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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

Do I give in for a quiet life, or tell him to deal with it?

31 replies

squeakytoy · 29/11/2012 10:44

Apologies in advance for this being a bit long..

For most of our ten year marriage I havent really had much of a social life of my own. Occasional nights away at friends or on mini breaks, but nothing on a regular basis. He on the other hand sees his mates after work most nights for a couple of pints. Sometimes I join him, other times I dont.

However, in the last few months I have got my self confidence back, made new friends (through mutual friends, so not strangers he doesnt know) and like to go out with them on a Friday night.

My husband, when i met him was working in a bar as well as his day job (thats where we met!) and we used to be out all the time, but over the last few years he has become more like Victor Meldrew and the only place he ever wants to go is his local, early evening, then home to be fed Hmm watch telly and go to bed early.

It has got to the point now where he makes sarky comments about me "being out on the piss all night", and never being at home.. he wont cook for himself so also drives me mad by whinging about how hungry he is if I dont go home with him when HE wants to go home, but if I did go home, all that happens is I cook his food, he eats it then goes to bed and I would be sat here on my own anyway.

We dont have children together, but he has 3 from his first marriage who are all adults, one of whom is one of my best mates, as well as my boss, and when I am out, he is normally with us too.

I am now getting accused of having affairs and to be honest it is getting to the point where I feel like saying I have had enough. I am 43, not 73. I want a social life, I do not want to spend every fecking night on my own while he is snoring. When I am out, he always knows where I am and who I am with. We are usually only in our local pub or the nearest other one, and recently he texted me at 11.30 saying "dont you think it is time you came home". He had woken up and I wasnt there... I replied telling him I wouldnt be too long, told him where I was and who I was with. The reply I got was "lying cunt, stay wherever you are". My stepson rang him and told him he was being ridiculous. I ended up going home at about 3am as even my parents didnt tell me to come home when I lived with them in my teens!

I just dont know how to deal with it anymore. I am not prepared to give in and stay in 7 nights a week. I have not cheated, nor do I intend to. I dont go out dressed as if I am on the pull, I just enjoy having a laugh with my mates once maybe twice a week. Is that so bloody wrong?

I think part of the issue is that he has no interests, no hobbies, and no social life of his own. He is more than welcome to stay out with our friends (and they are friends of his too), but he says he is tired and goes home after sitting there making no effort to be sociable anyway.

OP posts:
GhettoPrincess · 30/11/2012 00:03

How would OP feel if it took 20 years to galvanise yourself into doing something ? I am open mouthed that he whines for you to cook something because he is hungry ! Whaaaat ! Sorry to have to say this but you are going to have to, 'be strong'. He doesn't share your goals and is suspicious of your behaviour. And you're married to him because........
If he was exhibiting these traits now just as you were beginning to get to know him would you still be interested ? My guess would be no. So, why is it acceptable to be like this ? You're not his mum/cook/housekeeper/unpaid therapist etc.

Feckbox · 30/11/2012 00:06

squeaky I notice your posts and just about always agree with you.
I see you as a voice of reason on here. You are not afraid to speak out against the communal drivel Wink
You are no dunce.

I won't offer a solution but I am fairly sure you will find one and follow through. Think about what you want and what you are prepared to put up with .
good luck

Feckbox · 30/11/2012 00:07

to answer your question, you tell him to deal with it .

pictish · 30/11/2012 11:12

I know!! That made my jaw drop too - you have to go home to make him something to eat because he's hungry? I am astonished at that! Shock

TisILeclerc · 30/11/2012 11:21

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

QueenofWhatever · 30/11/2012 19:38

The thing about the food is not idleness, it's about power and control. Who can't make toast or put something in the microwave? He wants you to stop doing what you want and to be there to minister to him.

I understand your traditional views although don't share them. One of the problems is that women get left with the daily drudgery of cooking and cleaning which have to happen for life to continue but 'manly' things like DIY and mowing the lawn can just be put off. However in these traditional relationships, decent men still get on and do them - he isn't.

Also I think the fact that you have traced and contacted your birth family is relevant. I'm really pleased that has gone well for you. It sounds like you are getting a clearer idea of your own identity and he doesn't like the change to the status quo which frankly, just benefits him.

It all sounds joyless, I would find a way to disengage and leave.

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