Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

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

How to fix me...

903 replies

WaitWhatOh · 08/03/2015 17:46

I don't know where to start, except I know I need to say something or go crazy overthinking. I am struggling massively and pretending it's all fine. I feel so very very unimportant and somewhere around priority 257 on everyone's list. I know -how fucking needy I sound/am. DH is very busy. Works hard, always on the phone even on evenings/days off. Very stressed very important. Kind of pat me on the head attitude towards me. He's far too busy to do much with me, he is home only to work from home or sleep or eat. so I threw myself into activities and hobbies. Trying to keep busy but feeling desperately lonely underneath. Occasionally I attempt to say how I feel and get caught up in some row that always ends up being my fault and me apologising. That man can seriously sulk!! Today he gave me the lecture about being so needy, insecure and 'fucking mental' I needed to hear it apparently. :(
Despite thinking he's an arse for speaking to me quite like that I know he has a point. I am lonely I do want to spend more time with him and I do wish I was fabulously important to him and top of his list some days. What a shallow needy creature I am. What do I do... How do I feel better? how do I fix me?

OP posts:
Gibbsbasement · 09/03/2015 16:50

BTW I'm not suggesting counselling because I think you're crazy. I'm suggesting it because I think you need support in RL and need to grow stronger.

Keep coming back here and we can support you too.

I'm just sorry I can't give you a hug because it sounds like you need one.

FantasticButtocks · 09/03/2015 17:14

To have a successful loving relationship there needs to acceptance. Both people in the relationship need to pay each other plenty of attention. Your H seems to have persuaded you that needing that attention is a bad thing. It isn't. It is normal. He can't be as important as he thinks he is, work wise, if he has to be at everybody's beck and call on the phone all the time.

You go away for one weekend a year and he still doesn't take a complete break to actually be fully present? Fuck that.

He takes for granted that you will just accept the meagre crumbs he throws you? Fuck that.

He wants to pay more attention to the most important relationship of his life, otherwise he will lose you. Because, one day someone else will come along who will be only too delighted to pay you some proper attention. And you may at that point decide that you have been neglected far too long. Oh yes, but staying faithful... Fuck that too.

WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 17:42

Hugs generally make me cry lol so it's okay

Ah yes. I feel exactly like that Fantastic ... When I'm feisty. Generally my fiesty has run out lately.
He's just got home and hugged the kids and rubbed my shoulder as he walked by. I guess that means he's not sulking now.
My head hurts from thinking. I was thinking all day what is wrong with me? I don't actually want to split up from him.

But then... I didn't actually want him to get home either. What does that mean. Hmm

OP posts:
springydaffs · 09/03/2015 18:05

I put it to you that you are indeed in an abusive relationship. As I was, and many of us have been. And I'm no dunce either. Abuse creeps up on you - or rather abusers creep up the abuse.

What I'm reading is that he has turned you into a dunce, an airhead, an idiot; to be laughed at, tolerated under extreme sufference, routinely chastened - whipped, to be precise. It must feel like you've been whipped, no?

How do your children view you? Do they, also, laugh at you, routinely 'tolerate' you, roll their eyes at any and everything you say and do?

You sneered/laughed at the tortured British Raj women because that's what he would have done, and does: you have taken on his world view. He laughs at, sneers, at women. Calls women mad, idiotic. He punishes you routinely, it is torture (he knows it is torture, tis why he does it). When he's done playing with you, training you to behave, he carries it on for just a bit more, just to drive the message home (because he enjoys torturing you, it gives him a kick), he lets you back in. Meanwhile you're a gibbering wreck, FULL of self-recrimination. For being... what, exactly? A normal, functioning adult; with needs for recognition, kindness and value just like the rest of us.

HE wouldn't pay for your therapy? He?? What about your money to pay for and buy what you choose like any adult. Any adult that isn't locked up in a prison, that is.

Men (and I use that term loosely) like this loathe women. He's got you all trapped, stitched right up to your eyeballs. You don't even have your own money.

springydaffs · 09/03/2015 18:12

Who chooses the venue for this mother-of-all-holidays: a FULL WEEKEND away once a year? wow, he really is pushing the boat out there isn't he. An entire weekend away. A whole weekend, once every year.

Even a dog would get more breaks. Do you choose anything in your 'marriage'?

WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 18:15

Um... Wow.
I don't know what to say to most of that.
My kids at home are great. They love me and do as I ask. They might feel sorry for me occasionally I guess but they do respect me. We have a lovely relationship.
my big not at home kids are also lovely. My eldest does think I'm rather blonde but he loves me all the same.

OP posts:
WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 18:17

Yes. I chose what we eat, where we live, what the house is like. We often have a family holiday which I dread but the weekend away is at a sports event he takes part in. We could go and be back in a day but he books a swish hotel instead. I look forward to it mostly.

OP posts:
FantasticButtocks · 09/03/2015 18:28

We often have a family holiday which I dread but the weekend away is at a sports event he takes part in. Oh God.

So even the precious one weekend away, during which he uses his phone slightly less, is actually about him taking part in a sports event?

What on earth do you actually get out of this relationship? No wonder you feel needy...

supersop60 · 09/03/2015 18:31

Why would your children feel sorry for you?
Can they see something that you can't? Why does your eldest think you are 'blonde'? has he learned to look down on you, by observing his father?
Please see a counsellor/therapist and learn how best to deal with your situation - you sound very unhappy, and I wish you well Flowers

turbonerd · 09/03/2015 18:31

Just adding my experience to what others have said. With my ex I was a flaky airhead, the mess in our house was unbelievable and I always seemed to say the wrong thing and to put my foot in it.
With my boyfriend now WE chat and have a laugh, and he never makes me feel like å second rate person who would be worthy of love if I only could be...someone else.
I never expected what I have now, because I was convinced I was loopy. That is not to say foot in mouth never occurs, but it can be laughed at and I'm never ridiculed.
So please reconsider that it most likely is NOT you, but him.

WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 19:18

The wave of sickness has hit me. He asked to talk and I declined. I have no idea what he will say. Is it he's leaving me because I'm crazy as fuck? Is it another lecture? Is it he's really sorry? I doubt that one. Whatever it is I don't really want to hear it. Sad

OP posts:
springydaffs · 09/03/2015 19:30

You do know that if a pert young woman (or anyone woman, frankly) came on to him he'd drop you like a hot brick. he has not the beginnings of respect for you (he wouldn't have any respect for her, either, but what's new. He loathes women).

This food you choose, does he cook it?

Why don't you have any money to do with what you want without having to check in with him? Does he check in with you about money he spends? Do you know what he earns? If not, why not? Is he self-employed and, should he skip off with said pert woman, there would be absolutely nothing on the books that is traceable so you'd end up with zilch. In a ditch, exactly where he flung you, with zilch.

(If you think he's vile now, God help you if the above scenario actually happened - a scenario that is far from unlikely btw. He would grind you into the dust, the past 19/20 years of no consequence whatsoever.)

If he is working his bollocks off being important, why don't you have any money to yourself out of the money sloshing around that he earns (while you have worked your bollocks off keeping the hearth warm and welcoming). Have you worked - if not, was that his idea.

Why do you dread the family holiday? Do your kids think you're sweet but stupid? What does he say about your appearance, is he complimentary?

springydaffs · 09/03/2015 19:36

Have you worked outside the home I should say. Because you sure as hell have worked if you've kept a family of 6 on the road.

x-post. Sorry, op. Really sorry he can turn you into a nauseous wretch at a summons from the headteacher him.

WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 19:46

I don't think he'd cheat on me. Leave me if the perfect woman rocks up I have no doubt but not cheat.

He has started cooking once a week. It's taken years and I'm quite impressed.

I do have some money. It's more than my personal bills but not massively so.
I don't know what he earns exactly. I own part of his business on paper.. It was a tax thing but I guess that would be to my benefit if we split up. I try to learn what he earns and pay attention to funds but he doesn't make it clear or easy. His accountant wouldn't know me if he fell over me.
I have not worked outside of my design thing since dc3 -12 years ago. My tax code is used so when I attempted to get a coffee shop type of job it worked out to me paying so much tax it was a joke. He swings between telling me to get a proper job and telling me he doesn't want me working.
He never tells me his money spending no, but it's his money so...
He is not the most observant when it comes to how I look. But can give compliments or criticism when he notices.
I dread holidays because these rows happen when I'm miles from home I am literally stuck with no place to go.
Yes my eldest thinks I'm pretty dim but he's a super clever student and I don't have a clue what he's talking about in maths/science!

OP posts:
PatriciaHolm · 09/03/2015 19:48

You really have been beaten down over the years, haven't you.

It's not "his money". It's family money. He couldn't earn it without you looking after the home and everything else. He has absolutely ZERO respect for you; you are a walking breathing vacuum cleaner essentially.

Malabrig0 · 09/03/2015 20:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 20:17

I'm feeling a bit stupid here now :(

OP posts:
Malabrig0 · 09/03/2015 20:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

springydaffs · 09/03/2015 20:18

In my above post I typed a bit in which I guessed you were on the books in name only so he could avoid swathes of tax, but I deleted it. I couldn't know that.

Do you have any idea why you may be a slave to him and his world view? What is it that keeps you hooked in - your parents? Society? Fear of being alone? Did he charm the pants off you when you met and that got you hooked (and you long for it to return if you. could. just. be. good? Fear of failure? Guilt? Obligation? What is it exactly that keeps you hooked in? What have you got that he uses? Because there really is zero in this scenario that is in any way attractive or what anyone in their right mind would want.

You are paying a shockingly high price. I appreciate he's had nearly 20 years to brainwash you - but is there just a chink of sanity in you that peeps out, that says 'there's something really wrong with this'??

We're all saying there is something REALLY WRONG with this, but it's going nowhere with you. It's like it's hitting a huge puff of cotton wool called denial

I appreciate I've been tough and brutal in an attempt to shock you awake. Perhaps it's like giving birth: the baby slips back in.

WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 20:19

He is feeling sorry... You can tell. He's trying to talk to me and places his hand on my knee, sighs etc etc. I'm being very childish and not talking back. One word answers if I must
I'm a bit stuck.

OP posts:
GoatsDoRoam · 09/03/2015 20:21

This thread makes me sad.

You are clearly so smart, with sensitivity and skills too (eg. your design work). You are being treated appallingly by a not-nice husband. And you are so used to it, that you are blaming yourself and aplogising all over this thread.

There's nothing wrong with you, OP (save from a touch of denial, and far too much self-deprecation).

You don't need to be fixed.

You do need to let the scales fall from your eyes, though.

WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 20:23

I'm truly sure I'm not a slave to his world.
I'm lazy enough to be glad I don't have to slog to work everyday.
Everyone likes him. He's clever sharp and lots of people want to pick his brains business wise.
I like it when we get on. I was a total tiny mouse when he met me. Now I've lost three stone over two years can drive have friendships in various areas and am quite funny when I want to be. He is not at all sure who I am and keeps reminding of who I was, if you see what I mean.

OP posts:
WaitWhatOh · 09/03/2015 20:25

Perhaps I treat him appallingly at times.
I AM listening. I'm just fearful you might all be thinking I'm some quiet doormat living with a great bully. It's not right here but it's not that black and white either.

OP posts:
Gibbsbasement · 09/03/2015 20:31

Why are you feeling stupid?

You have asked for advice in understanding a complex and heartbreaking situation. That was a brave thing to do.

hesterton · 09/03/2015 20:31

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Swipe left for the next trending thread