Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

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

What would you think?

46 replies

amibeinghorrible · 12/01/2015 17:16

Ok I have been with H for 12 years and we have 1 ds. I have ALWAYS been the only earner as he just couldn't keep jobs, always some excuse, didn't like the way he was treated etc!! Anyway my job was what I thought to be a safe job and was well paid that was until the Company went bust and I lost my job. Straight away I found something else but was P/T but did it as I had all the household bills etc to pay, this is whilst he made no attempt to help.
He has now been offered something only part time and in his words a job which he would love to do as it would be like a hobby, but it is only P/T, no contract etc and I feel after all this time he needs to grow up and start helping me look after our family instead of leaving it to me!
My job is a rolling contract so can end after a few months. I just feel like he cant see he needs to get serious.

Am I being horrible?

OP posts:
AnyFucker · 13/01/2015 17:30

that is a good plan (unless she is a hopeless manpleaser)

why do you think you are a shadow of yourself ? Because of a man ? Well, it isn't too late to do something about that. The confident woman you were is still in there, but she won't make a reappearance until you get out from under this manipulative arsehole.

amibeinghorrible · 13/01/2015 17:33

No my friend is very independent and doesn't mince her words, the complete opposite to me, although I too was once this way!

OP posts:
Jan45 · 13/01/2015 17:42

I don't think he will change now but if you want to give it once last shot, tell him he either changes into a normal person and goes and finds a job and gives you respect and allows you to respect him or else you are moving on with your life, I'd rather be on my own than be in your situation, I would spend every day of my life fuming with resentment towards him. I just don't get how you are given him more credence than yourself, surely you love yourself more than this cocklodger, he ain't got FA going for him at the moment, so I can only imagine you are scared of being alone, not a good reason to stay with someone who will never make you happy.

GoatsDoRoam · 14/01/2015 08:12

"im scared I end up lonely out of it."

I would find it pretty fucking lonely to be IN a relationship with a grown man who doesn't act grown up, doesn't pull his weight, and is not a true partner to me.

Don't you?

amibeinghorrible · 14/01/2015 20:45

How should I broach this? What should I say? As I have never spoken in R/L about this too him, wont it be a bit out of the blue all of a sudden?

OP posts:
getthefeckouttahere · 14/01/2015 21:30

Well it may well be all a bit out of the blue for him, but so what?

Thats how it was, this is how it is now. I have changed, so you can either accept that and get with the program or face the consequences.

Its a pretty straightforward conversation really.

AnyFucker · 14/01/2015 23:57

Do you think he may not have noticed that he treats you like shit ? Confused

GoatsDoRoam · 15/01/2015 07:16

Here are the tenets of assertive communication:

  1. Describe the behaviour, with no judgement, just the facts: "DP, I am the sole breadwinner in this house and have been for x years"
  2. Now state how this impacts you and how it makes you feel: "I feel stressed to be responsible for all our lives, and angry that you are not sharing the burden."
  3. Make your demand, without saying "please": "Get out of this house since you can't contribute to it", for example. Or if you're still feeling magnanimous (why?): "Get a full-time job by this time next month."
  4. Optionally, spell out the consequences, such as "…or I will be dumping you by that deadline". I don't advocate this 4th step, as it can sound like a threat, and threats are never good: they are really a manipulator's tactic. However, I would formulate the consequences in your own head, for yourself, and be prepared to carry them out if he fails to meet your request (which he will).
Losingmyreligion · 15/01/2015 08:08

"I feel reliant on this person". Reliant? For what? Contempt? And "This person"? Interesting way to refer to your husband. This situation is neither normal nor healthy. I too worry for your son. Why did you marry this man?

FredZeppelin · 15/01/2015 09:15

How long have you been together OP?
Frankly I'm gobsmacked at this situation.
Are you saying that you are the lone breadwinner, he's at home all day pleasing himself and spending the money you've earnt (presumably on himself) and he doesn't even do the housework??? Shock

And can I ask, what is so bad about being alone? I'm a lone parent to a toddler, and when I read posts like yours I feel so glad I'm not putting up with a sorry excuse for a man like your husband.
I'd rather be on my own and have my pride any day.

amibeinghorrible · 15/01/2015 16:05

Been together 15 yrs and mainly always lived this way, give or take times when he has maybe worked for a month or 2 at a time.

I suppose im a bit scared to lose the bit of company like being alone when little one goes to bed etc, pathetic really!!

OP posts:
GoatsDoRoam · 15/01/2015 16:26

Your self-esteem must be on the floor, ami.

15 YEARS of this shite. And still you're calling yourself "horrible" for daring to question it. Gosh. You poor woman.

I really hope you can find your way to a bit more self-respect.

Jan45 · 15/01/2015 16:29

You can get plenty company at night, from friends or go online, try online dating, if nothing else it will give you a distraction.

Limer · 15/01/2015 16:36

Tell him GoatsDoRoam's points 1, 2 & 3. Add point 4: Stop smoking weed. Don't do the ultimatum bit yet, but be ready with one if (when) he fails.

BuzzardBird · 15/01/2015 16:38

Kick his sorry ass out of the door and come on MN at night and tell us how much better you feel. You won't be alone for ever if you choose not to be. Stay away from dope heads though, especially dope heads that cocklodge.
Show you son a good example of how not to treat a partner.

Balders74 · 15/01/2015 16:54

amibeinghorrible I could have written your post. My STBXH and I have been together for 15 years, have 2 DCs and in the last 11 years he has not been able to hold down a job. Always has an excuse. So 4 years ago after he had 'lost' his job again he decided, without consulting me, that he was going to start his own business and has been freeloading ever since. He has put no effort into actually making the business work and any money he does make he keeps.

I earn decent money, enough to maintain our household but not much left over for holidays etc. while he sits on his arse watching TV. I do everything with the DCs, house, dogs (3) etc. and then get complaints from him that he embarrassed by the state of the house!!!!! So when I tell him to do something about it he says there is no point because we will just mess it up again.

He has no idea how much our outgoings are and has no interest in finding out or providing for his family.

On 2nd Jan I told him it was over, I have had enough. Apparently it was a complete shock, he did not see it coming at all. Too busy dozing on the sofa!!!

I made it too easy for him but I didn't know how to force him into getting a job without damaging myself and the DCs in some way. He still wont get a job, is determined he can make a go of the business but is saying he can't afford to move out Angry

I was a strong, independent woman 15 years ago and I feel like a shadow of myself now but I am determined to find myself again without him hanging on.

Be strong! PM me if you want to, I am happy to be your sounding board. Flowers

Balders74 · 15/01/2015 16:55

Just want to add, my STBXH does not smoke weed or drink. His only vice is being fucking LAZY!!!!

HappenstanceMarmite · 15/01/2015 17:05

Dear lord. No brainer surely?

Tinks42 · 15/01/2015 17:05

Oh my OP, what a man-child you have Angry

Time to set your sights far far higher isn't it?

I'm a single mum, have been for ages and I can promise you, you will find things to do in the evenings once you've booted that pathetic thing out the door.

Jan45 · 15/01/2015 17:36

Well done Balders, can tell just by reading your posts that you are a hundred miles better than that sorry excuse.

Same for you too OP and you certainly ain't horrible!

Jan45 · 15/01/2015 17:39

Well done Balders, can tell just by reading your posts that you are a hundred miles better than that sorry excuse.

Same for you too OP and you certainly ain't horrible!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page