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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

Survival tactics in an impossible situation please (long, sorry)

7 replies

Wishitwasjustariver · 13/03/2013 11:47

I'm a regular poster but have NC'd for this so please don't out me.
I just need some handholding while I vent.

Brief backstory. Married @ 10 years, both had DCs before we met. Youngest two (one mine, one his) teens, still in education.

DH is charming, funny, popular and hardworking amongst friends and colleagues. At home, he can also be moody, moany/shouty and uninvolved with family life unless he wants to be. Attempts to discuss such behaviour are met with anger, silent treatment and dismissive/deflective responses. As I hate confrontation, issues often do not get resolved properly.

Money is a minefield. He has/has had addiction issues with gambling, alcohol and smokes weed regularly.

After early disasters, I took over all financial matters. I hold his bank card for the account that his wages go into, and transfer him £70 per week. His travel, clothes and non day to day expenses such as meals out come from the main account so the £70 is his to fritter away. A while after we started that, he went into the bank branch and withdrew cash using ID. I was furious and he hasn't done it since.

Just when I was beginning to trust him...
We bought both DCs a large gift, splitting the cost with their NRPs. My ex paid up, his didn't. Asked SC about it on Friday, they look puzzled and tell me the money was given to DH weeks ago. Best part of £200. He comes home from a rare after work drink with colleagues and announces that he spent £40 on a round. Instead of me rolling my eyes and handing it over he got 'more fool you!'

I stewed until Sunday then confronted him after he complained that I always had a problem with giving him money Hmm

I could tell he was about to deny it but didn't give him the chance. He admits it, but is clearly more sorry that he got caught. Holds his hands up, says he's a bad person and what do I want him to do? Says don't give him any money at all then. Also says he just likes to have money in his pocket (even though it drips through like water). No responsibility taken. At all.

Has since barely spoken to anyone, won't eat with us and is sleeping on the couch. Body language shrieks angry teenager.

I am sick of policing him but if I give him financial control then it's worse.

Since discovering MN, I have realised that I am married to a narcissistic, misogynistic addict Sad
I had years of low self esteem following a crap childhood and an abusive relationship. Can't believe I'm back here.

I can hear LTB loud and clear and it sounds so simple in theory.
But we're in social housing, can't afford private as individuals, and marital breakdown is no longer grounds for rehousing couples separately. It would also cause more problems than it would solve for the teen DCs, who have specific reasons for needing the stability that this home provides.

Am fighting tears Sad

OP posts:
akaemmafrost · 13/03/2013 11:54

Sad I was in a very similar position. I stuck it out for months and actually ended up having a breakdown. Same thing about not being able to afford separate housing etc.

The thing is you can't live like this indefinitely, mental health aside it's no way for any of your family to live. It sounds to me like he has totally relinquished responsibility for his own actions and dumped it all in YOUR lap. It's not like he is working with you to take proactive steps forward. You can't keep this family going alone.

Is the tenancy in both names? Does he have family he could stay with to give you both time to consider what has happened and what the outcome should be?

I think you should tell him your marriage is over and to start sorting himself out.

akaemmafrost · 13/03/2013 11:56

Posted too soon. If he's a shred of decency in him he will see this situation is untenable. My ex refused point blank to go "my house, my kids, I'm not going anywhere!".

You might feel like you're trapped but there will be a way out though it might not be clear right now.

Wishitwasjustariver · 13/03/2013 12:02

Thanks. Yes, joint names. He reluctantly relinquished his flat when we got married, my regrets are probably bigger than his!

No family or friends to shunt him off to, believe me I have mentally gone through them all Sad

If he had a shred of decency in him, he'd apologise and mean it, and go to Gamblers Anon. But that would mean admitting he's wrong and that he is the one with the problem. Find me a narc willing to do that...

OP posts:
akaemmafrost · 13/03/2013 12:16

Three years on my unfaithful abusive ex still blames me for "breaking up a family". Hmm

What does he think? Does he even WANT the marriage to contine?

My friend was in a similar position, she saved up and just moved out one day into private rented with her dc. She spends all her wages on rent but says its worth it to be away from him.

I know it's illegal but I'd be tempted to chuck him out to be honest. Is he the kind that would make a huge fuss or wiukd he accept the inevitable? You'd be surprised how when left to sink or swim, these useless articles manage to swim!

Wishitwasjustariver · 13/03/2013 12:28

He knows his rights, he used 2 work somewhere that had that info...

Sure he'd survive by charming another mug but right now I wish he would fix up or fuck off!

Of course it will be my fault Hmm

OP posts:
Wishitwasjustariver · 13/03/2013 14:10

I think he likes the 'wife and family' status but does not want the responsibility of maintaining it by putting in effort. Lovely MIL uses the phrase 'one hand can't clap' and that sums it up nicely.

She's coming soon (ticket booked) and he will of course behave like the model husband in her presence. Help!

OP posts:
Wishitwasjustariver · 13/03/2013 19:46

Is anyone out there? The knot in my stomach is making me feel so sick Sad

OP posts:
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