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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

DH has just told me he's not sure he wants to stay married to me!

388 replies

shockedandsad · 01/04/2007 17:04

Sorry, have changed name here for the usual reasons.

Have had a tough couple of months at home for one reason or another. This afternoon dh has just told me that he's not sure he wants to stay married to me anymore. He can't give me much more information than that, he just feels like the two of us don't get on like we used to (he cites since dd was born) and he feels we might be better apart.

Although we have had a difficult time, I really haven't felt it's more than that, and that we'd get over it. He has scoffed at this. He says he doesn't know yet whether he wants to give us another try or not. Our sex life has not been good since dd was born, and now we are in a position to right this, he doesn't know if he wants to. He says he doesn't have any answers.

I am shocked, and sad, and don't know what to do. Also having bursts of great anger towards him. Now I'm meant to just sit back and wait for him to decide whether he will grace with the honour of giving it a go. If he doesn't want to, I don't know what I'll do. I love him and want to stay with him. We do have our ups and downs, like anyone, I thought, and I am so shocked that he feels this way. Can't stop crying and poor dd (3)is very concerned. Anyone been in this position?

OP posts:
lilybubble · 14/04/2007 22:32

Wow thanks everyone there is so tremendous advice on here. I am truly humbled by the time, effort and thought you have all given me, I really don't know how I'd have got through this without this site to be honest.

Well, I'm back from London. I had a FANTASTIC time yesterday, it's done me the world of good. Met my best friend for lunch and caught up. She had some good advice for me. Then in the evening I met up with a friend who used to be my indirect boss. We've been friends for about 10 years, and he has always been a tremendous support to me. He is going to talk to my old boss and try to help me get my job back. He's very powerful and does have a lot of clout, so this is fantastic. We had a great night out, went to an ice bar, then for dinner and then to a casino, it was such fun. Told him all, and he is convinced that H is having an affair. Reckons H is ultimately aware of bad behaviour and is being so vile to make me punish him.

Met up with H today. Brace yourselves for this as it's all quite spectacular. He was 20 minutes late and made no apology. He was very blase and casual throughout. Took a different approach as suggested by my friend, and asked him how he was, how he felt, that I was concerned at the extent of his drinking and drugs. He said he is pretty happy, enjoying his freedom, enjoying partying, enjoying not fighting. I asked if he missed home life. He said he misses dd. I sort of looked at him as in "And what about me". He laughed and said "No, I'm not going to say that. It's better like this".

He mentioned about it being my fault, so I laughed and said "Yes, I know you think it's all my fault" and he got a bit annoyed and said that I felt it was all HIS fault. I said that it was down to both of us, there are no faults as such. I was sad he hadn't been able to communicate to me a bit better. He scoffed. I asked him if he thought that he was quite blameless and that the burden of guilt actually did all lie with me. He said yes, that's definitely the case.

Asked why he wasn't asking after dd, and he said it hurts him too much. I said it wasn't about his feelings, but hers. He said it wasn't his fault, it wasn't an easy decision, he knows it's hard for her, but it's too painful for him.

He again denied having an affair with Sarah, though when I asked if he was, he said "not yet" again, and couldn't understand why I thought that tasteless.

When I asked him if he knew my issues with our relationship, he shrugged and said no he didn't and that they wouldn't be valid anyway.

Oh, and he's spent all of his redundancy money too, on going out.

So, off I went, with quite a lot to think about. Seriously, how can I even think of re-building a relationship with this person? All this reinforced the feelings that started in earnest yesterday morning; I don't think I can really forgive him for this behaviour of the past 2 weeks. He is being so spineless it's breathtaking. He is basically choosing partying over me and dd, and genuinely seems to think he is completely blameless which is horrifying.

I am going to see where I stand legally next week. Although he has promised money, support etc, it's too risky and he's too erratic really. I really think that it's over.

Am calling his parents this evening. He's told his mum some of it, and she's apparently furious with him. She sent a nice email to us both, along the lines of do x, y and z to resolve it. She also texted me and I think she will be supportive. I have to let them know a bit more of what's going on, and also to tell them that I am genuinely worried about him. He seems on a self-destruct course. I really feel sorry for him as one day soon he is going to realise everything he's lost......

noddyholder · 14/04/2007 22:39

Wow you sound like a different person!Well done your friends for helping you see the reality and well done you for being so strong.He is the only loser in this scenario which I think he will realise too late when you are really up and running on your own.Spineless is the right word and speaking from experience I have found once you lose respect for someone it becomes easier to put your own happiness first Hope things go well for you xx

LilyLoo · 14/04/2007 22:45

Lily been following but not posting. I honestly think he is making the decision for you. Completely agree with everythign you say. you cannot continue this relationship maybe it will take you to end it for him to realise, who knows, but you cannot let him choose his social life over you and your dd. How dare he say his feelings are more painful. GET SOME LEGAL ADVICE AND GOOD LUCK.

NurseyJo · 14/04/2007 22:47

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NurseyJo · 14/04/2007 22:48

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lilybubble · 14/04/2007 22:49

I know, it just clicked yesterday when I realised how little he cares about me in particular. Still feel very sad about it, and terrified about the future in lots of ways, but at the moment just feel strongly that it's too much.

LilyLoo · 14/04/2007 22:58

Lily very for you it must be terribly hard to let go. But good for you to realise that you deserve something in return. x

nallydoolally · 14/04/2007 23:31

so proud of you lilybubble xx

ernest · 15/04/2007 06:52

lily, I'm so sorry, but also sadly not supried to read the latest development. bloody hell, is that what he's gonna tell dd when she asks why he didn't come to see her Totally absorbed in his own selfishness.

Do you still believe he's not (yet? ) having an affair with Sarah?

I'm glad you're going to see a solicitor.

At this terrifying point maybe it's best not to look back (at all the shitty things he's done, how wonderful he was..) or too far forward as it'll be too enormous and terrifying and scary, but focus on the here and now, how is he treating you today, and if it's not good enough, don't tolerate it, what tasks you need to accomplish, ege atttending solicitor appoointment following up with any advice you may be given, speaking with old boss etc.

Well done, be brave, I think you're starting to turn a corner.
How dare he treat you so badly?
How dare he not bother with his dd "because it's too painful for him, bless"
How dare he let you down over and over again.
How dare he feel no remorse?
How dare he blame you 100% for all this?
How dare he

hurtwife · 15/04/2007 09:28

Well done lilly.

I am not surprised either - he has to justify all this only to himself at the moment but there will come a time when his DD will want to know the truth from him.

I would say try and get him to see her so that he cannot hold that against you. You could ask for supervised visits ect. Is is mum going to support you - dose she get to see DD? That will look good for you.

It is all about your needs now and your turn to be selfish.

I am sure one day he will 'wake up' and regret this time and may even come begging back. I have friends who this has happened to but it has been too late. Usually the ex then still blames everyone else. I have one friends who after 20years her ex is still telling the children that it was all the mothers fault for not having him back. He is a sad loney man and she is just the most wonderful person who really only thinks of him when the children mention him. He has a poor relationship with his kids - who are grown up now. She built a fantastic life from leaving with nothing.

You sound like an intelligent person who can get a job easily - YOU WILL BE FINE.

This is his guilt let him carry it not you. Get a pillow and scream and shout and punch out all your anger and pain - dont let him make you bitter about this.

Take it slowly as ernest said and focus on the little things each day. Be kind to yourself and give yourself little treats.

Good luck with the legal thing - have you got someone to hold your hand as it is a pretty scary thing.

Thinking of you and wishing you all the best.

mylittlestar · 15/04/2007 12:29

hi lily

i only have a few mins on here today but just wanted to send you my love and tell you how amazing you are in the way you're dealing with this.
i know all those feelings and emotions too well right now and the way you're coping is truly fantastic

ernest's last post was great advice. focusing on the here and now (not dwelling on the past, the man he used to be, or thinking too far into the future). that's all too overwhelming. focus on today. that's what got me through.

when you say 'one day soon he'll realise everything he's lost' you're so right. please remember that as that day will come. that doesn't make you feel any better right now i know, but he will be the loser in the end.

i will e-mail you tonight or first thing tomorrow xx

PeachyChocolateEClair · 15/04/2007 13:16

'. He said it wasn't his fault, it wasn't an easy decision, he knows it's hard for her, but it's too painful for him.'

Print that out and pop it in your bag. When you feel you've lost something, take it out and look at it. To me the incredible selfishness of that quote says everything about the man he is now, if not always was 9and you can only work with what you have now, unfortunately)

I did hope seeing your frinends would help, tends to doesn't it? Reminds us who we really are. The other thing I find helps with problems, is yto ask yourslef what you would advise your closest friend if the situation were reversed- often that helps come to the clearest decision.

Please don't trust this chap atm. not only can you not be sure who is pulling his strings (him or sarah?), if he blown all his cash on drink / drugs its likly ther is some dependency related over ride on his sommon sense going on. Dont take any risks, and don't feel bad about makinbg him aware you intend to fight for your rightful sahre. personally I wonder how long this is going on- seems he did a smootha ct of removing your savings not that long ago (though easily could be reading wrongly). Assume that he is equallya s savvy,a nd indeed that he has probably seen a solicitor who is saying 'look, appear really, really reasonable- for now'

has he spent the money really, or hidden it?

PeachyChocolateEClair · 15/04/2007 13:16

Oh and BTW would concur that you are one amazing filly, your DD is very lucky

lilybubble · 15/04/2007 14:43

Again, thanks ladies.

MLS, got your email and will try to write back today. It's really hard getting on the computer here at parents, it's driving me a bit mad!

Realised how useful this post will be making a record of what's gone on. Fabulous!

NurseyJo, I agree that it's a combination of both those factors. How far is Fareham, is it near Southampton? Would be nice to meet!

Ernest, more great advice, thank you! I'm sure he will have a quite different tale to tell dd, but I will have an actual record should I need it, and she is a smart girl who I will have to bring up well enough to trust her own judgement. So sad for her. The here and now thing is great, and I will really take that on, thank you. Your 'how dare he' list is similar to mine, and that just makes it so much easier to know the right thing to do. I do think he probably will come running back at some point, as many of you have already predicted, but think he will have done too much by then. Am not going to let him be too hurtful if I can possibly help it, ie. not engage in any sort of discussion about fault, blame etc. Hurtwife, I can see him ending up just like your friend's dh sadly.
Peachy, yes, that sentence is rather spectacular! I'm just staggered by it all, still.

I spoke to his mum this morning. She didn't know too much, he'd told her that we were living separately and the old line "it hasn't been an easy decision". She texted him back that if he perhaps stopped drinking so much and spending more time with his family then that would get things back on track pretty quickly! I told her i was quite genuinely worried about him. She was upset by his behaviour, and said that they would always be there for me and dd. She is going to get his brother to call - first to his best mate, who is a good friend of both h and his brother, to see what he can tell, and then h's brother to phone him. She is then going to call me back on Tue or Wed night to update me.

So, quiet day today. Just heard that my grandad had to go to hospital yesterday as he is in so much pain all over. He has to have a hip replacement and a pacemaker fitted. Tomorrow I have to go to the hospital with my dad, for his check-up to see if his cancer is still under control. It never rains, and all that, hey.....

anewme · 15/04/2007 19:55

Hi!

reading this makes me feel sick. I can't tell you what's going on in my life at the moment because it's too draining to type but it involves a 30 yr old husband who is 'disappointed with married life', 8 yr relationship 1 of which married and a lost much wanted and long awaited baby.

The pain and dispair is immense. the emptiness vast.We've got to stick togather and stay strong. will get back when feeling staringer (tears streaming typing)

collision · 15/04/2007 20:32

Anewme....am so sorry reading what you have typed. Start a new thread and there will be TONS of support for you.

Lilyb....you are so strong and I am so sorry to have read what you have been through. You deserve so much better and your DH is such a fool.

how old is he? Do you think it is a midlife crisis?

From what you have written it does look like he is having an affair with Sarah and after all he has put you through I wouldnt blame you at all for moving on and getting rid of him.

Head held high and looking good at all times (even when you feel like poo!) is the way to go!!!

Loads of support here.

PeachyChocolateEClair · 15/04/2007 20:43

Anewme XXXXXX

Blu · 15/04/2007 21:04

I have been lurkiong on your thread, Lily, having noting to add to the excellent input frm the people who know what they are on about.

But i am spluttereing with anger at "When I asked him if he knew my issues with our relationship, he shrugged and said no he didn't and that they wouldn't be valid anyway. ". The arrogance of the man! How dare he assume that your reasons would be invalid! When his reasons are without foundation, let alone value.

I am so sorry - I think he has turned out to be one of those men who you don't realise are still children until they have responsibility for a chid.

It sounds as if you have an excellent network - and know how to use it. Well done for making constructive contact with your old boss.

Fed-up with you for not earning, when you gave up your job for a move he wanted, and then he has spent his redundnacy money of drink! What a dishonest tosser. You sound like a woman who has a lot more about her than to hang around with someone that immature and pathetic.

lilybubble · 15/04/2007 23:32

anewme, i'm so sorry to hear things are so bad just now. Do start a thread, as collision suggested. As you can see from this thread, I have had so much support and excellent advice which has helped me enormously.

Collision, he is about to turn 30, and I do think there is a bit of a midlife crisis going on, yes. I still don't think anything's going on with Sarah, he said "not yet" again yesterday, but maybe I'm being really naive, who knows! Wouldn't surprise me to be honest.

Blu, thanks. Yes, that comment got me too, as so many of the things he said yesterday did really! I don't know why they didn't really hurt like I'd expect, they just underlined why I shouldn't be with him. Definitely still a child, he's made that clear! I am so hopeful that work will take me back. Was so sad to leave, and it'd just be great. I'm lucky to have a lot of support there as I've worked there on and off for about 10 years.

Spoke to him today, he called me back 5 hours after i called so he could talk to dd . She wouldn't talk to him at first which I was a bit pleased about (awful I know!). He started off by saying "Hey, who's the best??". He has built this up with her, and she says "Daddy". What an opening gambit! I had to take the phone off speaker and tell him not to even go there

Glassofwine and contentiouscat, don't know if you're still reading this, but am still loving your stories and it's inspiring me to get on with life as I want it to be for me and dd - thanks

jules99 · 16/04/2007 01:10

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mylittlestar · 16/04/2007 09:26

hi lily how are you?

at that phone call yesterday. does he have no regard for your feelings at all?!

is he due to come home at some point or do you have any plans to talk to him? i hope you're ok xx

anewme are you around? are you ok?

Ifonlyhewould · 16/04/2007 13:17

Hi Lily

just sending good wishes

I'm still following your thread and am delighted to note that you are appearing much stronger. Can't wait until we start with the fighting talk!! He won't know whats hit him with us lot fighting your corner!! xx

Tanee58 · 16/04/2007 15:29

Good afternoon Lily,

Just wanted to say - well done you for coming on so strong with him - the others have given great advice - can't add to it - and dd will certainly get the measure of him as she grows older (my dd still loves her father, but in the four years since we split, has grown in understanding so that she no longer apportions blame either way on our breakup - we made sure that neither of us criticised the other heavily in her presence - I always said to her, your daddy had his faults, but he loves you and he's a good person in this, this and this way - you may eventually be able to say the same of your dh - even though he's behaving like an absolute ***!! at the moment.)

Sadly, whilst he's in this mood, it really doesn't sound good for the future - and it certainly won't do any harm to check your legal position. It's also great that your MIL is being so supportive. Mine hates my guts!

LilyLoo · 16/04/2007 21:20

Hi Lily good news about MIL glad she being so supportive it can only help. Thinking of you and your dad and grandad at this time, i'm sure the sunshine is round the corner somewhere, keep through the tears.

lilybubble · 16/04/2007 22:13

Jules, thanks. No, I'm not really convinced now about Sarah, but it is sort of irrelevant anyway. I know he can be a good liar!
MLS, no plans to talk to him again at the moment. I guess we might meet at the weekend so he can see dd, but not sure yet. I won't be phoning him to ask either.
Tanee, that's interesting about your dd and what you say to her about her dad. I'm quite concerned about all that too. Of course I don't say anything negative about him, and it's galling, and upsetting, to hear her talk about how wonderful he is, but I know that really it's good that she is.
Lilyloo, thanks for that. Good news is that Dad's doing really well; the tumour still not showing or growing at all, and no more check ups till August, so some good news at last!

Other news is that I'm going to Las Vegas next week! My sister and her boyfriend are eloping, and taking me and one of his friends with them as witnesses. I'm not as excited as I should be really! Of course there's a bit of a problem. H knows about this already, but my parents don't. I've told them that my sister and I are going to Spain for a break. They are having dd from Wed night through to the weekend, and H has now said he'll go and collect dd on Sat, and will stay home with her on Mon, when I get home in the afternoon. I feel a bit nervous about this to be honest. We have her passports safely, but I'm just a bit wary given how unpredictable he's been. Am I mad to let him collect her like this, or not? I know I have to get used to it