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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:
NoToast · 11/08/2013 20:48

I'm so sorry OP. That has got to bloody hurt....If you've already been traumatised by DV and son's birth then it's likely that you're feeling very wobbly now. And it's normal to feel bereaved at the end of such a significant relationship. These reactions are totally normal, lean on us here or take whatever RL help you can get.

FWIW, if the bastard isn't interested in his son I think all the better for you, less messy. Hurts now because you love your little boy and you're feeling pain for him but will be better in the long run...

something2say · 11/08/2013 20:54

Hey love, just read all of this and so sorry to hear it all. What a terrible shock.

For what it's worth, this must be a shock and a grief so yes feeling grief is natural. Maybe take that half a tablet for tonight? Also maybe bag up his stuff as someone else has said. But really, if its too much, then jus sit around floored while it sinks in.

I seems you have been deceived and were living his lie. Take the time you need to let it sink in. But maybe admit all of the points along the way where you wondered if he was really a decent man at all? I see mention of DV...anything else you hid away, for to think about it would mean The End? Drag it all out.

There are people like you, and us, in the world who would never behave the way your husband has behaved. He is a liar, a cheat, a woman batterer and an immature father / husband. You can do better.

For now, it is a shock, and its alright to e floored for a while. If you can't sleep, what else can you do? X

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 20:56

I have decided not to engage with the OW at all, I am not rising to it. It is going to do me no favours and I will only get that vile, heart in mouth feeling as I wait for a response so I'm not going to torture myself over it. I believe he has told her we are divorced so she feels she can say and do what she likes. Just this week i had been looking at family seaside holidays for me, DS and H so clearly in my mind we were nowhere near divorced, separated, whatever.

I am not going to take the diazepam I have also decided, DS is very unsettled tonight and I want to be fully alert if he needs me during the night.

I did have a friend offer to stay the night but her DH has literally just arrived home and I didn't want to intrude. I have just had a long phone call with my sister who is very blunt and to the point (in that way that only big sisters can get away with!!) and that has raised my spirits somewhat. She is off on holiday tomorrow but has said she will be there for me when she returns which is nice.

OP posts:
SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 21:00

somethingtosay, x-posted. I am going to get a binbag and put all I can into it so I don't have to see it. I am now sitting on my bed writing down all the bad things he has done over the years and how he has hurt me.

I may have also drawn a magnificent phallus on his forehead on a picture that was in the living room, laughed hysterically for a bit and then felt quite concerned about how quickly my emotions are twisting and turning. Blush

OP posts:
laeiou · 11/08/2013 21:02

Good update. Things will only get better. This time next week this could all be behind you. You'll feel so much better once you're away physically and in control of you and your baby's life.

I hope you both have a good night.

MissStrawberry · 11/08/2013 21:03

Grin at the laughing hysterically. Good for you!

Your emotions will be all over the place so don't worry about that.

ImperialBlether · 11/08/2013 21:03

What an absolute bitch. I think she wanted you to know about her, to be honest. If she really thought he wasn't married any longer and she was his girlfriend, she wouldn't volunteer all that information.

I am very concerned that he will call you later and cause trouble. If I were you I would switch off your phone but tell friends in advance that you are doing this, in case they call you. When you go to your meeting in the morning, switch your phone on then, actually at the meeting.

Take care, we are all rooting for you.

phoenixfox · 11/08/2013 21:04

So sorry spotty! What a horrific way to find out. Agree that the ow sounds like a manipulative bitch. So they are together 7 weeks and are planning to move in together, surely she has his number saved! Wouldn't she just call or text "dave" instead of accidentally (on purpose) typing in his number wrong and getting his wife!?! Hmm

i hope you take him to the cleaners!

laeiou · 11/08/2013 21:04

And another good update!

The disbelief and changing emotions are to be expected. Be kind to yourself.

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 11/08/2013 21:04

'I may have also drawn a magnificent phallus on his forehead on a picture that was in the living room, laughed hysterically for a bit and then felt quite concerned about how quickly my emotions are twisting and turning.'

Good for you. Some women have done far worse. I heard of a woman who cut up all her husbands Saville Row shirts on discovery of the affair. You sound like you are already rising above it in so many ways. A little humour can be a good thing, laughter can help.

We're all here for you x

phoenixfox · 11/08/2013 21:05

Cross post with imperial!

clam · 11/08/2013 21:10

What is he, 15?! Angry This treatment is how a (rather unpleasant) teenager would try to dump a casual girlfriend. You're his wife!

Glad you have finally got the measure of him. Good luck with getting home safely.

NameChangeToGo · 11/08/2013 21:11

spotty I've just seen this thread. I think I love you a little bit. Once this is all over and the pain has eased a little, you will be SO much better off without him

Good luck, brave lady.

whippetwoman · 11/08/2013 21:20

Spotty I am West Midlands-ish (Leamington, Coventry way) so if there's literally anything I can do for you, from shopping to lifts or just a friendly coffee etc when you do manage to get over here, even if you're a way away then please do let me know. Have car, will travel. I have a young DS too. So sorry you are having such a terrible, terrible time.

YoureAllABunchOfBastards · 11/08/2013 21:21

Good for you. I would quite like to tattoo a phallus on his head, the fucking bastard.

Distrustinggirlnow · 11/08/2013 21:29

My heart is filled with such sadness for you. You're doing the right thing not engaging with OW. is she really that stupid that she can't do the maths re how old your DS is....?

Please don't loose your lovely mare over a twunt like this, my offer still stands and is genuine. PM me if you'd like to.

Words actually fail me.... Am so enraged on your behalf Angry

You'll soon be out of there and home.

EATmum · 11/08/2013 21:34

It is hard to know how some people can look at themselves in the mirror. What an awful human being. I'm so sorry.

ShipwreckedAndComatose · 11/08/2013 21:34

Hi spotty!just read your thread.

Offering you big ((hugs)). He sounds like the king of fuckwits.

Keep strong and use your friends

SpottyPony · 11/08/2013 21:38

Thank you all so much, I am finding a lot of comfort in this thread at a difficult time like this and it is saddening to hear a lot of you have been through similar, you all sound lovely. It's very unfair Sad

whippetwoman thats lovely of you to offer, thank you. I am hoping to be back in the West Mids as soon as possible to get settled again.

Distrusting I will pm you now, apologies for the delay it had slipped my mind earlier.

I have just suddenly realised I am acting selfishly; constantly posting on this thread which will be making it go to the top of the page - I could be hindering other posts getting answered. Maybe i should stop posting so much, I feel really bad Sad

OP posts:
DontstepontheMomeRaths · 11/08/2013 21:41

Oh heavens spotty, in the midst of your pain you're thinking of others but please please post away! You deserve just as much support as anyone else and at any one time there's lots of threads active on mn on all sorts of things. Your needs as just as important, if not more so than some chat and aibu threads Wink

DontstepontheMomeRaths · 11/08/2013 21:42

'Are'

wannabestressfree · 11/08/2013 21:49

Don't be daft..... We are all here for you. What an awful time you have been having!
I am in the south but if you need anything just pm. I know people that transport horses from the continent. Might be able to help x
And lastly (and I haven't name changed and this will totally out me) my lovely 12 years olds 'father' slept with prostitutes whilst away with the army and contracted hep b whilst I was pregnant and only by a miracle I didn't get it. I tried to work things out and found him on the phone to OW when I was in labour. He then upped and left two days after I had left hospital to go on a jolly to brazil. I had to get a train with a newborn, after a section with an autistic child.....

He was a knob of the highest order. Him leaving was the best thing that ever happened to 'for' me.

ShipwreckedAndComatose · 11/08/2013 22:02

Don't worry..the other posts will get answered too.

But you have to use every bit of support you are getting (here and in real life) so please keeping posting all you need. We'll be here Smile

piratecat · 11/08/2013 23:05

just delurking to send my strength and support to you and your son.x

OrangeLily · 11/08/2013 23:13

Don't feel bad writing everything here. You'll find so much support. I am so devastated that someone could treat their spouse in such a way. Sad