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Relationships

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

Relationship totally broken since baby 11 months ago- LONG, sorry.

126 replies

misskalse · 19/10/2011 22:50

Hi
I am completely new to this whole forum thing but I need some advice.

I gave birth to my first baby 11 months ago and for the first 3 weeks or so my partner was great, helping out etc with cooking and cleaning etc whilst I breastfed our baby and tried to get over a 32 labour. Feeling extremely tired and hormonal and sore and dealing with a baby who cried all of the time I asked my partner to sleep in the spare room as it seemed silly for us both to be tired (and also, whilst I was pregnant, I read an article in The Times written by a new dad saying it was a good idea to sleep in separate rooms for awhile so that way one person is not exhausted and can do chores etc). So partner went into the other room and I could concentrate on feeding the baby in the night without wanting to punch my partner for either being sleep next to me or ending up niggling in the middle of the night.

10 months later and we are still in separate rooms and barely talk. Basically since he has been in the spare room he has totally given up helping me in any way. He has his own business and was working from home for 8 months (I asked him to get an office as it's not healthy for a relationship to be in eachothers pockets night and day). I became so fed up with him being at home day and night (he has no social life so never goes out) that I said if he didn't get an office then I would have to leave. During those early months I was exhausted and hormonal and very moody with him for not helping so turned into a bit of cow.

To cut a long story short, I have basically spent the last 11 months looking after the baby single handedly AND cooking, cleaning, washing, food shopping, with no help from him and I am SO resentful towards him that I can barely be in the same room as him. Before I had the baby he would cook far more often then me, he was super clean (he has mild OCD) but since the baby has been born he has stopped all that. I asked him if he was punishing me for him being in the spare room and he said yes. On top of this since having a baby I have been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid which has made me extrememly tired

I have tried many times to talk to him about why he does nothing etc...I have tried in a calm way and also in a frustrated horrible angry way...both get the same response. He says (nastily) that as he goes to work that he shouldn't have to work and do things around the house. All he goes on about his how hard he works, how tired he is, why the hell should he have to work and do everything in the house (all I have asked is for washing up to be done)......

As I am not working ( I used to temp but then fell pregnant), he gives me money for the food shopping each month and £40 per week for me to spend on myself (coffee with other mums etc). Last month we realised we could get child tax credit. That money goes to me and he hates that. thinks it should go to him for the mortgage and bills. I have explained that it is for the baby. He now says that from next month he is going to stop giving me money for myself. Therefore the money I get for the baby is the money for me. Now surely this is wrong. I cook, clean, wash, look after the baby and he is going to give me nothing? I don't want to take money that is meant for my baby to use for myself.

I am 38 years old, have been with my partner for 5 years (but broken up many times) and feel utterly utterly trapped and confused and have never felt so resentful in my life. I had a wonderful childhood and come from a very happy middle class family and I want that for my daughter. But, I cannot continue being this unhappy in what is effectively no longer a relationship. Just two people with a baby who barely speak. I am so scared of the future for my beautiful daughter as I can't get a job at the moment as I am looking after her and I don't want to be a single mother on benefits. I want to be able to provide for her. I know for my own happiness I should leave as I just don't love him anymore due to so much resentment and all the hurtful things that have been said.... but I don't want to hurt my partner by taking his daughter away from him (although I would hope he would be an active father if we were to split) and I don't want to hurt my daughter.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Any other stay at home mums who could let me know what they are expected to do, if their partners help, if their partners give them money for themselves etc? All my friends with babies have good careers etc so I don't know what is normal. But this just doesn't feel normal to me.

Thanks so much

OP posts:
Whatsyourexcuse · 20/10/2011 11:48

We also sleep apart at times when one of us needs a good rest when ds is teething etc BUT we would both feel rejected and resentful if it became the norm, it's not just about sex it's were we have our cuddles, intimate chats etc. If you can have this kind of closeness without sharing a bed then that's ok but it's that closeness that keeps a relationship together.

HandDivedScallopsrgreat · 20/10/2011 11:53

God I think I've walked into Stepford! meltedchocolate - you are right it is all about doing your fair share. The OP is her partner isn't. They both agreed to have a child - he is now absolving himself of this responsibility because he works out of the home. He isn't doing any housework because he "works". What does she do all day and evening by the sounds of it? What about equal leisure time? Presumably he doesn't work out of the home 24/7?

Oh and if he does have a problem sleeping in the spare room he should be talking to the OP not punishing her. Yeuch, yeuch, yeuch!

crazygracieuk · 20/10/2011 11:55

I think that you have had some good advice and I agree that you have both acted unreasonably.

At the end of the day, you can only salvage things if both of you want to. I think the first step is to sit with your husband and tell him that you want to change things and that you hope that he does too. It may take lots of counselling and honest talking before he can answer that question but the situation has to change and if both of you make changes then I don't think that it's inevitable that things have to end.

crazygracieuk · 20/10/2011 11:59

Handdivedscallops- OP mentioned reading an article in the Times which suggested that she looks after baby and he does housework. There is no mention of whether her h agreed to this or whether or not this is fair.

Personally I don't think that it's a fair division of tasks at all. "Fair" would involve both parents doing a mixture of both.

cecilyparsley · 20/10/2011 12:00

'I would not have married DH and procreated with him had we had vastly dissimilar ideas about money, parenting and family life.'
definitely the best approach Sansa...sadly I was @ the back of the queue when they were handing out the common sense & foresight BlushGrin

meltedchocolate · 20/10/2011 12:01

HandDived. I could not agree more with your last sentence. I don't think they are both doing their fair share in the relationship. This is not equal, it is two people trying to have control. So unhealthy.

The P is not doing his fair share around the house. I was not trying to argue his case for this. I just think the women that think the one working should still do a clean half of housework are wrong, but to do none is also wrong. I was saying, that although her P is in the wrong, so is OP.

HandDivedScallopsrgreat · 20/10/2011 12:05

No it isn't about 2 people having control - it is about the OP doing all the work and her partner absolving himself of all responsibility in the home because he seems to be displeased with a decision to sleep in the spare room (a decision he was party to at the time). Basically he has been doing an 11 month sulk.

NinkyNonker · 20/10/2011 12:05

I agree with you Melted.

NinkyNonker · 20/10/2011 12:07

PS: When we got tax credits they went straight into the joint account, and the joint pot. It was not just for me or the baby, it was a contribution to the running of the household, so I kind of agree in theory that if you take that money as yours (therefore collaborating in the seperate funds thing) then in theory you dont need an allowance (FGS). But if he wants that, you need free access to joint funds.

meltedchocolate · 20/10/2011 12:10

HandDived, let's be real, this is not just about chores. This is about the whole spare room/ office out of house/ money/ chores/ their whole relationship. Both are at fault here.

DoMeDon · 20/10/2011 12:12

Sounds like you both have 'me, me, me'-itis. You have BOTH forgotten how to be a partnership. You need to apologise for being 'a cow' and try to reassemble your relationship. Agree with Melted.

HandDivedScallopsrgreat · 20/10/2011 12:19

No you are right it isn't just about chores - it is about his attitude to them. His sense of entitlement that he doesn't need to do any, that the OP will pick up the slack. The lack of respect shown by him to his partner and child.

OK so he wasn't happy with the decision to move into the spare room (which I don't agree with as it definitely helps to absolve the man of responsibility to look after the child - but I would expect nothing less of The Times). Where were his objections, why didn't he protest at the time? Why hasn't he talked to the OP since about it? What does that decision have to do with looking after the house and child on a day-to-day basis? He has made it the point/excuse not the OP. When she has spoken to him about it, instead of stepping up he has refused and sulked even more.

I don't blame her at all for being resentful and completely fed up and tbh with his attitude he isn't going to change. I am with SGB all the way on this.

DoMeDon · 20/10/2011 12:20

Imagine this post from your DH:

DW had a baby 11 months ago. I tried to be involved at first but have started to feel really pushed out and have since stopped participating in family life. I was asked to go to the spare room and did so, even though I was unhappy about it, to appease DW. She was understandably 'hormonal' at the time and I wanted to make her happier. Unfortunately nothing seemed to make her happy, she seemed to resent me sleeping, despite sending me to the spare room to sleep Confused Going on from there, I started to work from home but was getting on DWs nerves so had to rent an office. I am working hard to financially support the family and feel tired, but when I express this DW gets annoyed as she is tired too. When we started to get TC, DW decided she should keep these, which left me feeling aggreived as all my income goes toward the joint family expenses.

I really think relate would help you both.

PeppermintPumpkin · 20/10/2011 12:22

OP, what do you think? If we haven't all scared you off, you being new to this 'n'all?

Laquitar · 20/10/2011 12:23

On sleeping separately- there is difference imo. You can do that and then say 'good morning' to each other and kiss or hug. Or you can drift apart every day like in MrGin's case. I think you need to make sure that there is closeness and affection during the day, hugs etc. It is not as simple as journos and celebrities make it sound. You cannot easily just press a button 2 years later and hey pesto you find closeness again.

ionysis · 20/10/2011 12:23

Feel really sorry for your partner actually.

Rather than be included in your life he has been totally pushed aside in favour of the baby. You pushed him out of your bed and also out of your home. And you wonder why he thinks "f&ck it, I'm not going to do anything!".

Yours is a classic example of how NOT to treat your partner when you have a child.

Of course, he has his share of the blame in how things have continued. Rather than explain how he felt he has just shut you off and become bitter and resentful.

i think both of you need to admit your faukts and your part in this horrible mess before you can come to any raprochement. I'd also suggest counselling. if you continue to blame him for this entire situation and not recognise the role you have played in ruining your relationship then you may as well leave now.

ionysis · 20/10/2011 12:31

"I have tried many times to talk to him about why he does nothing etc..."

Have you started by saying "I am sorry I pushed you out of our bed and home and I would like to try to make that up to you..."

Or have you tried to talk to him about how he actually FEELS? or are his feelings irrelevant to you as long as he is helping you with the chores?

Are you having sex? If not whose choice was that? Was that something else you decided was unimportant compared to looking after the baby?

PeppermintPumpkin · 20/10/2011 12:45

Blimey. Look, the OP hasn't come back, so we only have her first words to go on. I tend to think that people who post want some help, want some perspectives and yes, that of course includes people who disagree with her. But I can't see that she did ALL the running to make this relationship go awry. She asked her partner to go into the spare room, she is not saying she ordered him to. We don't have enough information, IMO, to flame her so readily. Please come back op, and give us some more info, so, dare I say it, we may be able to help, if only as somewhere for you to offload.

meltedchocolate · 20/10/2011 13:13

Unfortunately you can say words that sounds like asking and actually be telling. We do not know if her P protested or if he said 'yeah ok' to try not to get into another argument with her. I agree with DoMeDon and all I can see is this P's post along side OPs. She has admitted to being a cow, yet she excuses herself for this because she has just had a baby (erm, seriously if you want a baby you deal with it like a decent human being or DON'T HAVE ONE). Of course this is not ALL OPs fault but as he was being great at first, before OPs unreasonable and what seems like controlling behaviour, it certainly sounds like it was her actions that pushed her P over the edge, then he reacted by being a wanker and controlling himself. Both of them need to get a grip or their poor baby is in for a rough ride. :(

misskalse · 20/10/2011 15:07

Thank you all so much for your replies and I'm glad there was a mixed response as I didn't just want the "oh he's a shit" responses as I know it takes two people to create a situation and there are two peoples feelings involved.

Melted chocolate - yes, I totally get that he must have felt rejected, he told me ages ago he felt left out. From my point, what was supposed to be a short term thing has turned into a long term thing because he just stopped helping, punishing me as he said because I "shoved him in the spare room". It wasn'n intended to be like but then the less he helped me the more I resented him.

As a stay at home mum I absolutely do not expect my boyfriend to clean the house, do all of the washing, do the food shopping etc, of course not. His job during the day is working and bringing in the money (by the way, he works 5 minutes walk away running his own business, which yes, has many pressures I'm sure but some men do a long commute, have a high pressured job then still manage to help out). My job during the day/night is looking after the baby and the home. I am fine with that, that is my role. However, I do not expect to have to cook a meal every night, then wash up afterwards every single night. He used to cook lots before the baby was born,maybe more than me as he enjoyed cooking. BUt my point is, since we have had separate rooms he now doesn't do that.

Surely it is not unfair to expect some help in the evenings and at weekends? I don't mean cleaning the house etc. I mean, washing up? Empyting the bin? It is extremely tiring having a baby, it's 24/7, not just working hours so aren't men supposed to help out when they are not at work? Although to be fair, my partner works all of the time, weekends, all of the time. He is a work obsessed man. So in our first year with baby we have barely done a thing as a family. It feels like he hasn't got time. Yes, it's great he has such a strong work ethic, but there has to be a balance right?

"Whatsyourexcuse" - thank you for some positive vibes! My Mum has basically told me to do the same thing and hope that things will get better. "if you BOTH don't try then it's never going to work". I'm glad for you that your relationship has got better.

Sandyballs - Yes, the baby still sleeps in my room which I am well aware is soon to be a problem. Thing is, I just cannot imagine sleeping in the same bed as partner now, and he doesn't seem bothered either.

The money issue :

"Melted Chocolate" - my partner feels that the money should go to him for bills etc just as you do as I don't provide any money within the relationship. The nappies/food etc are paid for with Child Benefit and he pays for the mortgage (it's his flat) and bills and food. Part of me can understand that point of view, yet, the other part of me feels that a stay at home mother works bloody hard doing everything and gets paid nothing for it, she can't earn money whilst she is caring for a child 24/7 so is therefore controlled by her partner who holds the purse strings. Does that make sense?

-SansaLannister - yes, a team, that is how it should be. Joint accounts etc and it all goes into one. Except he has a job and money and I don't have a job or hardly any savings so it is separate. Money and jobs have always been an issue because I've not had the big career even though I have a degree etc and he is very work orientated.
It does feel like pocket money to look after our child/ do housework etc. And now he is saying he won't give me any due to me getting £60 per week of Child Tax Credit (I buy her food/clothes/nappies etc with that).

"Sootysweepand Sue" - it does have a lot to do with family life during childhood I guess. His Dad never did a thing to help his Mum, still doesn't, he just worked and she does everything.They have separate financial accounts etc. Whereas I grew up seeing my Dad always wash up after my Mum cooked a meal, they have a joint account, money has never been an issue for them etc. Totally different childhoods we had. His unhappy, mine very happy. He thinks his dad is an arse for not helping out his mum, yet here he is turning into his father.

Maybe I have turned into a mumzilla through a mixture of hormones, no sleep, overactive thyroid exhaustion, ....but also, I am quite sure that it's not supposed to be like this (yes I have created part of it with the sleeping apart thing but...)....maybe it's just me, maybe I expect too much. All I know is that yes, I haven't been nice at times to him, but the pressures of a new baby, a partner who went from working outside the home to suddenly working inside the home for 9 months starting a new businesws, working ALL the time with no time for baby or to help or do things as a family has taken it's toll.

It's a lot for both people to take in one year. And if you can't communicate then how do you ever get past all the resentment? I have tried to talk to him but we get nowhere. So now we just say very little and it's all swept under the carpet as always simmering away instead of sitting down as adults and trying to sort it. It just ends up with insults.

Thanks again for your honest replies.
I'm now having a good cry x

OP posts:
meltedchocolate · 20/10/2011 15:15

Wow, well that is one of the best replies I have ever seen on MN.

Do you want to work it out? I agree with the money thing. You want it all joint, fair enough. I am glad you accept that you have made mistakes. I understand not wanting him back now if he has continued to be an arse. You two seriously need to sit down, calmly, with no resentment and chat. About everything.

Good luck OP x

meltedchocolate · 20/10/2011 15:16

P.s I am sorry I called you a mumzilla, that was harsh. It is hard having a new baby. It will get easier! x

misskalse · 20/10/2011 15:16

"Do me Don"....that was great and I have imagined that is what he has been feeling. PLEASE don't think that I do not see things from his point of view. I do. He works bloody hard. He feels pushed out and left out. He feels like I have become "unbearable" (his words) as I've been moody and snappy.

I see both sides. I really do. I have suggested counselling on many occasions. His response "over my dead body".

We are indeed both to blame and we cannot communicate so unless there is a third party involved (like Relate) we will never get to the heart of the matter as he sees it all his way and I can see both ways.

OP posts:
PeppermintPumpkin · 20/10/2011 15:19

I think you sound very together and measured about it OP. One thing is for sure, it is not too much to expect your partner to do a bit of washing up and bin changing. But the communication issue is the thing here isn't it? And you're right-it's a lot for one year-babies do bloody well mess up our lives don't they??!

I presume you've tried getting out together and having a talk about all this? Sounds like he needs to get some perspective too on the amount of time he spends at work/working. It's very very easy, and common IME, to get to this stage with your DP.

Have you got help (family etc) who could maybe give you both a break somehow, so you can properly talk and get these resentments on both sides out? And what about counselling(on your own)?

PhilipJFry · 20/10/2011 15:21

"I see both sides. I really do. I have suggested counselling on many occasions. His response "over my dead body"."

I have tried to see both sides on this OP but having read this I truly feel for you. Being stuck in a stalemate is terrible. It's rotten that he won't consider counselling.