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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

What to do, should I save my marriage or move on

73 replies

missymo2018 · 14/01/2026 12:51

Sorry for essay its a complex situation. We've been married 10 years, together 16, separated currently for 10 weeks and 2 kids together.

Back story we have had 13 good years and 3 not so good. My husband has had huge debts previously from partying and gambling up to 50k could be more now.
I have taken out big loans on his behalf. There has also been an incident emptying our account on a gamble he lost and we missed our mortgage. I hadn't realised months prior he had been continually to withdraw money from our piggy bank as he pleased. I have always paid for all the kids things, clothes, all our furniture in the home etc and was always happy to do so as we were happy. He has always been a partier and heavy drinker he would go out 2/3 times a week often not telling me he's going out and occasionally not coming home, this has increased in the last year massively. He has left him last minute to go away for a weekend with random people when I had booked big work events and required him to help with the kids. I've been more or less a single parent since day one. I have accepted him for who he is and supportive in the debts despite continuing to go out and worsening our financial position. I have an extra business on the side to ensure our kids can go to all their activities and life continued as normal. However in the last two years he has grown more and more resentful towards me and his anger and irritability have escalated, I have had to manage these reactions and agree on things to keep the calm in the house and have gone into myself a bit which he is claiming now made him lonely. I've suggested perhaps he could have depression which did not go down well as this was seen as labelling but also I have considered it could potentially be drugs (which was even more of an insult and got very defensive labelling falsely other members of my family taking them, he has admitted to taking them before however.

I don't believe he is cheating although he has been spotted out with another girl in a bar alone and was defensive when asked, he doesn't seem like a cheater to me however it's not to say that it could have happened or be happening.

How we ended up separated, I originally asked him to go and stay with his family when he didn't come home from work one evening instead went on a bender and didn't return until the following evening and then was angry at me for not collecting him. Originally I thought he would spend a few days with his family it would be a wake up call and to show that this behaviour couldn't go on however he's been more and more angry through messages for making him live there rather than acknowledging the behaviour before. My kids have not missed him in the house probably because it isn't much different except a calmer house and they still see him regularly.

I have not missed him however my main thing is we have had so many good years together, should i try and save this and put this down to a midlife crisis. I've suggested couples therapy as I think an independent person would be helpful when I talk to him, it's like my words go through a washing machine and somehow he is the victim and I'm being ridiculous. He has ignored my messages on the conselling which makes me think he would not agree to this.

OP posts:
Comtesse · 14/01/2026 16:32

This bloke has been letting you all down for years. I think it’s time to stop polishing this particular turd.

beAsensible1 · 14/01/2026 16:37

missymo2018 · 14/01/2026 15:07

I think that’s what’s surprised me most after what how much I’ve tolerated that there’s zero remorse and he’s made himself the victim, I did expect I little grovelling but there’s been nothing only anger that he’s not in the house and living with parents, he thinks I should move out instead but I’m standing firm for the kids on this one, my daughter is autistic so needs the stability of our home and routine

Well of course he feels the victim. He’s been getting away with it for so long he thinks his behaviour is normal.

and you are the one ruining things by not rolling over

Caterpillar1 · 14/01/2026 17:05

Why did you marry him? You said he was always like this, just got worse over the years and never even parented. You deserve better...

Bouledeneige · 14/01/2026 17:08

Get rid of the man child.

Itsmetheflamingo · 14/01/2026 17:16

beAsensible1 · 14/01/2026 16:25

You need solo counselling to interrogate why you have been accepting this bad behaviour for years allowing yourself to go into debt and subsidising his gambling habit and irresponsible behaviour.

why would you want him back? Why do you think you or your children are worth so little as to deserve this man as a husband and father.

it’s you who needs a wake up call, not him.
what you have written here is horrible. I cannot believe you have happily been funding his erratic behaviour and lifestyle for over decade. Think about what example you are setting for your children to accept in a partner, think about how you are normalising lying, stealing and god knows what else with no accountability to being a good parent or financially responsible adult.

can you imagine having a daughter in your position putting up with this crap.

come on OP, you need to do better than this man. I am sure you love and care for him, but that doesn’t mean you accept lees than nothing for he sake of it. There is more to life than holding onto someone because of the person they were those few good months a long time ago. let him go, let this relationship go.

I promise there is A life for you and your children without all this erratic drama. There is nothing to save, this is not a marriage. He is taking advantage of you and you are living in a fantasyland.

Yes she does, but this is very long term- unpicking the behaviour as you describe could easily take 6 months even as a starter.

don't let that delay your divorce OP. I can see how attractive it could be to spend time “working on yourself” rather than divorcing him.

make an appointment with a solicitor tomorrow. Just go on Facebook there will always be recommendations in local groups. You might find you need to take some time to reflect on what they tell you, and all that takes weeks and months. Don’t lose too much time

InWithPeaceOutWithStress · 14/01/2026 17:29

He sounds incredibly entitled and you sound like you’ve taken a people pleaser role. Unfortunately that would only ever fuel his self entitlement and make him even more of a monster. I would focus 100% on your needs now - protecting your assets, your house, separating your finances, and seeking legal advice.

Prepare yourself as he’s likely to get very angry, verbally abusive and remain so potentially for years as he believes he’s entitled to you and expects you to serve him and please him.

Mute his messages and give yourself a 15 minute window each day to read and respond (if necessary!).

Greenlandss · 14/01/2026 17:30

What an utter horror show.
Your poor children.
Do not allow this loser back in.
I doubt such a waster will fight for his children and even if he did, one peaceful house 50% of the time is so much better for them.
There were no good years.
You have been financially abused for years.

HollyHolly123 · 14/01/2026 17:35

I’m usually the type to say try and work things out but honestly in this case I think it’s the wrong advice. You and your kids need a calm home and a secure roof over your heads. Think of yourself and your kids

HoratioBum · 14/01/2026 17:38

Nevereatcardboard · 14/01/2026 13:40

Read your opening post again and imagine it was one of your children telling you about their partner constantly lying, gambling and getting into massive debt while also (likely) cheating. Would you advise them to stay with such a scumbag? I certainly wouldn’t and I’d hope you want better for them and for yourself.

This is what I was coming on to say. Try and re read your post as if a friend you love and care about had written it. What would you tell them?

You only get one life OP and you’ve spent too much of it mopping up your husbands mess. You’re an absolute saint but please don’t waste any more time or precious energy on him. Keep on not missing him!!

HipHopDontYouStop · 14/01/2026 17:38

He’s a monster.taking full advantage of your good nature.

SevenYellowHammers · 14/01/2026 17:44

No love, it doesn’t sound like you need this guy. You sound financially independent and say you have a business that pays for the family. You are one incredible lady! You’ve been incredibly supportive and tolerant of your DH. He might be a total bstard or he might be very mentally ill or maybe a bit of both but he’s not sounding like he’s trying to change his behaviour. Maybe his anger towards you is bound in guilt because you’re such a good and strong woman and he is a fck up? I don’t think you should do more to help him. I mean if he goes off on his own , sorts out counselling, addresses his issues and presents himself as a changed man, then maybe you could save the marriage. But it’s a long shot isn’t it? Are you sure he won’t try and take some of your resources/ money OP? I think you have much more financial acumen than I do and will have thought of this but do ensure you get legal advice!

MrsMoastyToasty · 14/01/2026 17:46

"So what attracted you to the lying, cheating, gambling loser?"

(Said in a Mrs Merton voice).

beAsensible1 · 14/01/2026 18:08

Itsmetheflamingo · 14/01/2026 17:16

Yes she does, but this is very long term- unpicking the behaviour as you describe could easily take 6 months even as a starter.

don't let that delay your divorce OP. I can see how attractive it could be to spend time “working on yourself” rather than divorcing him.

make an appointment with a solicitor tomorrow. Just go on Facebook there will always be recommendations in local groups. You might find you need to take some time to reflect on what they tell you, and all that takes weeks and months. Don’t lose too much time

Oh no I didn’t mean before divorce. The divorce should happen IMMEDIATELY. This was as well as. Wouldn’t even bother talking to him about it.

she should just move her money to accounts he can’t access, change the locks and send the papers.

he deserves no regard or worry for his feelings.

missymo2018 · 14/01/2026 18:22

Luckily when he emptied our account a year ago I took his name off the joint account so he doesn’t have access to the account we pay bills from. He kindly let me know he would no longer be contributing anything as he doesn’t live here, will this be taken into consideration when the division of assets take place ?

OP posts:
Onelifeonly · 14/01/2026 19:02

Sounds like you've been a single parent with a huge irritant on the side that you couldn't rely on for anything. Please don't consider continuing this 'relationship' (it takes two to tango, and he hasn't done much tangoing!)

Itsmetheflamingo · 14/01/2026 19:11

missymo2018 · 14/01/2026 18:22

Luckily when he emptied our account a year ago I took his name off the joint account so he doesn’t have access to the account we pay bills from. He kindly let me know he would no longer be contributing anything as he doesn’t live here, will this be taken into consideration when the division of assets take place ?

it won’t, no.

the split of assets will be based on need, with 50:50 being ideal if there is enough to house both of you

Tigerbalmshark · 14/01/2026 19:17

missymo2018 · 14/01/2026 15:07

I think that’s what’s surprised me most after what how much I’ve tolerated that there’s zero remorse and he’s made himself the victim, I did expect I little grovelling but there’s been nothing only anger that he’s not in the house and living with parents, he thinks I should move out instead but I’m standing firm for the kids on this one, my daughter is autistic so needs the stability of our home and routine

He’s just annoyed the money has been switched off. He doesn’t miss any of you.

parkezvous · 14/01/2026 19:19

No. He’s crap. Save yourself and the kids x

Notsuchafattynow · 14/01/2026 19:24

I've read your OP a few times and still cant pick out the 'good years' you think you are throwing away!

Honestly, you've done the hardest part. Keep strong. Re read this thread whenever you get a wobble.

MrsDoubtingMyself · 14/01/2026 19:31

Which were the "so many good years" which you've had together?

After reading what you've said, I can't discern any

unsync · 14/01/2026 19:44

I didn't get past the gambling and huge debts. Walk away. You and your children deserve better, a lot better.

Potteryclass1 · 14/01/2026 19:51

He has ADHD and you likely have autism (it’s hereditary and mention that your daughter is autistic). It’s a very common couple dynamic.
you haven’t had 13 good years. His behaviour has always been appalling.

missymo2018 · 15/01/2026 05:40

I hadn’t considered adhd but this is likely true, my parents think he has Narcissist Personality disorder and everything about this is him. I am too soft and have believed everything to be my fault for so long it’s hard to wrap my head around what’s going on but I really needed these strong comments to keep me where I am. I was interrogated the other day when the kids where being handed over I think is the reason for my wobble it’s easy to slip back into being the one to take the blame, someone mentioned it’s easier to keep it the same as that’s what’s been known but not what’s best for us and also taking a lead out of my kids book, I think it says it all they have not asked once for him and have so easily accepted. I don’t want to say happy about it but my eldest actually smiled when I told her first 🙈

this is the first time doing one of these posts and can see how valuable it is to get support 🥰 I’ve kept it to myself for too long

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