Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

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

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

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:
Nadalsballs · 11/08/2013 14:59

My first LTB too.

You and your DS's new, exciting, positive and happy lives start here and now.

primallass · 11/08/2013 15:49

Text her back and say 'wrong number, this is his wife'.

ImperialBlether · 11/08/2013 15:52

God, this man just gets worse and worse. Please make sure when you go that his friends know exactly what's been going on.

Are you going to see a solicitor? I am still extremely worried about your finances - how can he think it's acceptable to think his money is his own when you have a small child together? And for him to block you and not answer your calls whilst not even knowing whether his child is in hospital, it's just appalling.

Please don't leave him with a forwarding address. Just the name of the solicitor on a piece of paper pinned to the door with a carving knife will do!

KingRollo · 11/08/2013 16:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 11/08/2013 16:26

Text her back and say 'wrong number, this is his wife'

^ definitely do this ^

I'm so sorry spotty to read your whole thread. I hope you work out a way to bring your horse back to the UK and somewhere nice to live. He sounds like a horrid horrid man.

brdgrl · 11/08/2013 16:33

Just wanted to join in saying that you sound very brave and sensible, and I'm really impressed by everything you have got started already. You can absolutely do this!

(he does sound a total prick.)

MunchkinsMumof2 · 11/08/2013 16:59

If you make sure his seniors know the full story it will filter back down the ranks and his fellow soldiers will see him as the cocklodger he really is. I think you should reply to the woman texting you "I am most certainly not your "babe" but in fact < dickhusband's> wife and mother of his baby son. Who are you?
Keep strong, this too shall pass and it will all be worth it when you regain your quality of life, freedom and happiness.

SisterMonicaJoan · 11/08/2013 17:28

I've nothing else to add to all the kind or helpful words from other posters but just wanted to say that your maternal light is shining through in your posts and I've no doubt you and your DS will be ok Thanks

meditrina · 11/08/2013 17:47

Do get in touch with SSAFA - they run Stepping Stone homes in UK where Forces families can go during break ups.

Also, if your padre is any good, try him/her - they can be a very good adjunct to the formal welfare team.

And do not hide the predicament you find yourself in from the rest of the community. I think you will be pleasantly surprised at the number who will rally round you, not him, with practical as well as emotional support. Also, if that call was from an actual/potential OW, then chances are that people will know about it and although it will hurt like hell to find out for sure, a divorce for adultery is one of the quicker methods.

You may want to get an STI check.

WeAll · 11/08/2013 18:17

Unforgivable. Leaving him can only improve your life.

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 18:32

Hello everyone, sorry if I am not appearing as coherent as I could be or if I l miss anything out. I messaged the number back and said "I think you have the wrong number" then waited. She said "Oh sorry, I'm trying to contact Dave" (this is not H's name) I then sent a picture of "D"H to her and said "Oh, him?" She replied yes, that was Dave. Her boyfriend. We wrote back and forth with her telling me all about their relationship, that he met him 6 years ago when he was out there last (before me) and that as soon as he landed they met up again to rekindle their relationship. She told me he said he was divorced, they had been in a relationship for the entire 7 weeks he has been gone and that the last week he has seen her every night and stayed in a hotel with her this weekend. He hasn't mentioned poorly DS to her whatsoever.

She text to say she loves him, he loves her, and he has requested a posting to that location so they can start their new life together. I stopped texting at this point as I broke down and couldn't stand up. I called a couple of close friends who came straight round and looked after DS for me whilst I sobbed and broke my heart. They have left now and it is so quiet. DS is in his cot asleep but will be awake in an hour or so as his routine is a mess after the hospital.

I can just hear my heart thudding in my head. He has been sleeping with "his girlfriend" in a hotel room whilst DS was ill in hospital. I cannot bear it. I don't know why she told me everything and if this texting the wrong number was all a scheme to make me leave before he got back.

OP posts:
MunchkinsMumof2 · 11/08/2013 18:39

Wow, just when you think he couldn't stoop any lower he does this Shock I'm so glad you have RL support, please lean on them loads as you are in shock. Have a sweet cup of tea and just breathe, this man is worthless and from now on it's you and ds and you will both be fine and happy again. I don't really know what else to say tbh as he has behaved beyond badly and words fail me Sad

GilmoursPillow · 11/08/2013 18:41

Oh you poor thing. I wish I could give you a hug and tell you everythig will be alright (which it will be). You and DS are in my thoughts and I'm sending every possible positive vibe to you that I can.

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 11/08/2013 18:41

Oh Spotty the utter shit! My ExH was busy shagging the OW when my child was ill and wouldn't come home as well. But he was in the same Country. It made me so angry but also hurt so so much. I found out after separation already that that was why he wouldn't come. To find out like this, is so so much worse.

You have the answers you need now and can be certain you're making the right choice.

It may have been a ploy to get him to end things with you and she knew it was your number and his name is not Dave, but no matter whatever the full truth, you have the real answer for his awful behaviour.

He maybe head over heels with her, but if he settles down with her, he'll create a vacancy and eventually cheat again. He treated you appallingly and sooner or later, he'll do the same to her. The novelty and excitement will wear off and you can sit back and watch the car crash in slow motion. Or even better just walk away with your head held high and forget about him completely. I'm not sure how much he will even want to see your amazing beautiful son. As he is so monumentally selfish. You can create a new and better life for yourself.

You must be reeling. Please be kind to yourself and finish making plans to be gone by the time he comes back in 2 weeks. You have nothing holding you back. It's awful right now but there is a new life waiting for you in the UK surrounded by friends and support and a bright future without him.

Talk to us as much as you need to tonight x

KingRollo · 11/08/2013 18:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ScarletWomanoftheVillage · 11/08/2013 18:43

oh, OP, this is horrendous Shock you must be in absolute shock after this text conversation with this woman. His behaviour is so extremely bad and adding in the details coming willingly from OW, your theory about him trying to get you to leave him I'm afraid makes sense.

So, so sorry. Think you should continue with your escape plan though, and make sure his CO knows exactly how he has been behaving. About the cutting communication channels, the withholding of money, and the total lack of regard for his hospitalised baby's welfare.

Brew for the shock

IKnewHouseworkWasDangerous · 11/08/2013 18:49

I hope you told her about ill ds and what a prize prick h is

ChippingInHopHopHop · 11/08/2013 18:57

Well, I suppose, at least now you know exactly how low he is, so you wont spend anytime wondering if you did the right thing - you'll always know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you have done the right thing. Now just get the hell out of there and back home to the UK.

How did it go with the horse place today?

Overtheraenbow · 11/08/2013 18:57

This behaviour is SO familiar with me, and talking to other expats ( as I was) is pretty common. Sorry. My stbxh went AWOL whilst on business for a week ( some lame excuse about wifi signal/ broken phone . Again later in the year leaving me alone for 9 weeks whilst on "business". He returned and was cold and uncaring even when I crashed the carbs friends husband who was there was more concerned I was ok than him.
I left him last year and suddenly a few weeks after I left ow was wheeled out as they'd become an item after I left ( yeah right)
Make plans - you are worth more !!

MysteriousHamster · 11/08/2013 19:00

Obviously you are leaving.

PLEASE do not let him know your plan, just in case for some reason that will make him see red. He is a bastard.

meditrina · 11/08/2013 19:17

I am so sorry; when I posted that it might be better to know for sure, I had no idea you were in the midst of finding out and in such excruciating detail and of such a dreadful thing.

I'm glad you have RL support, and hope that this helps you get through the next days.

As you are in touch with the welfare team, perhaps you need to tell them about this, and see if you can arrange for H to move immediately to the mess/block rather than back into the quarter when he does return (if there is any threat of DV, he can be ordered to move out, not sure if compulsion would apply in these circumstances). This could you a bit of time, without him on the premises, to sort out your admin. You get 3 months (during which time he has to pay for the quarter) before you have to move out.

watchingout · 11/08/2013 19:17

So the arse has given a false name to the OW? Did I read that right? And she told you the details of their "relationship" by text. Sounds really dodgy. Like it as been set up (very cruelly) by him

Often a cheater uses a different phone/sim to give out to new partner(s) especially if its only one digit different to his wife's FFS.

Still, pretty academic. Doesn't get around the fact he's a twunt of the biggest variety. And OW if she even exists is welcome to him.

SSAFA is definitely a good source of help and advice

Channel your rage into something positive. Thanks

(Love the carving knife as a drawing pin suggestion! )

MissStrawberry · 11/08/2013 19:18

I am so sorry you are going through all this.

Are you sure he hasn't set this up so he can play the poor left abandoned husband? It seems rather strange she is suddenly texting you when they have been shagging for at least 7 weeks and probably longer?

TeaMakesItAllPossible · 11/08/2013 19:24

I'm so sorry. He is, as many have said, exceptional in his cuntishness. Wishing you strength to fight against this shit to get yourself out of there as soon as possible. I suspect that there will be much more crap uncovered before this is over. I really am sorry.

The only practical thing I can suggest is ensuring that you have copies of the whole correspondence in a safe place for the divorce papers.

I am thinking of you and your DS.

madrose · 11/08/2013 19:24

What an absolute tosser! You deserve so much better. is there anything I could do to help?