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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 crossroads. What to do?

33 replies

shandybass · 25/07/2013 21:17

I'm feeling at a crossroads. My dh and I have been married 9 years and have 3dcs, 7,4,1. He is a good man and will do anything for anyone and is generally sociable, kind and good company but not really towards me. He's never been very demonstrative and not one to chat. I like some quiet time and I'm quite independent so it seemed ok before. Now with the strains of a young family and lower tolerance levels on both sides I'm wondering what there is between us. We argue a lot, or rather I do and he just waits for me to get it out of my system and then carries on as before. I've threatened to leave but this evokes no reaction also. I'm not sure I want to leave more for the difficulties of being a single mother and because I took my vows seriously and because basically dh is a good man.
I've suggested counselling, he won't hear of it, thinks its humiliating and it's all my issue. Maybe it is I'm sure he'd be happy with a twice a week shag and a mother to his kids. I try but find it hard especially if we've been arguing. Friends have suggested time alone and a romantic night away, but the reality is that any time alone we have we just argue and it's easier when were both busy elsewhere.
As in child things I think will this period pass, is it just because the children are young or should I force the issue and risk my marriage?

OP posts:
SolidGoldBrass · 08/08/2013 00:12

How much domestic work does this man do? I'm getting the impression of a 'father' who quite likes the existence of the children because they demonstrate to the world that his Mighty Penis is Mighty, but whose interactions with them are mostly about telling them off and making sure they appreciate his status as the Person in the household, to whom they are accessories. If he does little or no domestic work, he's also of the mindset that you are an accessory, a servant, a household appliance and less important than him.

shandybass · 08/08/2013 00:17

Oops, trigger happy. His relationship history is a past serious relationship with a younger girl who two timed him during college, nothing unusual?!
With family he is more an action than a expressing feeling type bloke. I thought this was ok until long term and under stress I find I'm in need of a kind word or nod.
The trouble is before I've had the words without the actions and maybe as a result I've put more weight on actions than words.
I want that family unit thing for our children, that I would wslk on hot coals for, but I'm sad that when I'm with old friends when I know I'm not me now. The difficulty is that on those situations he's the old he and is lovely. What a state of affairs.

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shandybass · 08/08/2013 00:39

No solidgold. It's coming across wrong. Dh can and does do domestic chores better than most of his peers. I'm talking about the appreciation and consideration, the kind word that keeps you going.
My kids know, that hug, that look, that comment, I love you, which just gets you through that frustration and tiredness that creeps up day to day.
Dh made supper tonight. Lovely and not unheard of but nog routine either, but I didn't stop until 9.30 with various jobs, so still a busy non-stop day for me.
He's not bad, I'm not bad. It's just very hard work to make either of us happy?

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SolidGoldBrass · 08/08/2013 09:44

Hmm. It is slightly coming across as you both being incompatible. It could be that he is inconsiderate and selfish, but are you one of those sleeve-pluckers who wants attention even when someone else is busy or tired or preoccupied? Because people like that can be fucking hard to live wit, too.

BloomingRose · 08/08/2013 09:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Helltotheno · 08/08/2013 10:02

Incompatibility OP. You want something he can't deliver and the chances of his essence changing are slim. Trial separation?

BloomingRose · 08/08/2013 10:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

shandybass · 08/08/2013 17:51

Oh dear. Yes blooming rose that link was spot on. I've even saved it and am contemplating showing it to my dh?!
It all looks pretty hopeless though. He seems to want to make a go of things and is pretty upset at how things are. I shall see if there is any discussion or will it be a sorry and a big hug and back to how we were.
Does anyone have any experiences of coming out of a similar situation staying together?
I'm pleased for you blooming rose, but I don't think I want to give up yet.
I have mentioned therapy again. I'm very tired of it and not looking forward to him being on leave next week and at home with me.

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