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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

How would you feel if your DH said this to you?

270 replies

nonglamorous · 16/12/2011 11:38

Took H to the airport for a business trip a few weeks ago so dc could say goodbye to him at airport. When we got there he seemed edgy and anxious to brush me off, we had come all the way but he wanted us to leave him in the car park rather than actually come and wave him off. Kids wanted to go with him so I said we would come all the way in, he clearly was not happy. As we entered the terminal we saw a work colleague of his, H introduced us but couldn't get away quick enough, barely looked at me when he said goodbye, no hug.

Background, things are not good between us anyway and havent been for a long time but we keep trying for dc and do have some laughs and good times still, certainly I thought there was something there to keep working on.

Anyway he has been gone for a couple of weeks I was very hurt by his attitude at the airport and havent spoken to him much but when we did I was normal. Today I mentioned that I thought he had been embarassed by me at the airport and he said "well you should have put some make up and done your hair". Now firstly I didnt know I would be meeting a work colleague of his and I was hardly a scruffbag, had jeans, converse and a Berghause fleece (new) not old and nasty one and my hair is nicely horribly expensively highlighted, although in a pony tail that day and I basically looked like I do on a day to day basis. I just feel gutted, I really do, he is clearly still annoyed by it two weeks later, angry with me for not making an "effort" or maybe more angry that I brought it up, but his explanation was certainly angry iyswim.

So basically he was trying to avoid me meeting his work colleague and was so embarrassed when I did that he couldn't even say goodbye to me. Btw I am five years older than him and have occasionally felt in the past that this is a bit of a problem, have been excluded from meeting certain friends and days out etc where a couple would be expected to go.

So what do you think?

OP posts:
Xmasbaby11 · 18/12/2011 22:28

I'd be hurt - you are his WIFE, not some casual girlfriend he is keeping secret from everyone else he knows. Does he work in a particularly glamorous/young company? I'm wondering if he's feeling peer pressure from colleagues (not that it's an excuse).

HoudiniHissy · 18/12/2011 22:29

The final straw is always the oddest thing. the smallest thing. Hang onto it, it will help you stay focussed on what you have to do.

This can already be a Christmas without him, you do know that don't you?

If you are collecting him from the airport, take him to a Travel lodge.

Or when he lands call him and tell him to go to one and you will talk to him when you feel you want to.

joanofarchitrave · 18/12/2011 22:29

You could start interviewing lawyers? January always crazy busy on the divorce front, probably quite a good time to get going in the last week before the 25th?

The best revenge is to live well. Plan and have the Christmas you want to have, with the children. I think you're right to have dinner after he's gone, though - more relaxing. Maybe spend Boxing Day getting in touch with some of those friends? Good day to ring people.

HoudiniHissy · 18/12/2011 22:30

Everyone here is on your side here love, every single one of us. you have been through so much and now it's time for you to see what's what.

AnyFuckerForAMincePie · 18/12/2011 22:32

don't collect him from the airport

text him just as he lands to tell him to take a taxi to a mates/the nearest fleapit hotel/travelodge/B+B

your marriage is over

you need to understand you are the one in control...I don't understand why you can't see that

nonglamorous · 18/12/2011 22:32

My eldest is autistic and it would be very hard to disrupt him over Christmas. He is so excited about his Dad coming home as well, I can cope, I go away after boxing day and divorce petition is being resent. I'm not going for separation, I am going straight to the big 'D'.

OP posts:
nonglamorous · 18/12/2011 22:34

I am most definitely not collecting him and he has already arranged somewhere else to stay.

OP posts:
HoudiniHissy · 18/12/2011 22:37

oh that is FANTASTIC! You will need that space love. We will be here for you, whatever you need.

Well done, I know you may not feel like it, but you have made the right decision for you and your family.

(((Hugs)))

AnyFuckerForAMincePie · 18/12/2011 22:37

well, forgive me love, but how is your autistic son going to cope with the big "D" ?

is it fair to effectively lie to him over xmas ?

that you and dh are ok ?

you are not

you have time yet to prepare your son for an alternative xmas

you have a week

start this evening

how will it better in the NY when he turns round and says "but daddy was happy at xmas, why are you making daddy sad, mum ?"

just a thought

he is not my son, but that is what I would do

xmas isn't very important to me though...it's just another day (due to family stuff of my own, I learned that a long time ago)

AnyFuckerForAMincePie · 18/12/2011 22:39

cross posted again

forgive my stream of consciousness

you are doing the right thing x

babyhammock · 18/12/2011 22:39

I like AF's plan!
Yes the big 'D' sounds brilliant.
If you have to spend christmas day with him, please don't pick the twat up from the airport!

Akiram · 18/12/2011 22:42

glamorous Been following your thread but not posted.
AF makes a very good point. How do you explain to your DC in the NY that you are splitting up when a week earlier they will have had, in their minds, a "normal" happy Christmas. Don't do that. Children can cope with most things but not being lied to or feeling decieved.

babyhammock · 18/12/2011 22:42

Sorry I'm way behind...but again what AF said after

nonglamorous · 18/12/2011 22:43

Christmas day won't be so bad. I will do the presents in the morning with dc and then go for a run in the afternoon while he is with them. Then after Christmas will go and see family and friends where I am from. I just need to not engage with him AT ALL.

OP posts:
AnyFuckerForAMincePie · 18/12/2011 22:44

good plan

Akiram · 18/12/2011 22:44

Sorry missed the part about your DS being autistic. I have no experience there.

AnyFuckerForAMincePie · 18/12/2011 22:46

< extra respect for Op >

you go running on xmas day ?

wow Xmas Smile

nonglamorous · 18/12/2011 22:46

I don't honestly think ds will feel that way, because of his autism he doesn't really do complex emotions and his dad is away such a lot anyway. I did actual get some advice on how to deal with telling ds about separation before and they said not to come straight out and say it, to let it filter in gradually, so it becomes normal. Dd is still very young.

OP posts:
Akiram · 18/12/2011 22:47

That sounds like it could work.
The only thing I would warn through bitter experience is what was posted upthread about the different stages men like your H will go through, well those stages could happen alot quicker purely because it is Christmas.

AnyFuckerForAMincePie · 18/12/2011 22:47

am with you

very impressed with how you are taking the comments on this thread in the way they are intended

nonglamorous · 18/12/2011 22:48

Yep, usually run between 30 and 50 km a week. Yet still I am a lazy, fat, need to stand on my own two feet, unattractive person according to ex, so there you go.

OP posts:
ChippingInLovesChristmasLights · 18/12/2011 22:49

I would do what AF said actually - start preparing DS now. H has somewhere else to stay, he can pick the DC up for part of Christmas Day and take them to visit friends/family, otherwise, as AF said, surely you will get the 'Dad was happy Christmas Day why are you getting divorced'. Once you have told the kids it wil help you to stay strong and not relent. Only you know your son though, I/we don't... but from here that looks like the better option??

nonglamorous · 18/12/2011 22:50

Well you have all been amazing actually and really helped me clarify my thought. The comments and questions all make sense. Now if I can only carry this calm level headedness into my dealings with him......

OP posts:
Akiram · 18/12/2011 22:50

Sorry posted too soon. I meant the stages of indifference, indignation, his "depression" and him wanting to come back. Situations always accelerate at Christmas. But you sound like you know you know your mind so I am sure he won't get away with pulling any of those stunts on you.
isn't running illegal on Christmas Day? Xmas Grin

AnyFuckerForAMincePie · 18/12/2011 22:52

I veg out on Baileys and mince pies on xmas day

respec'

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