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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Don’t want to do activities, and disappointed DH - am I ruining his time?

86 replies

butyeah · 24/08/2025 13:32

Our family have been through a recent bereavement of granddad.

He passed away Wednesday. We had a break away planned for a water sports competition with camping. I said to DH on Thursday that I don’t think we should go because we need to offer support to grandma. He was very upset about this, and said he is “losing control of his life” because he didn’t “create” this situation and he needs a break. So I went.

His sister usually comes with us and buddies up with me, but she’s not come this time because she’s not well. So it’s me and our usual group, but I do miss her a lot.

Now we’re here, I just don’t have the energy to do any of the activities. I’ve done bbqs for when the others have finished their activities, and I’ve built a fire and sat with DH and his friends all evening when they’re done.

DH has said he feels disappointed in me because he wants to do the activities with me. I’ve said im sorry but I just don’t want to, but I want him to have a good time. I’ve made a real effort to try to be happy and I am speaking to everyone happily!

He said “you haven’t even tried”, so I did and had a panic attack, left quietly and didn’t make a fuss. He said “we’ve done this millions of times before, what’s different now?” And “we shouldn’t have even booked to come then.” But when we booked I DID want to do it, it’s just now in here I feel flat and it feels wrong being here. I can’t explain why. Me and DSIL go easy when we do this hobby, but DH and friends don’t - they go out deep, fast etc. I don’t like that! But I get why they do, I’m just not that brave!

I feel I’ve made a lot of effort - I came, I’ve given it a go, I’ve accommodated his friends, cooked for them, been supportive with photo taking etc!

Aibu to not do the activities with him? Should I just put on my big girl pants and do it?!?!

OP posts:
AugustSlippedAwayIntoAMomentInTime · 24/08/2025 16:22

I'm sorry, but your husband is a massive arsehole.

He wants you there to look after him ... and to do it cheerfully.

Can't believe you're letting him talk to you like that while you're still cooking and cleaning up after the arsehole.

You should have packed your own bag up and left him to it after his first go.

You know he won't be there for you in future when things go wrong in your life, don't you. He's showing you who he is. Please take note.

outerspacepotato · 24/08/2025 16:25

My sympathies to you and your family and I hope you can spend time with your grandmother

ForestAtTheSea · 24/08/2025 16:56

ginasevern · 24/08/2025 15:45

I think the death of grandad is not the main issue here. Your DH is wanting you to do something that is way out of your comfort zone. I imagine it's something perhaps like surfing (when you say they go out "deep and fast") or white water rafting perhaps? Those activities are not without danger and they need skill. I imagine you and DSil potter around in the shallow end but he now expects you to be a fully fledged, high octane surfer (or whatever). Well it's not like going ten pin bowling ffs! He's being a prize cunt, regardless of any bereavement, and insisting you to do something that could harm you and against your best interests. I should reconsider your future OP.

I'm sorry for your loss, OP

This is a very good point (within all the other good points that PP raised):

He wants you to take on a risky activity but you don't want to and possibly (due to not being very interested in it) do not have the skills or experience to cope with the risk.
You could get into a dangerous situation and don't know how to deal with it.
He is thus actively sending you into harm and overriding your own safekeeping thoughts.
Combined with his level of empathy (zero), how would a situation unfold in which you are injured from this sport and he would have to take on more work at home or 100% childcare until you've recovered?

Taunting others to go into danger when you know they don't want to or don't know how to deal with it sounds somewhat psycho, too.

Don't put yourself in unneccessary danger. Take on the sport at your own speed, if you want to, and if you don't, just don't do it.

Petitchat · 24/08/2025 17:01

I'm sorry to say this when you're recently bereaved, OP.
But I'm sick to death of hearing about this type of manchild.

There's so many women on mumsnet who are married to them. It's sickening.

Why? Just why?

EH1768 · 24/08/2025 17:17

Sulking men are a real bore, why are there so many of them??!

sittingonabeach · 24/08/2025 17:21

Does he behave like this normally?

ChopsyHatesFungus · 24/08/2025 19:23

I’m so sorry for your loss OP. 💐

Your DH is a complete arsehole to not recognise that he should be prioritising you and your feelings at this time, not his sodding activities.

His mother sounds a right gem too, ganging up on you and making it all about her bloody son.

I’m guessing that you’re constantly walking on eggshells trying to please him if he’s a regular sulker. Maybe in time, you’ll reflect back and realise that it’s time to put yourself first as clearly your (D)H won’t ever do that. It’s all Me, Me, Me with him.

Honestly OP, there are good men out there and you don’t have to settle for one that shits all over your feelings. You deserve so much more. x

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 24/08/2025 19:33

@butyeah so sorry that you have such an unsympathetic man for a husband!!! he is really uncompassionate. wonder how different he would be if it was his grandad who had died? hey ho, as long as he gets to stick to his hobbies and plans. I think he will have this attitude for life. sorry. as for your mil! lets just say the apple didnt fall far from the tree there!!

Flamingoknees · 24/08/2025 19:39

He means he can't cope with losing control of you OP.
Selfishness personified.

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 24/08/2025 19:55

He's a total prick. Has he always been one? Or is this only when the limelight isn't on him? Either way, still a prick, couldn't live with a prick.

Laura95167 · 24/08/2025 21:20

Your Grandad died on Wednesday and hes huffing you arent playing with him?! Hes being a right c*nt

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