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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Genuinely, what the hell do I do?

370 replies

LolNotFunny · 25/09/2025 20:00

I know this will make me sound awful but I really need some advice because I have no one to talk to in real life. My fiancé is 47, I’m 33 and we have a 3 year old. We have been together for 7 years. He is a good dad. His age has always been a bit of an issue for me but I loved him so much so we carried on. Recently though I have found myself increasingly more bothered by it. I have lied to my colleagues about his age because I was embarrassed. The fact he’s nearly 50 freaks me out. We argue quite a lot. He has PTSD so has some anger issues and can become really defensive at the most innocent of comments. I’m very sarcastic which he doesn’t get and just sees as criticism or me having a go. I feel like I have to censor myself sometimes and I find this really hard. We have gone from having a nice day one moment then one comment is made by me and it turns into a big argument over literally nothing. I remember the other year on the last day of our holiday I literally just said something about not believing there was no more room in his suitcase with a smile as I had more to pack and he flew off the handle basically saying I was accusing him of lying. He is quite serious and obsessed with the news. We are engaged. My friend once asked if it would be the happiest day of my life because she said she can’t wait to marry her partner. I honestly don’t feel that way. If we got married, it would be transactional (I know how cold that sounds). We own a house together. I couldn’t afford to live here without him. He loves me very much and pays all the bills, has taken life insurance out so we are always cared for, I would be entitled to his pension and he is likely set to inherit a substantial amount of money, enough to clear the mortgage. The relationship is by no means toxic or abusive, our son is happy. I’m just not in love and happy. I’m not unhappy per see, probably a little indifferent. I could stay and play nice. If it was just us, I’d have left I think but we have our son and I have to think about the life we can give him as a couple versus just me. I could move back in with my parents but I love our home and I know me and my son are financially protected. The money etc. shouldn’t be a factor but unfortunately it is. My question is with all of the above, what would you do?

OP posts:
BTMama1 · 27/09/2025 19:37

I don't think your feelings are invalid. You show a high level of self awareness. Seven years in and a child as well, exposes the tensions in anyone's relationship. However, you are beginning to question whether the things that are good about your situation outweigh the things that are difficult. Meanwhile, neither of you are talking about the underlying, escalating tension but are 'acting out' instead.
Someone else has said it, and I think they are right, you may need someone to help you both talk to each other without the risk of one of you having a major meltdown during the process. But for that to happen you are going to have to admit to your partner that you are not happy. He probably knows that anyway. He's probably not that happy.

Scary stuff and big things to think about. You don't have to act in haste, you can let it sit with you for a while before you take the next step. But it does sound like things are getting bad enough for you to want to do something. Good luck.

Squigglydums · 27/09/2025 19:38

Springadorable · 25/09/2025 20:04

It sounds like you may be making jibes and comments and he's picking up on the undercurrents of contempt and embarrassment from you, while you're trying to disguise them as just being sarcastic. And that will erode your relationship pretty fast. You don't love him. Let him find someone who does. Sort your finances so that you can leave because it's not ethical to stay and let him pay for everything when you don't even sound like you like him, let alone love.

Exactly this. You got it on one.

mini182 · 27/09/2025 19:38

If you don’t love him then leave, sounds like you only want to stay for security and money which is awful! He deserve to have someone who loves him and wants to be with him

Braygirlnow · 27/09/2025 19:38

GoodTimesNoodleSalad · 25/09/2025 20:11

‘I literally just said something about not believing there was no more room in his suitcase with a smile as I had more to pack and he flew off the handle basically saying I was accusing him of lying.’

Well, you were. Why the need for the smile, implying he’s a liar? Why couldn’t you take his word for it?

I’d find it hard to live with your little digs and snide comments too. You know you’re doing it, so why no self-reflection? Why don’t you stop?

Because she is onto a good thing, she doesn't love him but he pays for everything.

Xmasbaby11 · 27/09/2025 19:43

I have a DH 11 years older and if the age gap is bothering you now, it will only get worse. It wasn't noticeable when we were younger, only recently, and now at 49 and 60, it feels like he is nearing retirement while I am mid career. Of course it can work but you have to love him and be committed, so try to be honest with yourself. If it is too much hard work for either of you, it may be better to split sooner rather than later.

RosyFairy · 27/09/2025 19:44

It's very sad and I'm sorry for you both. I've watched a friend and his wife with a similar age gap and can see it's a struggle as 14 years is a gap that grows bigger mainly as he gets older. It may sound odd but even his childhood would be different from yours - if you think about it at 14 he was starting exam courses and you were being born ! You do have an added issue with his PTSD - is / has he had help for that ? It would scare me as nobody really knows how it can affect someone. Sarcasm is actually horrible - it's not useful, clever or funny and hurtful and that's how he is probably feeling. I expect it's a just a coping mechanism for you and maybe you don't realise you're doing it at the time but it's not nice. I think that you would benefit from counselling and just talking to a person as you've said you have nobody to talk to and it'll be helpful for you to have a dialogue about the situation and counsellors are experienced in this type of situation. Then when you feel happier with yourself and what you want and need from life, then talk to him - maybe with the counsellor. Maybe he's feeling unhappy too but doesn't want or know how to talk about it. All I can see is staying as you are you will get more resentful and unhappy and it's likely to eek into the rest of your life, it's hard for it not to and it may lead to a not so happy home for your son. We don't know how long we have to live but it's a shame to be living it and not being happy and you will find a way of doing that but I think you do need help to do that. I do wish you well.

Hotflushesandchilblains · 27/09/2025 19:48

To be honest, I am always suspicious of people who claim to have a sarcastic sense of humour - its often a cover up for being a passive aggressive arsehole. You are jabbing at him because of how you feel and he is reacting. If he has PTSD he needs to get to grips with that, but from what you have said, you really need to leave this relationship.

amenabel · 27/09/2025 19:48

sounds to me like you dont (or perhaps you do) understand that you are basically henpecking and making insulting jabs and he has finally had enough. It takes two

amenabel · 27/09/2025 19:49

or perhaps her "sarcastic" nature is a root cause of his "anger." one can only take so much and she implies she is heavy on it

amenabel · 27/09/2025 19:54

you're encouraging OP to let this man live a lie imposed onto him so she can be comfortable financially? and then leave him once someone makes her heart race?? yikes

YerArseInParsley · 27/09/2025 20:02

LolNotFunny · 25/09/2025 20:00

I know this will make me sound awful but I really need some advice because I have no one to talk to in real life. My fiancé is 47, I’m 33 and we have a 3 year old. We have been together for 7 years. He is a good dad. His age has always been a bit of an issue for me but I loved him so much so we carried on. Recently though I have found myself increasingly more bothered by it. I have lied to my colleagues about his age because I was embarrassed. The fact he’s nearly 50 freaks me out. We argue quite a lot. He has PTSD so has some anger issues and can become really defensive at the most innocent of comments. I’m very sarcastic which he doesn’t get and just sees as criticism or me having a go. I feel like I have to censor myself sometimes and I find this really hard. We have gone from having a nice day one moment then one comment is made by me and it turns into a big argument over literally nothing. I remember the other year on the last day of our holiday I literally just said something about not believing there was no more room in his suitcase with a smile as I had more to pack and he flew off the handle basically saying I was accusing him of lying. He is quite serious and obsessed with the news. We are engaged. My friend once asked if it would be the happiest day of my life because she said she can’t wait to marry her partner. I honestly don’t feel that way. If we got married, it would be transactional (I know how cold that sounds). We own a house together. I couldn’t afford to live here without him. He loves me very much and pays all the bills, has taken life insurance out so we are always cared for, I would be entitled to his pension and he is likely set to inherit a substantial amount of money, enough to clear the mortgage. The relationship is by no means toxic or abusive, our son is happy. I’m just not in love and happy. I’m not unhappy per see, probably a little indifferent. I could stay and play nice. If it was just us, I’d have left I think but we have our son and I have to think about the life we can give him as a couple versus just me. I could move back in with my parents but I love our home and I know me and my son are financially protected. The money etc. shouldn’t be a factor but unfortunately it is. My question is with all of the above, what would you do?

Let that man go. Don't stay for his money.

Longdarkcloud · 27/09/2025 20:05

OP you need counselling to help you decide what it is you really need.
If you decide you can’t stay for the long term make a plan as to how you can make your life as pleasant as possible and how you can cope as a single mother. Things will be financially easier when your wee boy is of school age.
Organise activities so you avoid spending time with your partner at times when he is most sensitive.
I realise it is so frustrating being accused of intending insult when you just make an innocent statement but sometimes they seem determined to take offence.
Good luck

IMI350 · 27/09/2025 20:15

Everyone saying end the reactionship. But honestly. These situations happen. These thoughts come along. They eat us up. Resentment builds on both sides. Sounds like you are tired and fed up and all you know is the benefits or losses. Like counting the give or take this is very common in relationships around about that time 7 to 10 years mark. Every relationship has different stages. In terms of marriage for example, you marry multiple people in the same person. The person you marry, the person you start a life with, ghe persin you have kids with, the person after the kids grow up and leave etc. Then theres all the seasons in between and difficulties and celebrations. Its not always going to be exciting or happy. But it's also not always going to be a drag. If you believe deep down inside that you resent this person and spend more time thinking about life without him than you do of life with him, then you should possibly go to couples therapy or therapy for yourself. If you realise after self reflection that you really cannot stand this man and you think you both and your child would be in a better place seperated then make that decision. Its really not a straightforward yes or no answer. There is always a lot to consider when seperating especially with children and stability in mind. Don't just stay for the stable income though. Imagine life if he didnt wirk or was unwell and couldnt or got made redundent etc then how would you feel about the realtionship? If there was not benefit involved would you stull love him and stay with him? Take care in making the decision. You have to live with it for the rest of your life and so does your child and partner.

WellitTakesAlot · 27/09/2025 20:18

I entered my only marriage knowing I didn't love him as much as he loved me but also knew instinctively that I could grow old with him. We're now nearly twenty years in, I can confidently say I love him and the reason I had to, was I wanted to adopt. He did too.
However, I tried so hard to avoid getting married because I took the commitment seriously. I had a past of pushing away to try to get the guy to take the responsibility of breaking up by being confrontational and sarcastic. So, I empathize but urge you to take an honest look at your motifs because if you continue with the wrong spirit inside your child will feel it, and be damaged if you let them experience your behaviour towards your boyfriend.
Hope this helps.

getonwithliving · 27/09/2025 20:20

Just be honest to the poor man before you screw him out of his inheritance. Do not marry him. You clearly don't 'love' him, so stop pretending for the future money or the child you share. Let him continue to be a good dad and stop using his PTSD as an excuse. Everyone has issues. You admitted you are 'sarcastic' so you are clearly baiting him. You clearly don't love him. You clearly want his money. And I fear that you are manipulative enough to get a reaction to his triggers. Leave .... Money isn't everything. The lawyers will take most of it which which will lead to more hatred and resentment. Be honest. You are young and it's clear that you want to go out and meet younger people and enjoy what that entails. Think about the future of your young son and the great relationship he can have with his father before the lawyers and family courts get involved. That's when it gets toxic and poisonous.

Missmitchel · 27/09/2025 20:20

He probably can sense that you feel that way and it’s the reason why he’s become defensive about your “sarcasm”. He probably also feels a similar way and is insecure about you being a lot younger. It’s bound to happen eventually.
You have two options: 1. You ask him about his feelings on the situation, tell him how you’ve been feeling and see if you can build some common ground, maybe things will get better if you both understand each other. 2. You leave and realize that many ppl have went through separations, you struggle for a little while and eventually things get better.

fatphalange · 27/09/2025 20:27

If you’re going to stay with the man for his life insurance and your bills paid you should at least cut out the sarcastic quips. It’s horrible when someone is sarky all the time and then whines about ‘feeling they have to censor themselves’. Also digs said with a smile on your face are still digs. It’s all passive aggressive immaturity.

Pick your the life you want. Don’t be a dick because of your own choices though.

Hotflushesandchilblains · 27/09/2025 20:29

I have a sharp, dry sense of humour yes but it’s not nasty.

Dry humour is one thing. But you used the word sharp. And that is very telling, you obviously make digs even if you are in denial about it. And it is nasty to do that.

Chenecinquantecinq · 27/09/2025 20:41

Leave I have an uncle mid 70's his wife mid 50's it is not a good outcome. They have a child.

Becky2948 · 27/09/2025 20:42

I’m going to say the only thing that I think you actually need to do here - tell your partner the truth. See if the relationship is salvageable. You say you are financially secure, so go to therapy if that’s financially an option for you. Get some couples therapy and see if you can find the spark again before you blow up your life. This is what I would tell my best friend. Speak to eachother.

HevenlyMeS · 27/09/2025 20:47

Yes completely concur with you
It's actually also not too much of an age gap either

user593 · 27/09/2025 20:53

Let him go, so you can each find happiness. My DP is nearly 20 years older than me and I’ve never felt embarrassed of him, because I love him.

DrSpongey · 27/09/2025 20:54

GoodTimesNoodleSalad · 25/09/2025 20:11

‘I literally just said something about not believing there was no more room in his suitcase with a smile as I had more to pack and he flew off the handle basically saying I was accusing him of lying.’

Well, you were. Why the need for the smile, implying he’s a liar? Why couldn’t you take his word for it?

I’d find it hard to live with your little digs and snide comments too. You know you’re doing it, so why no self-reflection? Why don’t you stop?

Ahem! This in a nutshell! Why no self reflection you ask, well...I can tell you exactly why and hear me out before you end word with "nist"

Yes I will receive abuse for this and proballed labelled a misogynist and Narcissistic etc for generalising and labelling whole gender by making it Men vs Woman thing. But woman hardly ever self reflect as they never tale accountability.

I hate the whole gendered argument more anything as we should collectively come to together to address issues early on by being prepared to face the temproary discomfort of short term pain to avoid long term pain. Thus avoiding any potential damage, trauma etc by sitting down and discussing any kind of feelings or problem in mindful and resepct manner which is mutually beneficial to interests of greater good of both and for sake of pertaining to the long term health of a relationship.

To me she is simply now regretting her choice and is looking for someone to validate her escape but is still wanting to seek all the security and financial benefits of the said relationship which continues to make her miserable. If it was a guy doing it, there would be uproar and outrage and calls for the woman to immediately leave the emotionally abusive manipulative freeloader and bogus of a man that is using her.

In my view and experience, Im always self reflecting on impact of my own words and actions and try to do better and have a growth mindset even in face of adversity and my own mistakes. I hope id be given freedom and chance to be heard. Woman are very emotionally selfish. They think Men dont feel what they feel or as intense.

None of us are infalliable but its how you deal with conflict and your emotions that i say it testament to the strength and desire/commitment to work through and overcome problems in relationship is what matters. Not this throwaway culture. Seek to be fair and reasonable by sitting down and at least talk in sincere honest genuine way about things without letting them quietly simmer to avoid resentment and bitterment fester as thats usually the cataylst to kneel slow death of any relationship. This usually develops in those petty snide sarcastic comments as OP is demonstrating because og an unfilled need or desire is not being met either due to incompatibility or not listening to each other's feelings.

This woman sounds selfish. She knew it didnt feel right but still continued to use him. She sounds emotionally immature and he is too good for her. Theres incompatibility in maturity most in part due to her failure to step out of her own feelings and try to dismiss him as overreacting or whatever when she clearly trying to goade him. Then steps into play the victim mentality whenever he gets angry at her essentially accusing with wrly smile of lieing. This would incense me too if I'm being genuine and my intentions are question which are of a good heart. She should know type of person he is rather than playing with his emotions. She is looking for someone to blame rather than take any accountability for impact of their own words or behaviour. She clearly as other commentators has said and by own admission, instead of having mature conversation about her own unhappiness retorts to petty snide comments that quite clearly are design to undermine and erode at the very fabric of poor blokes confidence becsuse of own frustrations. She is 33 and if she is incapable of being fair and reasonable by expressing herself in away without making silly comments, she should the right thing by them both.

Conflict adversion is never good. She clearly knows what she needs to do otherwise she wouldn't be on her seeking validation, but is actively choosing to reap the financial benefits of relationship and have all comforts rather than deal with discomfort of what the relationship facilitates for her.

I get it, they've child to support and it's understandable she is feeling way she feels but women hardly ever take accountability in relationship for their own unhappiness, they want to play the victim.

She should at least compromise if she wants to stay and self reflect on her own words rather wishfully dismissing it as "I'm just sarcastic" as if that's some inertia for a self defense mechanism or personality trait that can't be toned down. It's attitude of her inability to probably talk about her own frustrations. I get it if hes flippant and overreacts to just a playful tease but this feels more like a pattern of behaviour on her part as her way of dealing with it. They're both guilty and if they really care they should both come to mutual beneficial agreement. Like maybe just don't make the comments that are design to antagonise and likely to cause unnecessary tension. That's not masking who you are or having to modify your behaviour. That's called being a reasonable and decent respectful mindful person of other person feelings by possible having foresight to see how your words could hurt.

If OP is too stubborn to realise this, then she is clearly just out for herself. She states it isn't unhealthy or toxic but I'd disagree, neither party is healthy if they're both acting out like this. They need to come together to make each feel heard and make a decision.

UniqueWriter · 27/09/2025 20:56

As someone who was in a relationship for 18 years with a much older man and had 3 children with him I think you need to leave him because if you stay things could possibly get worse and eventually your son will pick up on it. I really regret staying in my relationship for as long as I did. It was absolutely the wrong thing to do and I should have ended it years before I did! If you feel like this about him now things probably won't get better and his anger could turn to abuse or violence .Do you really want to spend your life living on eggshells? I tried so hard to keep my relationship together after I realised that the love I had for him had gone because I wanted to provide a stable home life for my children but with the benefit of hindsight it was probably the worst thing to do. A massive mistake for all of us! If you no longer love him then you need to try and keep things as amicable as you can and walk away for your sake, his sake and most importantly of all the sake of your child. I wish I had!

LancsMale55 · 27/09/2025 20:58

Hi I've just divorced my wife after 18 years I'm 55 she is 43 the age difference is not the issue it's values and the relationship we don't like or love each other its as simple as that we also have 4 children with Twins at 5 as well

Were on full 50/50 I've never been as happy and our kids are thriving my mental health has improved massively they have two homes of equal to meet their needs I work full time and I pick up bank shifts to make up the loss of a two income house

I do the job lot at home run the house uniforms washing cleaning just like any other mum or dad should do ok my social life is none exhistent but I get the kids on a aeroplane holiday every year as a single dad at 55 and I'm proud as punch cis they won't want to go 1 day for me its not age its time to have those grown up conversations and move on