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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

Dh just told me he is thinking of leaving

260 replies

feelingvunerable · 14/01/2012 23:16

I have name changed for this.
Just looking for advice and help really.
I've been with dh for more than 20 years. We have 3 dcs together, 2 teenagers one 9 year old, they are all still at school.
I have sensed that dh has been off it and distant for want of a better phrase for at least the past week, possibly more. Anyway yesterday he said that he needed to speak to me but due to rushing around with kids activities and him going out he never did. When he came home last night he said that he felt ill and ended up sleeping in our ds bed. Ds got in with me. Previously in the week he said that because I had been talking in my sleep and had consequently woken him up 3 times he felt he should sleep in one of the kids beds and let them sleep with me. He does get up early for work and was tired he said.

After a busy day today, spend seperately but this is down to the kids activities, he announced that he was going out. I was a tad disappointed as I wanted us to maybe spend time together in the house relaxing and I had told him that I was cooking a nice meal.
When I left this morning he had gone back to bed saying he felt ill.

I asked him what he had wanted to speak about and he announced that he isn't happy and is thinking of leaving. He said that he wont talk about it in front of the kids and will take tomorrow.

I really don't know what to do.
I am aware that sexually he is feeling unsatisfied but I was hoping to try and make amends tonight now I don't think he will come near me when he gets back in.
He also said that it is other things as well.
I think by this he means the house isn't tidy enough.
I have been trying to make sure the house is really spik and span and that his dinner is on the table.
However it is bloody hard work with 3 untidy kids!

I do think deep down that he expects me to do the vast majority of the housework, even though I have always made it clear that I am not his maid.
He grew up in a household where his father did none of the domestic chores, only traditional "male jobs".
I have never seen his dad make his own cup off tea!
From the start I toldd him that if he ever turned into his dad I would leave so he knows the score.

I am so scared and am trying to keep it all in.
I know he went to see a single friend a few days ago and I think he might have made enquiries about staying with him (I am only guessing here).
The ironic thing is several friends have recently commented on how happy we seem.
He has said there is noone else.
Btw I work and cook , clean, do all the gardening ,ferry the kids around. I do look after myself but feel like shit now.

OP posts:
Doha · 15/01/2012 19:53

X post OP deep breath and maintain your composure. You are strong--he is not.
Good luck

t0lk13n · 15/01/2012 19:54

Call his bluff and pack his bags!

ClaraSage · 15/01/2012 19:54

Good luck, stay calm.
Please update.
We're here for you no matter what the outcome.

oldmerryolesoul · 15/01/2012 19:54

I would text/phone him and tell him to get home and talk to YOU not some bloke in the pub

mercibucket · 15/01/2012 19:55

Honestly? It sounds like he hasn't got the balls to leave and is pushing you to throw him out, so he can take the high moral ground and perhaps 'spon after' start dating someone else but still look good to other people
Take back the power and control
Start with the finances

Rosmarin · 15/01/2012 19:56

He's being a complete, cowardly, selfish prick to leave you hanging like that.

On the one hand you want to regain agency and give him a hefty kick up the arse.
On the other hand there's part of you which naturally doesn't want to overreact in case there's an explanation - you want it to be all right...

But there probably isn't a good explanation. Similar 'dragging it out' thing happened to me recently. He finally got it together to leave me, after dropping the bombshell and avoiding my calls. I was making excuses for him, but now I realise that even if there had been a reason, I wouldn't want to stay with someone who treated me like crap. And you shouldn't either!

Think about your next moves and take care of yourself and your DC. And don't cook him any dinner.

Sorry this is happening to you Sad

Hullygully · 15/01/2012 19:56

poor you xx

Rosmarin · 15/01/2012 19:57

Actually I agree with what others are saying - he wants you to make it easy for him to leave by kicking up a fuss (you being 'negative' and 'difficult') or you throwing him out (he's the victim).

Prepare what you need to and can prepare now re finances and legal arrangements. Then you're equipped.

momnipotent · 15/01/2012 20:21

Poor you. :(

After all this nonsense I'd happily give him his excuse to go, just to get rid. The truth always comes out eventually.

Good luck tonight.

KirstyWirsty · 15/01/2012 20:33

Good luck! Why are some men such cowardly lying bastards??

solidgoldbrass · 15/01/2012 20:50

What a knob! If it's not an affair, it's a calculated attempt to scare you into absolute submission: he wants you to be tortured and terrified at the thought of him leaving, so much so that you tie yourself in knots trying to be a better slave Wifey, doing all the domestic work and opening your legs twice a day just so long as he doesn't leave.
You can choose to end the relationship, you know. You can decide that this unkind, selfish, contemptuous behaviour is NOt Good Enough and dump him.

Gumby · 15/01/2012 20:52

Good luck xxx

SugarPasteVelociraptor · 15/01/2012 21:20

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

saturdayescape · 15/01/2012 21:23

Love and strength my love.xx

crazymummy87 · 15/01/2012 21:30

Good luck x

MuslinSuit · 15/01/2012 21:39

He's a dick, please use the time he's given you to sort yourself out to leave him.

Jacaqueen · 15/01/2012 22:03

Hope you are ok

Bunnyjo · 15/01/2012 22:23

Oh wow, this is truly awful. I completely agree with SGB - either this man is having an affair or he is looking to scare you into complete submission and compliance, so you end up being actually grateful that you are his housemaid and servent loving and obedient wife. To drop such a bombshell, then engineer his not being available to talk is so cruel and I really feel for you.

I hope you are getting the answers you deserve. You sound like a lovely woman, worthy of respect - please don't forget that x

mrstiredandconfused · 15/01/2012 22:42

How are you Feeling ?

NannyPlumIsMyMum · 15/01/2012 22:49

Thinking of you x

Consoleme · 15/01/2012 23:00

I agree with a lot that has been advised here. You deserve a good life in which you know where you stand. Hope you are getting some answers.

ednurse · 15/01/2012 23:39

Hope you are ok OP xx

SparkleSoiree · 15/01/2012 23:52

It sounds to me that he is behaving in such a way as to infuriate you and make you kick him out so he can say you ended the marriage. If you did this then calmed down and asked him back I bet he would say no because you kicked him out.

My EXH did this. I went to him a few weeks after I kicked him out over similar behaviour and he refused to come back. Then I found out he was building a new life with the OW. I realised then what his plan was.

TuftyFinch · 15/01/2012 23:55

I hope you are ok x

manticlimactic · 16/01/2012 00:10

Did you say he wasn't that computer savvy? If he's deleted the password book would he remember to delete it from the recycling bin? I'd check.