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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

What should you expect out of a relationship?

4 replies

Stripesonmysocks · 15/09/2013 09:30

I have had to re register and name change.

Just wondering what is normal to expect or reasonably expect from your relationship.

I am stuck on the 'too good to stay, to bad to leave fence' at the mo. It is not ghastly all the time, we do not row but H is a bit like a distant flatmate. He prioritises himself over me and the kids - has admitted to being selfish and angry in counselling.

There are some past biggies that I let slide (leaving me to come home from hospital after after an op at 1am by taxi as it was too 'difficult' to get baby DS up and come fetch me in the car, going to bed in the day hungover during a house move leaving me to pack and deal with 3 young dc alone, Porn use, withholding sex for 4 months as I complained of pain one time and that was 'a turn off'... I could go on). I did not set boundaries and feel stupid raising past issues now. I think I thought it was better to avoid conflict.

Now I look back and think Why Why did I put up with that. The scales have fallen from my eyes, I have grown up and keeping the peace and saving my relationship doesn't seem as important. I want to be happy and feel loved adored and look forward to seeing him not think 'oh you again, sigh' when he comes in from work.

He is trying - cleared the Porn mags out, is making more effort with the kids etc but I just don't know if I care enough anymore. I realise I have lost respect for him, poor time keeping and disorganisation mean he's not particularly reliable either.

I just feel selfish saying 'this is not enough' and exhausted by the thought of divorce as it'd be me packing his bags and doing everything.

OP posts:
something2say · 15/09/2013 09:51

After years where I decided this man was the one and would last forever, I now think...

If nothing continually gets on my wick, then I'll stay.

What you describe sounds shit. And don't pack his bags for him either!

davidtennantsmistress · 15/09/2013 14:07

Curtesy, compassion empathy, respect trust equality to name but a few. In a situation like yours, I understand the baby thing however he should ave been waiting up for you to help you in at home if there was no sitter option.

Capitaltrixie · 15/09/2013 14:19

What should you expect? If it was me, a lot more OP (he sounds a little selfish & immature maybe..)
I can understand why the thought of divorce is exhausting though (your resources may be low if you've been dealing with feeling like this for a while I'd imagine). But really, can you imagine spending the rest of your life with him? Do you think your family life and more specifically your marriage will set a good example to your DC of what a healthy loving relationship is like?
The decision is of course yours, good luck whatever you decide and if you do decide to leave, he sure as hell can pack his own damn bags!

TaudrieTattoo · 15/09/2013 14:19

If you're not happy, nothing short of huge changes on his part will help.

He needs to know exactly how you're feeling, and move mountains to make up for his past shoddy behaviour before it's too late.

So the first step is communication. He needs to know you feel resentment and irritation.

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