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Relationships

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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:
Nadalsballs · 11/08/2013 19:24

I hope you told her about your very sick DS? If she didn't care, they deserve each other.

laeiou · 11/08/2013 19:28

Before contacting his CO- are you sure the CO won't try to reconcile you both? It seems at the moment that the only good thing your H is doing is making it easy for you to leave. If H suddenly decides to come home before his scheduled trip it'll not hero, will it?

I know it's clear H has left already, but I'd e concerned that he bows to pressure from within his work environment to at least pretend to try to save the marriage. His CO could be told all the details you want them to have once it's a fait a complit.

As an aside, I expect some fake tears when H finds out you've gone. And I think your parents' attitude is the reason you've got into this type of relationship. Maybe the women's aid freedom programme often mentioned here .at be useful once you're home.

best wishes.

KingRollo · 11/08/2013 19:37

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

laeiou · 11/08/2013 19:41

Above- Hero should say help

phone!

ThePinkOcelot · 11/08/2013 19:41

My first ever LTB! What a wanker! The more I read the more aghast I am. Good luck op. Xx

takeaway2 · 11/08/2013 19:46

I can't believe his complete disregard! And heartlessness! Fair enough he falls out of love or whatever but to do it in this manner..... Did you tell her that Dave was your husband????? Does she know? Did she indicate that she knew??!

takeaway2 · 11/08/2013 19:47

Damn sorry pressed send too soon - awkward feeding position. Big hugs and lots of Wineand Brew.... Xx

Gruntfuttocks · 11/08/2013 19:51

I'd be inclined to text her back now and tell her that he has ignored his sick son in hospital to be with her - is that the kind of man she wants to be with? Stuff the pair of them. She probably has no idea you exist.

meditrina · 11/08/2013 19:51

Thhe OW has to be playing nasty manipulative games. Unless the H is in the habit of using a second persona. She said she's known "Dave" for some 6+ years and that they had planned to meet up as soon as he arrived at her location on this trip.

riojabotherer · 11/08/2013 19:58

You poor thing, you're really going through it. You sound just lovely, too. Much better that you and your little fellow get well away from this awful man. Please don't think that any of his deplorable behaviour is any reflection on you.

I don't often post here because others always have excellent advice, but I'm another person cheering you on and wishing all the strength you need to get through this.

Overtheraenbow · 11/08/2013 20:04

Just to add I'm now back in the uk, Almost divorced and HAPPY TO BE SHOT OF HIM!! You will be too one day!

Ledkr · 11/08/2013 20:14

I know how it hurts but trust me its going to be easier now in a way as you know it's the only option now.
Don't waste too much time and emotion on the cheatin thing because the ow is only going to get shafted by him too at some point.
He is clearly a very selfish and uncaring man so you are right to leave him.
Just imagine his twatty face when he realises you've upped and left. Hilarious!

superlambanana · 11/08/2013 20:16

Good grief, he really is despicable isn't he? Thank your stars you found out this early on. This is very clearly his loss and your gain, in the long run. Go you!! Smile

mamamidwife · 11/08/2013 20:17

It's a bit weird that he was using a fake name if his relationship was with the woman before you met as well?
I think something is amiss with that messaging, either it's him texting or her knowingly texting to stir the pot.
To me it sounds like he's trying to force your hand.
I would be inclined to drop him in it with his superiors about DS and then still be there when he gets back just to piss him off! What a jerk!
I hope everything falls into place for you x

SoftKittyWarmKitty · 11/08/2013 20:28

Did you respond saying that you're his wife and that you have a DS together? That your son has been ill and your H doesn't give a shit because he's a lying, cheating bastard and he'll do the same to you. I'd be laying it on the line with her because it seems like she's swallowed his lies.

If he's requested a new posting I expect his CO will be aware of this, so you can find out when you speak to them tomorrow.

I really feel for you but no matter what's going on, I'm afraid your marriage is over Sad. I'm so sorry OP. You deserve much better though, you and your DS.

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 20:29

I am currently reeling, haven't eaten anything and just sipped at a sugary cup of tea my friend made me drink so my thought process isn't what it should be. I am reading so much into a few text messages and flitting between wondering if he is there and getting her to send them or she is doing it without his knowledge to be spiteful. I know it is not an alter-ego he has created as she Facetimed me the first time (a week ago when he told me he knew nothing of it and denied it) and it was a young female who spoke in a distinctive accent. She is now goading me into replying and has sent "Not talking back? Awww." Within the last few minutes.

I haven't responded. I have backed up my phone onto my laptop, taken pictures of the messages with an old phone, just to cover myself should anything happen to my phone. I am going to request my RMP file from a DV incident at the beginning of the year where he was charged with battery against me (I know I know, just gets worse doesn't it, I must be stupid.) to aid me in the legal side of things.

I have a meeting booked with a Captain of the welfare team tomorrow. He is booking me and DS into the refuge centre and sorting our flights and removals too. I asked them if they had informed H along the way that DS had been discharged from hospital, they confirmed no they hadn't. So he has no idea how he is, nor cares.

I informed the OW who I was and that I had a sick baby in hospital at the time my husband was with her. She replied "but you are divorced and apparently a total bitch so no wonder he doesn't want to come back". She sounds as charming as him.

It's dark as it's now 9.30 at night here. I am becoming very afraid and tearful again, all his possessions are dotted around the bedroom and I can't bear it. I don't know if this sounds stupid or dramatic but I feel as though someone has died and I am grieving. I have some diazepam (sp?) left from when I was traumatised after giving birth to DS. I am pondering whether to take half a tablet of it (very low dose) so it takes the edge off, or to tough it out? Need to sleep later so I am fresh for DS and the meeting tomorrow.

OP posts:
takeaway2 · 11/08/2013 20:35

But she must be behaving like this because she truly believes that he and you are divorced!!!! I'm by no means siding with her but if she thought you were the divorced ex-wife harassing him about your son, then her reaction might be justified.

Obviously you aren't divorced... Not even near! So perhaps that needs to be pointed out.

Having said that she does sound charming.... Not. Blush

laeiou · 11/08/2013 20:36

Honestly, I'd try to avoid thinking about possible OW unless it helps in some practical way with leaving.

I am concerned that H wwon't be pleased with you taking control of the situation, hence suggesting you present him with a fait a complit - try not to let him find out your plans. It's here the type to stop you just to remain the one in control? If he's hardly ever with you at your base it won't make much difference to him that you leave, except everyone knowing his wife was the one to leave, and maybe losing martial priveleges for accommodation etc?

MissStrawberry · 11/08/2013 20:36

Can you bag up the most prominent of his stuff so you don't have to look at it?

Can't advise about the medication but don't go so deep in to a sleep you won't hear your baby.

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 11/08/2013 20:38

It is like a bereavement, you go through the same process of shock, denial, anger etc.

If it was me I'd take a small dose of the diazepam but I'm not a doctor.

I wouldn't reply to her again, do not give her the satisfaction. Block her number if you can. If that's not possible I'd change numbers or buy a new sim card asap and give the new number to family only (not ExH).

Bag his stuff up if it helps, get it out of sight. He is an arsehole. No point in engaging the OW as she will believe whatever reasons he fed her to justify the affair.

laeiou · 11/08/2013 20:39

So many typos, sorry. Again -

Honestly, I'd try to avoid thinking about possible OW unless it helps in some practical way with leaving.

I am concerned that H won't be pleased with you taking control of the situation, hence suggesting you present him with a fait a complit - try not to let him find out your plans. Is he the type to stop you just to remain the one in control? If he's hardly ever with you at your base it won't make much difference to him that you leave, except everyone knowing his wife was the one to leave, and maybe losing marital privileges for accommodation etc?

meditrina · 11/08/2013 20:40

Either continue not to respond to OW, or if you decide you want to, limit it to "We are neither divorced nor separated. I have no wish to discuss my husband with you".

I hope the welfare people ease your admin, and that you can continue to count on your real friends.

takeaway2 · 11/08/2013 20:44

Yes agree with meditrina - say that you have no wish to discuss your husband with her.

I'd bag up all his crap. Doesn't matter, clean, dirty, shoes, pants, books, DVDs and just put them in bin bags and stash them to aside. It will help you get to your stuff and pack them away. It'll help clear your mind. Do 10 min even. Clear the bathroom of his shaving stuff, toothbrush, hair gel etc. xx

chilipeppers · 11/08/2013 20:45

Leave him! It sounds like you do everything anyway, you'll be fine by yourself. You should just enjoy your lovely son, look after yourself and be happy! Hope your DS is doing better?

laeiou · 11/08/2013 20:46

Xpost with your last one about the OW contacting you. I don't think you will gain anything from engaging, you did the right thing in copying messages. How about blocking her and H from your phone etc? I think he deserves it.

can a friend stay with you overnight, or arrange to see you early tomorrow?

also, can the forces people maybe help with rehoming / transporting your animals?

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