was shocked and disgusted and that isnt even like her - she usually never takes sides but she knows how unhappy I was last year and is disappointed he’s reverted back to type.

I always question myself and whether I’m wrong for feeling the way I do. I’m tired of it, I’ve had it for 20 odd years now. Tired of waiting for him to get some emotional intelligence and act in the way a caring husband and father would .

I think he had a ticket all along - and it is totally something he would lie about to make a good story. It’s pathetic.

Im just a bit drained today and thinking through my options. I massively feel like I’ve got the ick though, I’m dreading him coming back and it’s a shame bc we’d been getting on quite well. Now I just feel like no one can really change and I’m not sure I want to be with someone who consistently lets me down.

DD is ok, she has eaten well and we’re watching Hercules together. She said she “thinks it’s a bit weird” that dad has gone off to Glastonbury when she was in hospital. That was totally unprompted, I haven’t said anything to her. It’s heartbreaking really.

Ive often felt that the kids and I are like commodities to him. He likes having a wife and family but he doesn’t really connect with people - it’s so difficult to explain. Hes told me himself he doesn’t think he’s normal.

Thanks everyone who’s been supportive.

And just to point out: he doesn’t have an autism diagnosis - I’ve just said he has autistic traits. He understands right from wrong and nuance in conversations. It’s no excuse, and I’m sick of making excuses for him.

Im actually having a lovely time without him here - it’s nice just focussing on me and the DCs.

I know it's after the fact, but is there any way you can find out if he paid for a ticket - bank account, credit card or whatever?

Dandeliontea123 · 28/06/2025 12:27

He hasn’t asked you how your DD is today, and yet he’s posting photos from Glastonbury expecting likes and comments from his family?

anonymoususer9876 · 28/06/2025 12:44

I feel thoroughly upset and angry on your behalf @Hopetheportaloosareminging.
I don't think autism, I think it's NPD (narcissistic personality disorder). If he wants to change, first thing he needs to do to save your marriage is to see is GP and take it from there.

Braygirlnow · 28/06/2025 13:15

Hopetheportaloosareminging · 26/06/2025 16:04

99% sure.

I dont want to message him as I want to see how long it takes him to message me tbh. Petty but true.

Why are you playing games? When he said " I don't suppose I can go now can I?" Why not say no!
But the fact he still went without even confirming that he was still going would tell me his a selfish sod....and no autism is not an excuse for this I have 4 family members who are autistic but none of them are this selfish.

Mrsbloggz · 28/06/2025 13:23

Braygirlnow · 28/06/2025 13:15

Why are you playing games? When he said " I don't suppose I can go now can I?" Why not say no!
But the fact he still went without even confirming that he was still going would tell me his a selfish sod....and no autism is not an excuse for this I have 4 family members who are autistic but none of them are this selfish.

"I don't suppose I can go now" is a rhetorical question, ie it is designed to make you feel guilty!
Yes she should have said no but the question did its work, she felt a strong sense of guilt which prevented her from refusing.

Codlingmoths · 28/06/2025 13:24

VickyEadieofThigh · 28/06/2025 10:51

I know it's after the fact, but is there any way you can find out if he paid for a ticket - bank account, credit card or whatever?

What a complete waste of the ops time. She should just move on and focus on people who matter to her and people who care about her. He’s neither.

VickyEadieofThigh · 28/06/2025 13:25

Codlingmoths · 28/06/2025 13:24

What a complete waste of the ops time. She should just move on and focus on people who matter to her and people who care about her. He’s neither.

You're right, of course - but I'm of the 'I'll prove the lying hound was already going' ilk!

shuggles · 28/06/2025 13:26

@BlueyNeedsToFuckOff And it’s not an age-restricted activity - how strange that someone would think that over-25s aren’t interested in music!

Of course over-25s are interested in music. But why do I need to travel to a concert hall on the other side of the country to experience it?

WindyAnna · 28/06/2025 13:39

I have an autistic husband and a daughter with an ED. He found it really difficult to deal with but if he'd gone he would have driven off and sat in a field somewhere beating himself up (literally) about being unable to support her. Or gone to bed and shut us out hearing himself and leaving me to cope.

His behaviour drives me nuts sometimes but no way would he have fucked off to Glastonbury to have a good time and post cheery shit in the family chat.

Wishing you the best with the ED. We had same, body starting to fail, hospital and CAMHS. Got her an autistic diagnosis as a result which helped loads. 5 years in she's in recovery but it's been shite. Sending love and hope x