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Divorce/separation

Here you'll find divorce help and support from other Mners. For legal advice, you may find Advice Now guides useful.

I think I need to split from my husband....htf?

64 replies

Weirdigan · 06/02/2011 07:15

Quick bit of background....
Together 14 years, 3 children...9, 3 and 2.

He works full time but does not earn a lot. I am a SAHM with no income of my own.

My husband has anger issues....always has done. He is not violent in the physical sense, has never hit me. However, he is prone to frquent outbursts of anger, frustration and general impatience. He often speaks to me as though I were something on the bottom of his shoe...despite claiming to love me. He swears at me, calls me names occasionally (fucking retard being a favourite, or fucking mongo), raises his voice frequently, and reacts badly to being challenged about his behaviour. He is at liberty to express anger whenever it suits him, whether it is appropriate or not, and I am expected to accept this as him not really meaning anything by it, yet I am lambasted on the odd occasion I let off steam. Interestingly, he is able to control his outbursts around other people. The outbursts and disresepect I am subjected to, take place in front of our three children. I am very concerned about that, as they will either pick up that it's ok to speak to your spouse like shit, or that it is acceptable to be spoken to like shit. Not ideal is it?

He does not like to socialise and doesn't maintain any friendships. He is very negative about everything, and seems to glean very little pleasure from life. I walk on eggshells all the time, fearing that anything will set him off, and tbh, I feel quite controlled by his temper. He is a quiet, shy man and I'm sure people would be very surprised to know how domineering he can be. He shouts down my opinions, talks through me, and regularly makes me feel stupid.

He is also emotionally demanding, craving affection and respect and to be listened to - whereas I can't bear the thought of him touching me, sexually or otherwise. I don't love him any more.

I realise that he most likely suffers from long term depression and low self esteem, but seeing as he flatly refuses to seek any sort of help to address these problems (and I have tried, believe me), preferring to make me take the brunt of his unhappiness and fury instead, I don't really feel that it's something I should continue to take into consideration.

We live in a house in both our names, that is bought outright. His mother funded our home and put it into both our names. We aslo own a flat elsewhere which is mortgaged and rented out.

I have no desire to take this house away from him. His mother bought it for her son and his family. I cannot ask him to leave. He wouldn't go anyway, even if I did.

The flat we own is unsuitable for the kids and I, as is 15 miles away from school and nursery, and has only two bedrooms. I don't have a car and can't drive. If we split, I would need to stay in the local area, both for schooling and so that H may have regular access to the kids.

Where the hell do I start - I haven't a bean to my name!

Thanks.

OP posts:
marriednotdead · 09/02/2011 11:53

I know it's hard but please don't waver now.

Your DH had every opportunity to wake up before, and didn't. You have offered him your soul on a plate, he still doesn't care and has metaphorically dropped it on the floor and kicked it aside.

Think about what message your DS will get about relationships if you stay. That it's ok to be that horrible to someone you profess to love. What kind of a man will that turn him into?

When the dust has settled, your DS will understand why you needed to get away. It doesn't mean that he cannot see or love his dad, just that you cannot share a house with someone who makes you so unhappy.

Will your MIL take him in for now?
If so, call him back. Tell him that he has to move into his mother's house TONIGHT.
If he refuses or won't answer, get that suitcase out and finish what you started.

You can do this. And you and your DCs deserve to be happy. Keep posting if you can, there are many of us who have experience of horrible situations and we will try to help you through it.

You are stronger than you know x

Weirdigan · 09/02/2011 12:47

Ok I have spoken to Woman's Aid and have found my resolve again. Heading to my mate's place tonight, then another appointment with a WA support worker in the morning. Then....well we'll see....but I don't imagine I'll be coming back here to sleep.

Fucking hell. Scared shitless.

OP posts:
marriednotdead · 09/02/2011 12:58

Good girl

You're doing so well, no matter how scary it seems.

Be proud of yourself. The bullying is going to end Smile

Teaandcakeplease · 09/02/2011 13:20

Sending you huge ((hugs)) you can do this! I know you must feel guilty as your son is sad about leaving. But long term wise he'll thank you for it. Wishing you much love, luck. Keep safe. Leave this abusive horrid man.

Scrumpet · 09/02/2011 16:33

Hi Weirdigan.

Keep that resolve, go to your friend's place. The next few days will be hell I'm sure and it will be a case of putting one foot in front of the other but keep on swimming.

In your position I would be reminding myself over and over again about what my children were learning if I stayed and putting that before the wobbles and the urge to return.

I'm rather hoping that you'll not see this message for some time because you've already left.

Apart from the inconveniences of having to leave your home (for now, possibly), I think you've already done the hardest bit, the bit that people put off for years, decades even!

Without wanting to sound like a freaky stalker type, you know me, we spoke on the phone yesterday about this and you're at the forefront of my thoughts. I'm very very proud of you for opening your mouth and saying the words yesterday - his coldness when you went to him in the night should tell you everything you need to know.

Take care, you're not alone xxx

marriednotdead · 09/02/2011 16:44

Hope you're busy 'getting a life'. Thinking of you and wishing you well x

Teaandcakeplease · 12/02/2011 08:30

Weirdigan I hope you're ok. Thinking of you.

gettingeasier · 02/03/2011 12:02

Just found this topic and read your thread Weirdigan.

I hope you and your dc are ok and that you have found a way out of this awful situation. FWIW whatever the cost in the short term it will be worth it men like him dont change.

marge2 · 02/03/2011 12:15

Op - Your MIL sounds great. I bet she is fully and sadly aware of how her son is. I wonder if your FIL was/is like it with her. I am not about to tell you what to do with your property, but I think you should talk to your MIL about your DH's behaviour. I bet she will understand and sympathise. She may even be able to help. If she is unhelpful or nasty to you then it will make the decisions regarding the house easier for you.

My FIL was an abusive turd to my MIL. My DH can be an utter bastard to me at times. Seems to have no qualms about verbally abusing me in front of the kids. Not as bad as I have seen FIL being towards MIL, but they are much older she has put up with it for longer. I fully intend to leave DH if he gets like FIL when he is older.
My DS1 can be absolutely awful. Screaming and hitting me or his little brother if he doesn't get his way. I fear for his future relationships.

marge2 · 02/03/2011 12:19

Oh - posted too soon. Apologies. Sounds like you have done the right thing. Have you been in touch with your MIL?

LibraPoppyGirl · 09/03/2011 13:15

Weirdigan I've just found this thread and just wanted to say that you are so brave and please do keep your resolve.

You haven't been back to this thread for quite a while now and I really hope you and DS1 are well.

Take care of yourself and get back here when you can x

saffydude · 09/03/2011 17:07

OMG you could be writing about my husband. He was the same - until recently I discovered he doing unthinkable things with other women in cyberspace.

Now (and I don't know how temporary or if its forever) he is a model Dad and a model husband and acts like he respects and loves me and never talks down to me like he did before.

Is there any chance he is playing away? Just thinking it tends to be a sign that H's 'detract' away from their family and wife as some kind of justification for having an affair. Just a thought, as that's what happened to me.

I have quite a good relationship with my MIL who when one night pitched up just after my DH and I had had a row on the phone was not in the least bit surprised when I broke down and told her what he'd been doing. Your MIL might know her son better than you give her credit for. I think my inlaws are amazed that I've put up with their son's temper tantrums for so long and stayed with him for 11 years - she might just surprise you.

I also know with mine they would put their g/children first over anything my husband says or does because they know how he can behave (although like you it mainly goes on behind closed doors), so perhaps your MIL will understand why you need to do what you need to do, and will probably respect you more for protecting your children from someone they need protecting from.

Hope it works out for you. x

JenaiMarrHePlaysGuitar · 09/03/2011 18:18

I'm sorry, I might be repeating what has already been said, but your MIL put the house into both your names. That says something, to me.

paulwellerfan · 11/03/2011 14:12

Hope you are ok- reading your original posting was uncanny- it sounded like you were describing my stbxh!! I have been terribly unhappy for so long i cant remember and i have sacrified my needs to try to keep the family together- i finally made the decision to end the marriage and then i found that for along time he has been using the kids laptopn to access hardcroe porn- he disgusts me and it just served to confirmt at i have made the right decision.

I am a sahm to dd9 and ds7- i am scared of my future but know it has got to be better without in my home- i deserve to be treated like a decent human being- so do you. Hope you are alright- please know that there are people here that really do understand what you are going through. Take care. xx

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