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

If you get little or no affection in your marriage but do not want to leave

208 replies

Donotknowhownottomind · 20/08/2015 05:21

what do you do Confused?

We are on holiday and the whole issue is really staring me in the face.

Literally h never touches me or when he does it is such an occurrence that I almost remember the date it happened.

Yet he is very touchy feely with the kids which highlights even more how much he doesn't touch me.

Night after night he will sleep in the same bed as me without touching me. Once in a blue moon he might initiate sex but mostly it's me - rarely though as the whole thing is a bit soul destroying. When that does happen it's mostly good.

We are now on holiday and have somehow ended up both sharing beds with the dc (who do not want to sleep in the same double bed) which has really really made me feel lonely! At least at home we are in the same bed (even though that is also very lonely - for their never to be an extended hand unless I do the extending).

I have told h how I feel many times. Have also posted about this before.

So if leaving is not an option, what do I do ConfusedConfused?

OP posts:
springydaffs · 12/09/2015 05:26

Sorry to hear that mildly Sad I hope you find a way forward. Yes, what a shit bag Angry

Op, you say you don't know how not to mind. Why would you not mind being treated like this? It is a soul-destroying, utterly devastating, way to live. Why should you not mind? Why should you be trying to find a way not to mind?

You say I don't think I could bear the "being an outcast to dh" nature of it . Abusers weave a dazzling web around their intended victim - and, once they're reeled in, will slowly destroy them. Abusers convince their victims they couldn't possibly live without them - who would want you/you wouldn't survive alone/you're stupid, fat, ugly, a bad mother/where would you earn enough money to live without me/no-one would want you with children/I will take the children if you go/every court would support me/you will lose the children/the children will be destroyed if we split/I will take the house and all the money/you will have nothing/no-one would love you like I do/no-one would put up with you.

Some abusers blatantly say things like this - but some abusers don't ever say anything like this outright but they imply it in every way without saying it.

All abusers play the long game - often they are so wonderful and adorable, love you so completely you are hopelessly in love and can't see how you could live without them. Everyone adores them and thinks they're wonderful; you can't believe how anyone so wonderful could love YOU, you feel so lucky, that life has blessed you. You feel charmed, in a charmed circle. You can't bear the thought of being out of it - cast into outer darkness.

I believe your husband is the way I'm describing here. You have said enough in your posts to indicate this is the case. As he controls the finances - buying a commercial property right under your nose without consulting you; then denying and lying when confronted (in his mind, it had nothing to do with you, was none of your business) - and is self-employed then, yes, things would get sticky if you do leave him. He will make sure it is sticky - he has got you just where he wants you: powerless. Emotionally, psychologically, financially, practically. He has planned this, this is how he wants it. He doesn't loathe you, so much, he loathes women and you are getting that neat. It has nothing to do with his childhood so don't feel sorry for him (plenty of people have a shit childhood and don't go on to do this) - though he may well have run the terrible stories by you and expects you to feel sorry for him. This is how he planned it all along in order to disable you. Devastatingly, he has enjoyed making you powerless because this is how he believes women should be treated.

And you are trying to find a way not to mind. Why would you do that.

Go to the Freedom Programme (details listed above). Going does not mean you have to leave the marriage. You will get good, solid information and you can make a choice, either to leave or to stay. You won't be pressured to stay or to leave. You meet other women in the same position, so no-one will be pointing fingers.

If you go, don't tell him though. Let this be one area that is your business and not under his power and control.

SomeonesRealName · 12/09/2015 06:50

mildlymiffed I'm sorry to hear that as I know it can be a very painful place to be. But now at least the mystery is solved for you: your H just has shitty character. Have you been on www.chumplady.com? Xx

Flumplet · 13/09/2015 19:40

So sorry to hear that mildly Thanks

DragonsCanHop · 13/09/2015 21:56

Oh mildly have you told him to leave?

This is my main fear of why my DH doesn't give me any effection. he has form for being dishonest and I've felt awful, depressed and sad about our marriage for 3 years now (married 15yrs) We manage to keep it civil and happy for those around us but in truth, there is nothing left. I can't leave, this is it.

I told him last night that we are over, he agreed. We are both still here being civil and pretending it wasn't said, he is being nice again and here I am. It's all so sad but he doesn't hurt me and we have a good life apart from the total lack of effection and the feeling of being loved.

mildlymiffed · 14/09/2015 06:47

We are still in the talking through the options stage. He initially left- but came back the next day. We've talked a lot and agreed to carry on going to Relate. It was an emotional affair, not a sexual one- not that it makes it any better. Maybe I'm in denial... the problem is that deep down I love the guy, and we're childhood sweethearts. I want to be able to turn back the clock.

However, at least I now know why he checked out emotionally of our relationship. His emotional needs were being met somewhere else. On that level, it feels good to know, as I thought I was going crazy.

He is going through some sort of breakdown, and has signed himself off work. There is a lot going on here.

Dragons- I'm so pleased you've confronted the issue though. I did this back in July, albeit I've been lied to about what was going on. I don't think he saw his relationship with her as 'having an affair'... but, I found and read the emails- and the level of familiarity wasn't on. I'm not sure what our future is, but I'm pleased it is now all out in the open. I know the beast that I am handling now. Do you think you could go to Relate, or similar? It's not just for those wanting to stay together, but also those wanting an breakup that is the least destructive.

I'm also about to go and get some individual counselling. I need to work out what I want now.

DragonsCanHop · 14/09/2015 08:26

mildly we are in the same boat although I discovered his emotional affair 3 years ago, via email and text. I love him but can't forgive and I don't think any amount of counciling will help

Littleoldwinedrinkerme · 14/09/2015 09:07

In my marriage it is me that gives very little affection. I can honestly say hand on heart that it is not done intentionally or with any malice, but it just would not occur to me to do it.
My husband is very affectionate, constantly tells me he loves me, I look beautiful, doesn't leave the house without kissing me. If I leave first, 9 times out of 10 I just shout bye. Occasionally I will think on and go and kiss him goodbye.
My family is not affectionate at all, whereas my husbands family are very affectionate and tactile. I cringe if someone comes up to kiss me goodbye and find it all very awkward.
We always hold hands when we are out.
I know this is not particularly helpful but just wanted to give the other perspective so to speak.

GotABitTricky · 03/10/2015 21:02

Incredible forum thread this.

I little to add in way of advice, but I away to read earlier 7 pages now.

ciele · 04/10/2015 00:17

Me too...:(
It's shit but mostly I get on with my own separate life and have ...usually ...learned to be happy with friends, books, hobbies etc.
We sleep separately and I have a dog and listen to him snore x

GotABitTricky · 09/10/2015 19:26

" I have a dog and listen to him snore "

Dog snores? Or your husband snoring was annoying so you sleep separate?

I know people that get annoyed even by the way their partner breathes!

dementedma · 09/10/2015 19:31

Another one here. He would only show physical contact if he wanted sex. No cuddles, hand holding etc any more. Seperatr sofas to watch TV, same bed by no contact for which I am actually thankful now as I don't want sex with him.
There is no laughter and no loving. Lonely.

GotABitTricky · 19/10/2015 19:34

Not just separate sofas to watch tv here, but separate rooms to watch tv now.
We never have the same taste in tv programmes whatsoever now.

ExhaustedAndFedUp · 02/04/2017 14:16

zombie thread

Sorry for resurrecting this thread and not starting my own but I've read 8 pages and it's just my entire life. I'd like to know what happened to the posters if they'd like to share please? I've passed on the link to my husband Sad

isthisacceptable200 · 05/04/2017 06:55

Well that's weird. I am the OP ("don'tknowhownottomind") and came across my old thread when doing a search.

I re-read most of it, only to find that you re-activated it 2 days ago exhausted. I am sorry you are going through the same.

I am still married to my H but things have worsened considerably. Not only due to the lack of affection and the financial control, but also due to his short temper and some of the horrible things he says / unpleasant ways he behaves at times.

I am currently planning my way out (and we have been completely estranged since last October when he yelled ARE YOU STUPID at me from across the room in front of my two dds), but I am still scared.

isthisacceptable200 · 05/04/2017 06:56

(Scared of the hell that divorce will unleash).

DownTownAbbey · 05/04/2017 07:35

Hi OP as someone with an autistic DS I read in your (resurrected zombie!) thread that you're scared about having to leave the house as it will upset your ASD DS. eXH and I went to court over the same issue. The judge ruled it was in DS's best interests to remain in his home so the house couldn't be sold until he was 18. He was 5 at the time. Get legal advice, but you may well be able to stay in your home despite 'd'H's insistence to sell. Good luck Flowers

isthisacceptable200 · 05/04/2017 07:50

Thanks DownTown. In fact that poster wasn't me but another poster who took part (hijacked Grin I think her need was greater than mine) in the thread. I wonder what she did.

Lots of people talked about the same experience of receiving no affection Sad.

rotterrome · 05/04/2017 08:05

Your story sounds like mine. The DC gets all the affection, I feel like I'm in an emotional desert.
We have begun counselling and she says that intimacy is the glue of any relationship. I also have high emotional needs, I'm an intuitive, sensitive person so need my enotional needs met, are you?
Do what I'm doing: begin getting things in order so that you can eventually leave; it's grating on our self esteem. I've been looking into ways of getting my emotional needs met outside the relationship, I've taken up a few hobbies, trying to meet with friends more. But nothing fills that void when your in the home together.

DownTownAbbey · 05/04/2017 08:31

Oops! Smile

Well I wish you all the luck in the world, too! Smile

isthisacceptable200 · 05/04/2017 09:12

Thanks downtown Smile.

I am quite sensitive rotter. I wish you all the best getting prepared. I agree re. intimacy being the glue. It now appears that my relationship is shattering completely, but I am scared of how difficult my self-employed and likely to hide assets only he has been in control of H will make a divorce. All while we have to live together.

donotknowhownottomind · 09/11/2019 19:17

Hi, I am the OP, just re-reading some of my own thread and wanted to tell anyone who is interested that I did get out. Ex moved out a year and 7 months ago and we have been divorced for about a year.

The divorce was really horrible, but I got through it.

Life is kind of broken now, but infinitely better than before in many ways.

@springydaffs - I wanted to say that your advice on all of my threads has always been so kind and has stayed with me.

OP posts:
ScreamingLadySutch · 09/11/2019 19:29

Look at attachment styles.

That will help you understand him, not change him.

Then? Get a teddy bear. A pet. A vibrator. Cuddle the children.

The WORST thing you can do is get grumpy and resentful. You are not going to have your needs met by him.

Treesinthewind · 09/11/2019 22:22

So glad you got out OP x

donotknowhownottomind · 09/11/2019 23:37

Thank you @Treesinthewind Flowers.

OP posts:
ChristmasFluff · 10/11/2019 00:16

Well done on getting out OP. Not least because of all the others you will empower. Those who also thought that leaving wasn't an option xx

Swipe left for the next trending thread