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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To want a little more respect/ care

15 replies

MidnightCakes · 21/12/2025 19:56

I know I must not be a barrel of laughs to live with all the time. I’ve been struggling this festive period I tried really hard to be as accommodating as I could be and I feel it’s all been thrown in my face literally. Sorry this is long but where else but the internet to speak …
(1) OH started a new job in November after being made redundant I came up with an intricate childcare plan (thank you grandparents) to support his need for increased in office working with my job that needs in week travel (4 hour round trip). he fell out with. MIL and threatened to throw the whole plan out the window I was stressed.
(2) After two weeks he went on a pre planned 10 day trip to Australia ( for pleasure). I stayed and looked after the kids. My mum cane for the first week that was nice.
(3) When I got back he had a whole string of evening social events/travel delays that had him out the house.
(4) he then went on a four day pre planned trip to Spain (for pleasure) he got the flight times wrong meaning I missed my Christmas party. I said it was okay I didn’t want to go - maybe I didn’t …
(5) he then got into another overseas running event next year which he booked and paid for flights and hotel without asking if that was okay or what we would do (it’s in school term time)
(6) he said he would take me out this weekend and do the kids weekend logistics. He got in at 2am on Saturday morning. Was too hungover to drive to swimmming we all went he criticised the swimming progress made of my eldest in front of her. He then asked where we going today he hadn’t planned anything. I had suggested a festive lunch and a national trust walk in the week he just said everything he would suggest would be wrong and I was just crushed. I’ve had no fun things this December. I followed the kids round tidying up after them all day. I went out to get some tea (I needed the break) I got back my youngest was asleep on the sofa (great he won’t go to bed now) my eldest was in tears she smashed her iPad screen her dad was shouting at her. I called my dad told her it’s okay he will fix it - he will over Xmas. He woke up too late to do gymnastics this morning so off I went. He went running - but his back hurt because youngest is sleeping in our bed and that’s why he couldn’t wake up in time and that we need to fix it ( I was up from 4:30 to 6 resettling him in his room) . We went food shopping today I went to buy something told too expensive unadded it. I broke I just decided not to get anything he did the rest of the shop in a huff he missed half of the things (it’s okay I’ll go tomorrow). I’ve spent the day entertaining the kids at home wrapping presents together constantly tidying up. I sat on the bottom step and had a glass of wine because I can’t use the living room ( that’s his or if we’re in there we can’t make noise) kids have the family space at the end of the kitchen. He goes to make tea - kids want some red pepper I shouldn’t have given it them but he gets annoyed throws the knife I used in the sink smashes a glass in there told me it’s my fault why was it still
in there (washing up liquid was out/dishwasher on). Calls me a fat c*nt and I need to get out of his way. I clean up anyway demands kids go to bed and here I am upstairs with wired kids scared to go back downstairs it will
be my fault as apparently they won’t sleep as I’m too soft I’ve engineered them to hate him I’m a terrible parent I have no standards and I miss the basics and I’m fat, have no hobbies and boring (apparently that was the reason he couldn’t plan something for me). I guess that’s me internet a bit broken and a bit numb and will be told off for being not ‘happy’ not grateful enough …. All I ever wanted was to make everyone happy and somehow I ended up failing at that and lost myself In the process.
so am I unreasonable to expect a little more care and respect in return for the sacrifice I make? Or should I not expect this and accept it’s all my flaws at fault

OP posts:
Purlant · 21/12/2025 20:00

If someone (their future partner) treated one of your children like this, what would you say to them?

Then think is this the life you want them to aspire to, to think it’s ok to grow up in a household like this and for them to model their future relationship on?

Chocolatebuttonanyone · 21/12/2025 20:02

Plan for a new year without the useless lump.
This isn't the definition of marriage you would want to teach your children?
He isn't adding much to your life.

Tammygirl12 · 21/12/2025 20:03

He sounds truly awful. Abusive.

He is leaving you high and dry all the time, not a team player. That’s the least worst bit.
He calls your horrible names, you can’t use your living room?? He shouts at the kids and then blames you that they don’t like him. He’s awful awful awful

Countduckula52 · 21/12/2025 20:08

You are being abused. I am not a sensitive person and can take directness but your DH is mean, nasty and hates you.

grinchmcgrinchface · 21/12/2025 20:12

Leave him. Wouldn’t suprise me if hes having an affair.

Raspberrymoon49 · 21/12/2025 20:14

Sounds like you have good relationships with your parents OP, can you talk to them over Christmas about how things are and enlist their support in making plans to get rid of this awful man in the new year

IHate · 21/12/2025 20:14

You need us to tell you that this man is an abusive piece of shit and you need to get your children and yourself away from him? It’s not blindingly obvious to you?

This goes considerably beyond ‘needing care’. LEAVE!

PoorUncleBarry · 21/12/2025 20:17

I mean he is right about one thing at least, there is a cunt in the situation but it isn't you.

Take your children and leave, or kick him out. You are living with domestic abuse and life does not need to be like this, you deserve happiness too. Many posters can advise you on how to get support.

Lovelynames123 · 21/12/2025 20:17

What are his redeeming qualities? I wouldn't treat an acquaintance like that never mind the mother of my children. I would suggest going into 2026 single, and yes, you can do it!

Endofyear · 21/12/2025 20:47

I can only say that I would not stay with a man who treated me and my children so appallingly. He sounds truly awful.

You don't deserve to be treated this way. You deserve a kind and loving partner - he is not that. He's selfish, abusive and nasty.

Please don't stay in this relationship, it will break you and your poor children are witness to his abusive behaviour, which is damaging them also. You all deserve to live in a peaceful, happy household away from him.

Mischance · 21/12/2025 21:19

So he is a bachelor who happens to have a wife and family?

Glenthebattleostrich · 21/12/2025 21:26

Give you and your kids the best christmas present ever and throw his arse out.

SophieJo · 21/12/2025 21:31

Not being able to use the living room was the final straw for me. So sorry to read about your life you deserve far better. He doesn’t respect you and sounds as though he never will. Hope you get something sorted for yourself even if it means without him.

WhoamItoday11 · 21/12/2025 21:37

At first I thought he was a selfish prick for all his trips away and nights out while you look after the family. As I read on, I realized that not only is he a selfish prick, he's an abusive prick! His treatment of you is wholly unacceptable and you need to get yourself and your kids out of there ASAP.

Sazzles169 · 21/12/2025 21:58

This man does not care about you or the family. He clearly resents you, and he seems to have chosen a job/holiday routine to be away as much as possible. You'd be better off without him, youre not going to be able to force him go change

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