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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

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Should he have come home?

588 replies

SpottyPony · 10/08/2013 11:16

Long time lurker, first time poster. I have written this several times and not had the courage to post as I am feeling very down and sensitive but could use some intelligent insight, the sort that I have come to admire on MN.

The situation is that DH is working away abroad, has been for the last 7 weeks and not due to leave for another fortnight. On Wednesday our DS (6mo) fell ill and was referred to hospital from the doctors. He was admitted and fitted with an IV drip for fluids as he was dehydrated from severe D&V which later transpired to be gastroenteritis. Very listless and crying in pain, I was hugely worried about him. I don't live in the UK and have no family around for support. I called the relevant numbers to inform his seniors what was happening and to let DH know too. I received a phonecall to say DH has been informed and is being offered a flight back the next day to be home and support us and to hold out for further information. I did feel bad for interfering with his work commitments but needed support, and also out of respect for him as a parent and thought he should be there with us.

He refused the flight. A friend even offered him his flight and told him he would fly out another date and that DH should be at home with us. He said he "didn't want to" and that he had "things to do". Their main purpose of being out there has now ended and is merely tying up loose ends and preparing to return home. He asked about DS once during his first day in hospital, the second day I heard nothing and had to contact him to inform him of progress. I have now not heard from him since my last contact to him, we have been discharged today as DS is a lot better. DH's last communication with me was to inform me I was being a nag, to leave him alone as he was busy and has since deleted himself from the apps that we kept in contact with and I am unable to get through to his phone when I call. I should mention that where he is has a good nightlife and he has been out several times since getting there, so it appears he is having too good a time to come back and support his family.

AIBU for thinking his main priority should have been to get home to his poorly son and to support me too? I don't know whether I'm sounding whingey and needy. There is a backstory so as not to dripfeed - DH has been at home for just 5 weeks of DS's life as he's been away with work so frequently, but when home he doesn't interact with him unless forced, ignores him during the night (has gotten up once during the night and that's when I literally begged him and he did so with very bad temper) and will leave him in dirty nappies if I'm not there as he "didn't realise he needed changing". He has several younger siblings and has been around babies a lot. He says as I'm on maternity leave, it's my job to do everything associated with looking after a baby and that he shouldn't have to do anything. This includes any housework and cooking as he says that's my role now. When DS was born he had to stay in ICU for 11 days as he didn't breathe for some considerable time after a traumatic 26 hour induced labour (which DH went home for the most part as he was tired) and he visited him 3 times during those 11 days as he "doesn't do hospitals", so it's not as if this uncaring attitude is purely caused by his absence due to work and not bonding properly with DS as it appears he's never cared from day one.

This is something I am prepared to LTB for as it's the last straw really. This is probably the longest AIBU ever typed so if you are still reading, thank you so much for your time.

OP posts:
Ruprekt · 14/08/2013 23:18

Am sure that the Mumsnet experts on breakups would say that his comments are completely textbook.....like he reading a script.

He is projecting the guilt onto you as he knows he has been busted and he refuses to accept responsibility.

What a git.

Am so pleased you have people on your side. SmileSmile

SpottyPony · 14/08/2013 23:26

DS just woke up, well, thought he woke up but turns out he was just squeaking and having a slightly weird chuckle to himself in his sleep so I popped on here and am very glad I did. Thank you so much for all your lovely posts, I am so grateful for them all. I was feeling at rock bottom earlier and couldn't even make the effort to move off the sofa, but reading them gave me strength and I have spent a couple of hours getting together all his stuff, bagging it up and leaving it in a pile in the living room. I know it makes it easy for him but I didn't want him walking around the house going in drawers and cupboards as he may be stashing things that aren't his or that he knows I need.

keatsiepie your plan of action is very sensible and something I will put into motion tomorrow. His summer leave starts as soon as he returns, I am wondering whether he will go to the UK or indeed go visit his OW over there as he promised. If he chooses either, it's easier for me. We will see. But I agree all contact should be through solicitors now.

mammadiggingdeep I'm sorry you've been through the same thing, and it's shocking to think that someone would drag down their partner's self esteem, self worth, everything just to appease their own conscience. I am seriously concerned about having been married to this person all along and sometimes he feels like a total stranger now. There is no way he respects or loves me if he can say these things.

something2say I really like your metaphor of him being a tiny bull crashing around in a pen and not doing any harm. I am picturing that now and it is comforting! He is on a self destruct mission and in 2 weeks time me and DS will be gone and he will be alone in a room in camp. I hope he can then reflect and see how terrible his actions have been.

To all who have commented about being present/not present when he gets his belongings, I popped next door before I started sorting his stuff out and had a word with my neighbours. They rehomed one of my rabbits yesterday and whilst they were doing so they said if ever I need help or to step in when he comes home then to let them know. They have no DC so they can both come round for however long it takes, and her DH is a relatively high ranking, no nonsense kind of guy who has said if he doesn't like the way things are going he will suggest H leaves and comes back when he can be civil. I am lucky to have people around that will put themselves out to help me; I am getting a bit frightened of going back to civvy street as there won't be the Army bubble to rely on but I suppose it is what you make it.

I will update you all tomorrow about how it goes. Thank you all again. Thanks

OP posts:
CookieDoughKid · 14/08/2013 23:29

Hi Spotty, just to say I think you are doing so well holding it together and for your son. Hang in there!! You've had some really good practical advice already. Have your lawyer fight hard and get what's financially due for you and your son. Do not let him get away from his responsibilities. I'm not saying this for revenge but it would make your lives so much easier and less of a struggle.

Thinking of you and your son.

One week, one month , one year on.... things will feel so much more positive. Leave the twunt behind to stew and get on with your lives. Xxx

clam · 15/08/2013 00:01

The other thing about having your ds in the house is that he could become very angry about demanding you let him in to see him. Wouldn't it be better if you were able to say in all honesty that he wasn't there, but that he could see him at another mutually convenient time.

forumdonkey · 15/08/2013 00:57

You're doing great Spotty. much respect and admiration for you in how you're handling things and the positive action you're taking. I mean that most sincerely.

Good luck with tomorrow me and many others will be thinking of you and sending you cyber hugs ((()))

GilmoursPillow · 15/08/2013 07:09

Glad someone will be there with you.

With regards to him taking stuff he knows you need, have you got all the important documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificate, passports, bank statements etc OUT of the house?

That way, even if he does insist on going through stuff he shouldn't he can't find and take/destroy anything important of yours.

Wishing you the best of luck.

KingRollo · 15/08/2013 07:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mum2Fergus · 15/08/2013 07:27

Morning Spotty, just to say I will be thinking about you today...I hope it goes well xx

Distrustinggirlnow · 15/08/2013 08:18

Spotty, need to be quick as have an early meeting but just wanted to say that I'll be thinking of you today.

And remember, so what if he thinks you're boring, crap in bed blah blah, he promised, in front of everyone, for better or worse, not 'until he couldn't be bothered to give a shit' and his remedy to help you as you're obviously soo boring, shag someone else, that'll make spotty more interesting, won't it...AngryHmm

It's all rubbish and none of this (keep repeating this bit) is your fault.

Decent men (and women) talk to their partners. We can't all be in a heightened state of loved upness constantly. And when we are a bit down, we talk, we don't sleep with some one else. Really, we don't. And nor do you. And nor will your future DH. Because there will be one, one day. There will be a very bright and lovely future for you and DS spotty, away from this self entitled bullying twunt.

I'm looking forward to meeting you when you get back to share polo pony stories Smile you need to get out of that army bubble.
Civvy street must seem daunting and I appreciate that.

I'm pleased the neighbours are supporting you today.
Don't underestimate the power of MN. we are all there with you.
Take care ThanksThanks

funnymummy2931 · 15/08/2013 08:32

Good luck today Spotty xxxx

KeatsiePie · 15/08/2013 08:36

Good luck today! So glad your neighbors can be there. I really think you are doing amazingly well. Will be thinking of you.

superlambanana · 15/08/2013 09:35

Delurking to reiterate the following two important facts, Spottypony:

  1. You are fab
  2. He is a twunt

Go you!! Wishing you lots of happy times ahead Smile

Nadalsballs · 15/08/2013 09:42

Vibing you strong and determined energy. You can do it! Good luck girl!

NoToast · 15/08/2013 10:02

Good luck today, sending you positive vibes. By the time this day is over you'll be a step closer to your better life. Flowers

qazxc · 15/08/2013 10:02

So glad your neighbours will be there, maybe do a quick sweep and hide anything that you need or is sentimental to you. My ex took my great grandmothers engagement ring, didn't want to return it, held it as bargaining chip, I eventually had to buy it back from his 16 yr old "fiancee" after they split up. He also tore up all my childhood photos before leaving.
I know that all his comments hurt but take a mental step back and imagine a friend or your sister was telling you that her H was acting like he is. What would you think? What would you advise her to do?
Good luck for today, my guess is that he will behave himself with your neighbour there, if he's anything like my ex, he's a pathetic bully who only picks on people that he thinks he can get away with.

SouthernComforts · 15/08/2013 10:04

Delurking to say good luck today. Stay strong

ArtyFartyQueen · 15/08/2013 10:57

Another de-lurker to say good luck for today. I remember when I was leaving my ex I listened to a lot of Skunk Anansie and in particular one song called the Glorious Pop Song which really helped!! (Give it a listen when you're angry!) just think of this as the start of your new life!

cjdamoo · 15/08/2013 11:32

what a cock of a man

MrsSnow · 15/08/2013 11:34

Another de-lurking to say good luck for today.

Cuddlydragon · 15/08/2013 12:07

Another one delurking to cheer you on and to wish you strength as you transition to the wonderful life you deserve without this childish twunt in your life. Go Spotty!

SoftKittyWarmKitty · 15/08/2013 12:32

My ex said exactly the same to me. It was all my fault he cheated, apparently. Of course none of this is ever their fault is it, oh no Hmm. It's just a script they stick to. You're none of what he said, he's just been caught red handed and sees there's no way out, so is trying to justify his despicable actions by trying to blame you. Don't fall for it. The only person to blame is the one he sees when looking in a mirror.

Hope it goes ok today.

MissStrawberry · 15/08/2013 12:48

Could your neighbour look after the baby for you while prick is coming to get his stuff?

I suspect he will make loud noises about his rights to his son but actually it is his son who has the right to see his father when it is in his best interests. I also suspect once you have moved away he won't be arsed to travel to see your son.

GladbagsGold · 15/08/2013 13:18

Good luck SpottyPony. You are doing really well. You and your DS will have a fabulous life and you are so well rid of this tosser. Stay strong, you're nearly there xxx

SpottyPony · 15/08/2013 13:49

Hi everyone, thank you for the good luck messages. He has been and gone. My neighbours were sat with me the whole time and it was all very strained and awkward. He arrived with his welfare escort and I couldn't even look at him - if I had to describe what he was wearing I could tell you it was a pair of jeans and then aside from that I don't know as I tried not to look in his direction. He was messaging prior to the collection that he would be lifting anything and everything he could fit in his car and it was only what he deserved as I've given up on the marriage and am being a "spoilt brat" by leaving and taking his son with him.

Welfare must have had words with him on the way to the house, either that or the volume of people around when he got here because he did nothing of the sort. He simply got his things I had bagged up (whilst loudly complaining that they weren't packed into any kind of order...well I'm sorry, didn't have to do it at all never mind arranging things into any semblance of order!) went and got some of his uniform out from down the cellar and then made a half hearted comment about wanting the TV and could he unplug it now. My neighbour piped up that the baby was watching it at the time, which he was I may have put Baby TV on for him as a one-off to get his attention and make it look like he was gripped by the TV and it would be really mean to take it away from him until we were leaving as he could have it for as long as he wanted then. He shrugged and said "Whatever then, I don't care" and carried on taking more stuff to his car.

I found the whole thing very upsetting and sad. Before all of this I had been so excited about him coming home, I even had a countdown app on my phone Angry and was oblivious to the fact that whilst I was counting down the days, he was wishing to be out there for as long as possible. He has ruined everything, but I know it is for the best in the end as the marriage was hugely flawed in the first place before the cheating with his terrible attitude towards DS and his behaviour in general.

He held DS for a few minutes and played the doting father, calling him his special little boy and that he loved him very much. DS then started wriggling and getting tired so he handed him straight back to me and said he was going back to camp as he'd had a long day. He walked straight to his car and drove off, and that was that. Sorted some details out with welfare then they and my neighbours left. Feel like I could sleep for a week now, it's all caught up on me. Thank you everyone for your support it is much appreciated it and I would have been feeling a lot worse without this thread.

OP posts:
Idratherbeknitting · 15/08/2013 13:52

Good luck today Spotty, I found getting the ex's stuff out of the house very useful, as I no longer had to look at all of his crap to upset me.

I also agree with MissStrawberry, once he has to put himself out to see your son, he probably won't. Selfish shits tend not to. My ex hasn't seen, called or bothered with his 3 DD's for 2 1/2 years now.

Hope you have had help and support today, and there are a lot of us thinking about you today xxx

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