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Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

Crap wife - good mother

157 replies

worthless · 20/11/2010 09:58

OMG can't believe I am doing this - bearing my soul to the world but I seriously need help PLEASE...In short I am so very very unhappy in my marriage. Brief background - I am in my mid 40's. Been with husband since I was 17. 3 children 14,11,7. Been through the worst year of my life. Still care for my husband but at the moment I truely despise him and just cannot connect with him at all. He tells me that I am a useless wife and that I do not know how to look after a man! It is fair to say that I have probably neglected his "needs" over the last few years but I have been so wrapped up in "being a mum" that I have not always put his "needs" first. I am a working mum who I suppose has always had old fashioned views. I have always done everything for my family. By that I mean home cooked dinners, getting up in the night for the children, all the housework, washing, ironing, childcare, all the usual really but without any support or appreciation from my husband. Needless to say our physical relationship has at times suffered. My husband has always had a very high sex drive (and is very needy in that department) and sometimes I just want a cuddle not sex. He cannot cuddle me without it leading somewhere and as a result I have withdrawn from him and get my cuddles from the children. My husband has basically over the last year completely destroyed me. He constantly tells me how useless I am, he tells me that I am an emotional cripple, he undermines everything that I do and without going into too much detail has basically spent the last 12 months verbally assassinating me. I now cannot even bear him to touch me but he keeps telling me to forget all the crap, stop the war and just give myself to him. Why can't I do this? why can't I just accept that his anger is because of me? He says that he loves me and that his anger is because he feels alone. I feel alone and so sad. Please can someone help me.

OP posts:
elastamum · 20/11/2010 10:10

Hi, you are worth loads, Im not going to call you by your name because it just isnt right, even if it is how you feel. When I read your post I am not surprised how you feel. On top of you shouldering the burden for your family pretty much alone, your husband sounds like a selfish prick. Sorry to be so blunt but I'm not surprised that you are cross and fed up.

Do you want to stay in a relationship with this man? Is there anyone, consellor, perhaps that you could talk to. If you are going to stay together then he really needs to understand what he is doing to your relationship and change his behaviour?

BTW My EX also used to put me down all the time, but he was having an affair elsewhere. I am so much happier without him.

worthless · 20/11/2010 10:28

Thank you for your quick response. Been to Relate with husband. He called the councellor a lesbian feminist!! basically made the situation worse. I went on my own after that. She told me (maybe she shouldn't have) that she had never met anyone so angry and so hurtful before. Continued for a few months on my own with her but I suppose I really cannot accept what she was trying to tell me. No at the moment I cannot see a future with him. We have discussed splitting up but he refuses to go, he refuses to accept that this has got anything to do with him. It is all my fault and therefore I should go. Looked at renting but although I work I cannot afford the rent for me and 3 kids. Dont want to break up my family. He loves the kids and they love him although the 2 elder ones are unhappy beacuse of the atmosphere at home. I am trying to keep it together but I am just so sad all the time and he is so angry.

OP posts:
WriterofDreams · 20/11/2010 10:43

You've explained very clearly here why you are no longer sexually interested in your husband. Basically, you've given yourself to your family with no thanks or appreciation, you're tired and worn out and your husband has made you feel worthless. Any one of those reasons would put you off sex, but combined they are almost unbearable. Have you explained this to him?
He would need to change his attitude a lot for things to get better but it seems like he doesn't see this (or doesn't want to see this) at all. And you're right, the counsellor shouldn't have said that to you even if that's what she thought.

worthless · 20/11/2010 10:58

I have tried talking to him but he just wont listen. It always ends in him shouting at me. In the end I resort to writing him letters. Some he reads and does not mention again and some he just rips up without even looking at them and tells me to grow up and stop manipulating him. I feel totally backed into a corner. We are going round and round in a vicious circle. I have tried telling him that if there is any chance of me "coming back" to him then he has to start by being nice and loving me with kind words and affection. He says that if I can't give him sex (which is what married people do) then how can he be nice to me when I wont reach out to him and show that I am not an ice-maiden. I need to do the changing as it is me with the problem!!!

OP posts:
tummysgottogo · 20/11/2010 11:19

I'm really sorry but I genuinely don't understand how you are the problem. You try talking to him and he won't co-operate/listen respectfully, or tells you to stop manipulating him? What actually are you supposed to do? Sit on his cock whenever he feels like it?

This is supposed to be a relationship.

colditz · 20/11/2010 11:21

You can't accept him and give yourself to him because he's being a comeplete cunt.

colditz · 20/11/2010 11:22

With three kids and a marriage breakup, he would be legally obliged to give you 35% of his net wage (is) so don't concern yourself too much with money.

Find some where and clear off.

Doigthebountyeater · 20/11/2010 11:26

Seek legal advice. You cannot have sex with someone who treats you like a subhuman - not many people could. Get rid of him and enjoy the rest of your life.

EnnisDelMar · 20/11/2010 11:28

You're trying really hard to make him change his mind but he won't - and it isn't your fault. Please stop wasting your energy on making him be different. He won't. He's a bully with no insight or self awareness and he's having a massive impact on you and your kids.

They only have you, to stand up against this. Can you see your way to saying enough is enough - ring Womens aid, they will help you talk it over and advise on the practical stuff like keeping your kids' home, and making him leave.

Or they will help you leave and find somewhere with your kids.

Don't let another minute go by of your life, living like this. It's totally awful and he's getting away with it all. Nobody will stop him if you don't - you need to summon all your strength, don't try and talk to him or explain, give up on him - he will use anything you say against you.

Just put up a wall and walk away. I am very, very sorry for you - you need to put a stop to this NOW.

worthless · 20/11/2010 11:28

Yes I know you are right but what a saddo I am!! I cannot bear the thought of hurting him. We have been together so long. Suppose that is one of the things that is messing up my head. How can he hurt me so much with his words and actions. Not once have I ever said anything to hurt him. I just couldn't. I care for him and don't want to hurt him. But I am withdrawn from him. I still look after him in terms of preparing nice meals and ironing etc as I want to show him I love him but I just cannot seem to show him physical love as I am so hurt and all I keep hearing in my head is all the awful things he has said......

OP posts:
Meglet · 20/11/2010 11:32

I wouldn't waste another second of your life with this abusive asshole TBH. You and the children deserve a better life that that.

Speak to Womens Aid, CAB, solicitors, and get support from friends and family.

I'm not optimistic he is the sort of man who is even capable of changing, you;d be banging your head against a brick wall I expect.

EnnisDelMar · 20/11/2010 11:34

He's really got you where he wants you.

Letting him treat you like a slave is not good for hIM, either, you know. It's a dreadful situation and it needs to stop.

I know that underneath you will be very angry, but it's coming out in the wrong way - against yourself - because you know that if you actually take back some control, and say 'f*ck this, this is not acceptable' that will mean you have to take some of the blame for whatever follows, ie breaking up, whatever - well, that's what you think but it isn't true.

It's possible to be assertive and fair and firm without getting aggressive. He is the perpetrator here - you owe him nothing, and you have done nothing wrong AT ALL.

Saying no, that's enough, does not make you culpable. Healthy anger is GOOD and can make your kids' lives better, and yours.

It's about bloody time he lost his victims - you're allowing him to bully you, I understand why, it's safer.

Get some proper support - Womens aid have outreach people, they can come to you, or meet you and guide you through this. Once you have a back up team you'll be able to leave safely and stop feeling so guilty.

TheProfiteroleThief · 20/11/2010 11:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

elastamum · 20/11/2010 11:46

It doesnt sound like you have much hope of making him change. but dont beat yourself up. It can take a lot of time to get to the point where you simply have to move on, and he is grinding you down on a daily basis.

If you can find a support team to help you work through the issues that might help. and get some legal advice as to what you would be entitled to if you split.

Then start making a plan. You dont have to do it today, or tomorrow or even next week. But you will start to feel more positive and when the time is right be able to move on.

It took me about 6 yrs and 3 of his affairs before I finally faced up to who i had married and what it was doing to me.

Be strong Smile

needafootmassage · 20/11/2010 11:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Eurostar · 20/11/2010 12:07

No - not crap wife, crap husband.

You are giving very mixed messages though. This guy clearly doesn't do subtelty and you being his domestic slave in the hope that he will get the message and change will do nothing to increase his respect for you.

It is also not really fair on your DC to get your need for affection met by them I'm sorry to say. You say your 2 oldest are unhappy, this will only get worse as they go through their teen years unless you both make a change to the situation.

He probably won't change but in case there is a chance, if you can afford it, get yourself couples therapy with proper experienced therapists who work as a couple - don't be afraid to be assertive and ask them about their experience and qualifications. Relate do use a lot of trainees and your person may not have been experienced enough/supervised well enough. At least therapists can help you to break up amicably if nothing else. If he decides that the male therapist is a pussy whipped Mummy's boy - you'll certainly have your answer as to whether he will ever be open to change.

tummysgottogo · 20/11/2010 12:08

I think you are scared of losing him (because he has bombed your self esteem and sense of who you are and what you are worth) and you believe that you love him. How can it be possible to love someone who has so little respect for you?

Stop taking responsibility for his happiness above your own. He isn't putting your needs first. And it doesn't sound like he will change. But he certainly never will if you don't stand up for yourself and take your own needs seriously.

Sorry to be so blunt.

worthless · 20/11/2010 12:18

needafootmassage - I know that he is so unhappy too. He gets angry when unhappy and I build up walls....recipe for disaster isn't it?

I have considered a trial split, I have asked him to move out but he wont go. Keeps begging me not to seperate him from the children and his home. He is a really "deep" person who has many other issues and I feel that my pushing him out of his home would be one step too far and that he would not be able to cope with his life without his children and his own surroundings. You see what can I do - I really cannot bear the thought of hurting him but cannot seem to forget the words and move on.

It is not the financial stuff that stops me going it is the emotional tie I have to him. Nearly 30 years with someone is a long time and I cant help caring about him.

OP posts:
Scorpette · 20/11/2010 12:49

OP, I don't want to write your username, because you seem anything but worthless. You have been a wonderful mother, a devoted wife, run a home (I presume as you have a traditional set-up then he has done very little around the home over the years) and have nothing to be guilty about or feel worthless for. If my DP treated me only half as horribly as your DH does you, I couldn't bear to sit on the same sofa as him, never mind just 'give myself up to him'. The way he speaks to you and treats you is emotional and verbal abuse - and who on earth could willingly give themselves to an abuser? You are a normal, mentally healthy woman who quite naturally and rightly recoils at the thought of having to do something so intimate and loving and giving to someone who is treating you like shit. You are in the right here.

What you say about writing letters struck a chord with me, because I've recently read a thread where one poster, trying to help the OP said that she'd regularly sent her abusive DP letters trying to explain things and her counsellor had told her that if you're at the stage of having to send letters, then things are in massive trouble.

I do think your husband is emotionally abusing you. I have been in an EA relationship and everything you say about his behaviour and your reactions ring true (mine never wanted sex as a way of making me feel repulsive and as though no man could ever desire me). They destroy your confidence, you doubt yourself all the time and you start to truly believe everything is all your fault, even though you can simultaneously see that he's in the wrong. I was with my wanker Ex for 7 years and found it v hard to break away, even though the love had long died, so I totally understand how hard making big changes must seem after 30 years. Your whole identity as an adult so far is being this man's partner. But concentrate on this: your identity SO FAR. You are still a young woman, and clearly one of intelligence and insight, with a big heart. You deserve so much better than this and your children will be being damaged by seeing their father treat their mother so coldly, nastily and cruelly, with so much disdain and blame. And before you beat yourself up about that, that's his fault, not yours.

When men act the way he does, many counsellors don't like to see couples together, as emotionally abusive men refuse to accept their right and will try to manipulate the situation. Your DH has already come out with nonsense about the last one being a 'lesbian feminist', which reveals that he is going to find bullshit excuses to not listen to anyone trying to work with you both and also reveals some nasty and very old-fashioned ideas about women. I think you definitely need counselling for yourself, because, in your heart of hearts, you know this is over. His fault, not yours.

Hullygully · 20/11/2010 13:00

He sounds like a mad angry child rushing around lashing out and hurting everyone because he doesn't understand or know what to do with his own hurt. He sounds like he has a picture of how things should be, and because your lives don't fit it, he is enraged. He is clearly the one that needs help, but unfortunately people like him rarely see, let alone accept it.

You will have to make unpleasant and difficult choices.

worthless · 20/11/2010 13:35

Scorpette - I had a heart-stopping realisation earlier in the year that he was an emotional abuser and bought a book on the subject which i dipped in and out of. He found it though and was appalled that I could think he was an emotional abuser. Once again it was twisted round to me being the ONE..the cold one - the ice maiden - the cripple - the one with mental issues. This does make you doubt your own sanity. From the outside looking in all must seem calm but on the inside all is chaos.

My mind is so full of s**t and confusion and pain. His pain, my children's pain and you know what I feel numb really to my own pain...I feel pretty dead actually.

OP posts:
WriterofDreams · 20/11/2010 13:51

Out of interest, OP, when you read that book did it ring bells?

Any partner who has genuine interest in you will sit down and listen to what you have to say. Immediately turning it around on you and calling you names such as "ice maiden" and "cripple" shows that your H is not really interested in sorting things out, he just wants you to shut up and put up. If having sex with someone who doesn't really like him turns him on then I'm afraid he's quite odd.

spidookly · 20/11/2010 14:30

This relationship is abusive. Seriously abusive and it has already done you great damage.

Do NOT go to counselling with your abuser.

You need help getting away from him, not staying to be ground down entirely.

Anniegetyourgun · 20/11/2010 14:38

"Worthless" (use that name ironically, please), if you were that useless and emotionally cold surely he'd be delighted to let you go. I suspect he just can't be bothered to train up another servant at his age. You aren't a crap wife at all, you're a crapped-on wife.

There are at least a couple of reasons why you still love him. One, that you are a loving person, with plenty of affection to give, always willing to see the best in people, valuing others' points of view ahead of your own. This makes you a nice person but also a vulnerable one. Two, is simply habit. You have loved no-one else in this time and you were brought up to believe a woman should love her husband, so you've concentrated on the positive and tried to forgive the negative. I dare say there were times (before this last, extra bad year) when he was nice, and you've clung to those times as proof he is not really a bad person. You've rationalised the bad stuff away, looking on the bright side while you got on with what you had to do - meanwhile believing you didn't deserve any better. This too makes you a nice person, but your "D"H has preyed on your good qualities. It's kind of a dirty trick, that.

This isn't the way to live. Nor is it the way to show your children how to live.

EnnisDelMar · 20/11/2010 15:27

You feel worthless, empty and dead because you daren't feel angry - 30 years of this has built up a huge amount of anger in you (which you're suppressing) and to allow it out is terrifying. That's what keeps a lot of women in abusive relationships until they die.

They're scared of feeling all that pain, regret and anger against what is an appalling crime their man has committed against their self esteem - he has stolen 30 years of your life, and the anger won't diminish or go away, if you stay - it'll keep on building, invisibly until something has to give.

It sounds like you're in the simmering volcano stage at the moment - your instincts are telling you you've really had enough, so you're beginning to wonder if you can start to think about it.
It's incredibly hard even after a few months to leave a person who has abused you. This is because you have to admit it's happened, feel your anger, open the floodgates - and it's very, very frightening. Some part of you is afraid your anger will be so great, you might want to kill him. You're afraid of your feelings and how to manage them.

Counselling on your own can really help with this. So can having the correct legal and practical advice, so you have a safety net before you step into the big maelstrom of a break up. You know it won't be easy, but staying now is not an option I think...and you know that too.

i'm so sorry. Womens aid, again - they have a website and a phone line. plus local services to you.
Sorry I don't have their number off the top of my head but it's easy to find.

Good luck.